We really wanted to include the appearance of Sumo wrestling (both at the Pru Center in Newark and White Eagle Hall in Jersey City) on our list of the best sports stories of the year. It was a cool event, to be sure.
But while Sumo is a global sport, it doesn’t quite matchup to the global grabs the state got for from FIFA, landing the final (and semifinals) of the Club World Cup in 2025 – as well as the biggest prize in sports, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Sure, we’re a business publication, but I’m an old sports guy – so we find our way into that arena from time to time.
Here are five of our favorite stories:
No. 5. Matches are Great; Revenue is Better
We know, we know: The Super Bowl didn’t quite produce the revenue that local towns were hoping for. This time, it will be different. At least that’s the goal. We’re actively covering how N.J. can get the most out of being a key host in the World Cup.
No. 4: Winning the Warmup: Copa America Comes to N.J.
Our look at the opening game of the Copa America showed the passion – and revenue – that comes with international soccer. Our coverage of how Morris Avenue in Elizabeth celebrated a Copa game in another state showed the depth of interest.
Read about Copa America here.
Read about Morris Avenue here.
No. 3: Outdoor Hockey – and an Indoor Idea
The NHL was a big hit when it brought two outdoor games to MetLife Stadium. It showed the draw the area has. It also brought to light a long-standing desire of Jim Kirkos and the Meadowlands Chamber: A convention center that would bring conventions (duh) and lots of sports to the area.
Read about it here.
No. 2: Camden Steps into Spotlight
Some feel the efforts to bring the Sixers to Camden was a long shot. We don’t. The team already has its HQ and practice facility there – why not go where you’re wanted. But we digress. Our exclusive about the state’s efforts – as well as the first look at the rendering of what it would look like – certainly put Camden into the national sports spotlight.
Read about the effort here.
See the rendering here.
No. 1: Club World Cup Final is Big Deal, too
The FIFA 2026 World Cup final is the biggest get in sports. New Jersey got one more. Landing the final of the first FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 (which could feature Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and other big-name clubs) also is a big deal.
The event will feature nine games at MetLife and eight games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Read about it – and see the schedule – here.
