- The Olympic Summer Games are held in Los Angeles, California.
- The Olympic Winter Games are held in Lake Placid, New York.
- The New York Yankees win the World Series.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup.
- France defeats the United States in the Davis Cup.
- Eddie Tolan sets the men's world record for the 100 meter dash in 10.3 seconds.
- Gene Sarazen wins both the US Open (golf) and the British Open.
- Olin Dutra wins the PGA Championship.
- Karl Schäfer wins the World Figure Skating Championships.
- Brooklyn's major league baseball team, known informally until now as the "Superbas", the "Robins", or the "Trolley Dodgers", officially selects the name Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Chicago Bears win the National Football League title.