After the back-to-back whirlwind of Barbenheimer in 2023 and Brat summer in 2024, it’s hard to imagine what else could steal people’s hearts enough to define a season. That feeling was validated when the summer of 2025 left us with seemingly nothing to grasp onto but chaos; it felt like we’d never have another zeitgeist-y summer theme to enjoy again. But, never fear, 2026 came in hot with a theme that tons of people are getting behind: Welcome to the Sporty Girl Summer.
After the 2026 Winter Olympics brought so many incredible athletes into our hearts and sparked some of the most unforgettable social media moments of the year, it’s no surprise that we’re in the midst of a Sporty Girl Summer — the groundwork was already laid months in advance. Now, it seems that everything is centered around sports right now.
One of the easiest ways to spot a trend is to look to celebrities — and the stars are making it clear athletics are in. In June, it wasn’t just New Yorkers chanting “Knicks in five” — there were tons of high-profile fans cheering from the sidelines. The games brought out celebrities like Taylor Swift, the Haim sisters, TimothĂ©e Chalamet, Spike Lee, and Ben Stiller, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they waited every game to see which of their favorite celebrities would show up.Â
Actors and singers aren’t the only ones defining the sporty summer, though. Tons of athletes have become A-listers in their own right. Jalen Brunson stole the spotlight during the games, becoming the MVP of the NBA Finals, while Victor “Wemby” Wembanyama from the Spurs became a new household name. Then, in July, all eyes were on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, some of the biggest names of the World Cup, as well as newcomers to the mainstream like Norway’s Erling Haaland.
But it’s not just pop culture; the sporty aesthetic has fashion girlies in a chokehold right now. The looks that celebrities are wearing to these games are also taking the internet by storm. The adorable shirts that Swift and the Haims wore to an NBA Finals game got a lot of attention, as did the chic courtside attire at Wimbledon. And the sporty styles don’t stop with celebrities; sports fans and non-viewers alike have been flocking to sporty styles in their everyday lives, bringing Adidas Sambas, vintage soccer jerseys, and tennis skirts into everyday wear. The blokette aesthetic is also back, bringing fun, feminine fashion choices to the masses.Â
And then there’s that intangible vibe that’s in the air — it’s a feeling of unity, brought on by so many inspiring stories and communal events this summer. The celebration following the NBA Finals didn’t stop the night of the Knicks’ historic win; at the star-studded Championship Parade fans flooded the streets to share their pride. The buzz surrounding the FIFA World Cup has been just as loud, with fans from all around the world coming together in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to watch the games — and the tourism has led to some incredibly funny and wholesome moments going viral across social media, from a Japanese fan sharing his excitement with an American journalist to Scottish fans stealing hearts in Boston and Miami when they made their way through the cities in their kilts. The WNBA season also runs through the end of the summer, and we’ve already seen some incredible feats of girlhood from the games, such as when Olympic gold medalist and figure skater Alysa Liu supported the Golden State Valkyries at a recent game, sharing some wholesome pictures on social media and showing fans how important it is for women in sports to support each other.
Whether you’re watching these games and matches to see your favorite athletes win at their sports or simply because the fan culture has taken over your heart along with your FYP, it’s clear that sports are at the center of our attention this summer. Be sure to tune into a tennis match, support the amazing women in the WNBA, or cheer on your favorite team during the FIFA World Cup to make the most of your Sporty Girl Summer!