New Year, New Music- 2026!
Unbelievably, we have hit 2026 head on! January kicks off with that fresh new-year smell and a wave of exciting album drops from some of the biggest names in music. 2026 looks set to deliver a wildly diverse soundtrack, with something to pump up stadiums, arenas, and playlists. We don’t know all of the artists releasing new music this year, but we have a list of those who’ve announced their albums or are rumored to release soon. Here are the top releases that are generating the most hype for sports use in 2026.
Zach Bryan - With Heaven On Top (release date: January 9). The Country music titan is dropping a massive 21-track album that has been teased since last summer. After a huge 2025 that included a $350 million catalog sale, this one is poised to dominate charts and live sets. Expect a couple of sports anthems from this one
A$AP Rocky - Don’t Be Dumb (release date: January 16). After multiple delays, Rocky's fourth studio album finally lands, featuring dark overtones and high-profile collabs with Tyler, the Creator and Danny Elfman. Tim Burton even designed the cover, adding a cinematic edge and a lot of hype. This will be an exciting one for teams to pay attention to.
Megadeth - Megadeth (release date: January 23). The thrash metal legends are calling it quits with this self-titled final album, produced by Dave Mustaine and featuring new guitarist Teemu. It's their swan song before a farewell tour, loaded with heavy riffs that could energize any mosh pit or sports montage. Fans are buzzing over the tracklist reveal that includes a bonus track most fans didn’t see coming: the Metallica hit “Ride The Lightning” that Dave cowrote in his very early Metallica days. Don't sleep on this one! “Let There Be Shred” and “Tipping Point” are already released and sound incredible! Hockey and Football should be checking these out for some hit videos!
Gorillaz - The Mountain (release date: February 27 or March 20th). Damon Albarn's virtual band returns with their ninth album, a 15-track grief-inspired project on their new label KONG, boasting global guests like Asha Bhosle. It's got an eclectic, boundary-pushing sound that may provide a nice backdrop for arena visuals. This could be one of the year's most talked-about releases. Check the track “The Happy Dictator” that is already available.
Rob Zombie - The Great Satan (release date: February 27). After a four-year hiatus, the horror-rock icon unleashes this high-energy album on Nuclear Blast, blending industrial grooves with his signature shock value. Tracks like "Heathen Days" are a compact 2:17 but blast a LOT of energy. May make a solid, high-energy, in stadium video.
BTS - (album title TBD; release date: March 20). The K-pop powerhouse reunites for their fifth full album post-military service, featuring 14 tracks and a world tour announcement. Recorded partly in the US, it's set to blend their group magic with solo-era growth. I don’t expect many tracks from this one finding their way into stadiums across the US, but it’s a release to keep your eye on. I’m sure there will be a couple of ENORMOUS hits on this one!
Harry Styles - HS4 (rumored release: early 2026). Following his pattern of every two to three years, Styles is teasing his fourth solo album with subtle hints like "forever forever." Expect an eclectic pop-rock release that is full of star power. Harry knows how to deliver to his fans. This one's got massive anticipation building.
Drake - Iceman (expected release: 2026). The hip-hop king follows up his 2025 collabs with this ninth studio album, teased via singles like "Dog House" and livestream clues. All clues to this one dropping this year. I’m sure it will be packed with Toronto flair and features, it's bound to rule charts and playlists.
Evanescence - (album title TBD; release: early 2026). Amy Lee confirms a new album arriving likely in spring, building on 2021's The Bitter Truth with fresh tracks like "Afterlife" and "Fight Like a Girl." Expect epic rock anthems that could soundtrack intense moments in games. I hear this one may be hitting in March or April.
Beyoncé - Act III (expected release: 2026). Closing her Renaissance trilogy, The Queen's final act is rumored to dive into rock influences, possibly featuring Megan Thee Stallion. After Cowboy Carter's historic run, this could redefine genres again.
We all know this will be another outstanding year in the music world and we will keep our eyes and ears open for all music that will be appropriate for team use. We highlighted some of the big artists that will be releasing new music, but we also look forward to becoming fans of lesser-known artists coming on the scene over the next few months. Stay tuned!