There isn’t much to talk about that strangers can communally start a conversation. Weather is all too common. Work is ok until details come out. Same with family. Sports is one of the few things that spans generations, exists without required participation, and has a very low bar to entry for understanding and participation.

It’s literally the one thing I can talk to anyone about, even if they don’t watch sports. The ridiculousness and spectacle is enough to get a subversive chuckle from a few people. Sports don’t have to be liked to be useful.