“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.” The acclaimed Russell Baker quote helps describe the tempestuous relationship some can have with the warmer season, especially those who enjoy a multitude of live sports. Without the popularity of football – both in terms of soccer and the NFL – basketball, hockey and college football, operators have struggled to survive the ironic cold front.

In 2026, however, the US was presented with a tantalizing gift in the form of co-hosting the FIFA World Cup tournament, providing an incredible stretch of activity prior to the start of the NFL season in September. Beginning in June and extending into July, the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped generate record betting volume among a variety of operators, including industry goliaths FanDuel and DraftKings.