Greatest sports debates to have at the bar with your friends

Top Sports Debates to Spark Conversations at the Bar
FBL-EURO-2024-ENG-ESP-FANS
FBL-EURO-2024-ENG-ESP-FANS / BENJAMIN CREMEL/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

We're stepping out from behind the bar to present the greatest sports debates you can have at the bar with your friends. Whether it’s over a pint of beer or a perfectly smooth mixed drink, there’s nothing quite like a good debate to complement your drink and elevate your bar experience. From classic arguments about the greatest of all time in various sports to more contemporary controversies, the blend of sports passion and casual bar banter creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night.

Imagine this: you’re at your favorite local bar, the game’s on, and the crowd is buzzing. What better way to engage with your fellow sports enthusiasts than by diving into a heated discussion about whether the 1992 Dream Team was the best basketball team ever assembled? Or perhaps, challenge your friends to consider if soccer will ever become America’s favorite sport. These debates are not just about who’s right or wrong; they’re about sharing perspectives, learning a bit more about the game, and of course, having fun.

At Everything on Tap, we believe that the best bars not only serve great drinks but also great conversations. So, let’s lace up our gloves and step into the ring with some of the most contentious, hilarious, and insightful sports debates that are sure to keep the drinks pouring and the opinions firing. Whether you’re a casual fan or a stats guru, everyone has a take to contribute. Let’s explore these debates together, one sip at a time.


Does the number of Championships won determine who's better?

Toss out names like Charles Barkley and Dan Marino, and watch the debate heat up: Do rings define the legacy, or can greatness shine without championship glitter?

What sport has the best athletes?

From gymnasts’ flexibility to hockey players’ endurance, this debate spins around the gym as everyone champions the athletic prowess required in their favorite sport.

Should the NCAA get rid of conferences?

Imagine a world without the SEC or Big Ten rivalries. Would eliminating these traditional powerhouses level the playing field or knock the spirit out of college games?

Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James?

A classic barstool battle pits MJ’s six rings and killer instinct against LeBron’s versatility and longevity. Who do you crown king of the court?

Who is the best Quarterback of all time?

Whether you’re team Brady with his tactical genius or hail Patrick Mahomes or Joe Montana for their cool under pressure, this debate throws passes across eras to snag the top spot.

Should esports be considered sports?

As fingers fly and strategies unfold at lightning speed, dive into whether gamers sweating it out in digital arenas rival the physical and mental demands of traditional sports.

Does Barry Bonds (as well as other PED users) belong in the Hall of Fame?

Home runs and steroids stir up a stormy debate: should records tainted by PED scandals still carve a place in the halls of immortality?

Could the best college team beat the worst professional team?

Throw the 2001 Miami Hurricanes into a matchup against the 2008 Detroit Lions and speculate if youthful vigor could triumph over seasoned grit.

Which sports league is the best?

NFL vs. NBA: Does the strategic depth of football trump the dynamic action of basketball? Fans defend their leagues with fervent loyalty and spirited comparisons.

Rest vs. rust?

When playoffs loom, should the star players rest or keep the momentum going? This debate examines historical comebacks and flops, adding fuel to the fire of this strategic conundrum.


As the night draws to a close and the last calls are made, it’s clear that sports debates are more than just a way to pass the time—they’re a cornerstone of bar culture, offering a unique way to connect, argue, laugh, and learn with friends old and new. So, next time you’re at your local watering hole, remember that every heated debate and every differing opinion adds to the rich, dynamic tapestry of sports fandom. Cheers to many more nights of spirited debates and clinking glasses!