We may already be well into the second half of the year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fantastic betting opportunities to take advantage of before the end of 2026. From the MLB stretch run to the new NFL, NBA and NHL seasons, as well as the final Grand Slam on the tennis calendar and the start of a new Premier League season, bettors have a packed slate ahead.
Before diving into the sports themselves, it’s always worth remembering that where you choose to place your bets is just as important as the wagers themselves. A popular choice is Swiper, a reputable service offering thousands of events in sports worldwide, including live match betting. There’s also coverage for esports, offering betting markets for Counter Strike, Dota 2, Valorant and Overwatch. Plus Swiper has unique qualities such as its swipe-driven navigation.
MLB
The Los Angeles Dodgers currently top the World Series odds and for good reason, because they’re backed by the best record and are chasing their third straight title. The New York Yankees are seen as their main rivals out of the American League. On the National League side, it’s the Brewers, Braves and Phillies that form the next tier of contenders. The way to go right now will be to track bullpen depth and rotation health heading into October, and then make a decision. But right now, you can’t look past the Dodgers.
NFL
The Los Angeles Rams will start the new NFL season as the favourites to win the Super Bowl following a blockbuster trade for star defensive end Myles Garrett. However, early-season lines can be volatile, and something to keep an eye on is the Los Angeles Chargers being installed as double-digit favourites over the Cardinals in Week 1. The gap is wide enough to create value on either side.
NBA & NHL
The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder enter the new season as co-favourites following the former’s run to the Finals last season. The New York Knicks, the reigning champions, are a bit further out and at better odds, so they could be worth a look.
Odds for the new NHL season are beginning to take shape, but aren’t quite there yet. This is the moment to look for the early value, especially across the various divisions.
US Open
The final Grand Slam of the year is on the horizon, with Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner the man to beat. However, Carlos Alcaraz could be back in time to defend his crown, and his odds are more attractive than usual due to his long layoff. Aryna Sabalenka starts as the favourite in the women’s singles. Still, the likes of Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek are all big prices to go all the way, and they all have the credentials to do so.
Premier League
The World Cup may have only just finished, but the Premier League will be back up and running shortly. The names at the top of the odds list are the ones you expect to see: Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. However, Manchester United’s form in the second half of last season was excellent, and the likes of Chelsea and Spurs, who have recruited well, don’t have European commitments.
Conclusion
Sport is a year-round thing, but much of it starts in the second half of the year. The back end of 2026 into the first stretch of 2027 will be hugely significant across all sports, with some excellent betting opportunities to go with it.
