
April is a bustling month in the sports world, and the events of April 2025 were no exception. Championships wrapped up early in the month while playoffs for both the NBA and NHL kicked off shortly afterwards. The NFL and WNBA drafts also took center stage, featuring unexpected developments.
Here are ten of the most significant sports stories from April:
10. Austin Cindric Wins at Talladega
Cindric secured his initial victory of the 2025 season at Talladega, outpacing disqualified Ryan Preece and Kyle Larson.
Quote from Cindric: “It’s truly rewarding to have everything align and secure the win.”
9. Kyle Kirkwood Triumphs at Long Beach Grand Prix
Kirkwood broke Alex Palou’s winning streak in the 2025 INDYCAR season, claiming his third career win.
8. Nebraska Claims First College Basketball Crown
Fred Hoiberg guided his team to an impressive four-game run, clinching the inaugural championship.
7. Joaquin Niemann Ties LIV Golf Record
Niemann’s win in Mexico City marked his fifth victory in LIV Golf, equaling Brooks Koepka’s record.
6. Paige Bueckers Selected No. 1 Overall in the WNBA Draft
Bueckers made history as UConn’s sixth player to be drafted first overall.
5. Alex Ovechkin Breaks Gretzky’s Goal Record
On April 6, Ovechkin celebrated scoring his 895th goal, surpassing the previous NHL record.
4. Florida and UConn Win NCAA Tournaments
Florida rallied impressively in the men’s championship while UConn excelled in the women’s.
3. Cam Ward and Travis Hunter Selected First and Second in NFL Draft
The Titans chose Ward as their future quarterback; the Jaguars traded for Hunter.
2. Shedeur Sanders Surprises by Falling to Fifth Round
Despite expectations for a first-round pick, Sanders drew attention in the later rounds of the draft.
1. Rory McIlroy Wins the Masters
McIlroy secured his elusive green jacket after a thrilling playoff round, marking a significant milestone in his career.