The Central Coast is a hub for sporting excellence, offering a variety of professional teams, community sports programs, and recreational activities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

One of the region’s most prominent teams is the Central Coast Mariners, who represent the Central Coast in the A-League. The Mariners have enjoyed significant success, winning the A-League championship in 2013, 2023, and 2024, and claiming the premiers’ title in 2007–08 and 2011–12. They play their home games at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, the largest stadium in the region with a capacity of 20,059. The Mariners' success has made them a beloved part of the local sports scene.

In rugby league, the Wyong Roos play in the Intrust Super Premiership at Morry Breen Oval in Kanwal. As the feeder team for the Sydney Roosters, the Roos have become a critical part of the region's rugby community. The Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs have both held regular-season fixtures at Central Coast Stadium, further highlighting the area's rugby appeal.

For fans of ice sports, the Central Coast Rhinos were a prominent team in the Australian Ice Hockey League until 2008. They played at Erina Ice Arena, the region’s only ice rink, which closed in 2019 for renovations. The rink is expected to reopen in January 2021, offering a new opportunity for ice hockey fans.

In basketball, the Central Coast Crusaders represent the region with an elite senior basketball program, while the Central Coast Centurions compete in junior rugby league competitions such as the S.G. Ball Cup and Harold Matthews Cup.

While the region has seen attempts to introduce teams into national competitions, such as the Central Coast Bears in the NRL and the Central Coast Waves in rugby union, many of these endeavors have been unsuccessful. However, the region remains a hub for lower-grade rugby league and rugby union competitions, with teams like the Central Coast Storm and Central Coast Rays contributing to the sports culture.

The Central Coast also boasts numerous sports facilities that are open to the public, including golf courses, skate parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a velodrome at West Gosford. For cycling enthusiasts, efforts are underway to develop a series of bicycle paths throughout the region. Water sports such as sailing, rowing, and water skiing are particularly popular on the Central Coast lakes, which offer ideal conditions for these activities.

The region’s natural beauty further complements its sporting culture, with national parks offering walking paths, mountain bike trails, and stunning views. Additionally, the scuttling of the HMAS Adelaide off North Avoca Beach in 2011 created an artificial reef, adding a new dimension to the region's underwater sports and activities.

With its strong sporting infrastructure, passionate community, and expanding opportunities, the Central Coast is positioning itself as a key player in Australia’s sporting landscape.