Best podcasts for sports fans

Sports podcasts are a great way for fans all over the world to keep up to date with the latest developments, results, punditry and gossip surrounding their sport(s) of choice – from amateur and grass roots projects to the most elite leagues in the world.

Whether you’re in the market for in-depth commentary and stats, or just looking to dip your toes in the never-ending flood of sports-based news and opinion every week, this list of the best sports podcasts has you covered.

1. The Bill Simmons Podcast – The most downloaded sports podcast in the world is hosted by… you guessed it, Bill Simmons, CEO of sports website The Ringer and a much-lauded sports writer and commentator in his own right. Simmons sits down with a wide range of guests – including athletes but also actors, musicians and sports insiders – to discuss the pressing issues of the day with a mixture of wit, wisdom and entertainment.
2. Football Weekly – The Guardian’s Football Weekly has been running since 2006, although original host James Richardson handed over the reins to Soccer AM’s Max Rushden in 2017. Sharing an irresistible rapport with co-host and renowned sports journalist Barry Glendenning, Rushden runs through the ups and downs of the sporting week with a wry and amusing stance, making it a must-listen for football fans around the world.
3. The Dan Patrick Show – Sports journalist and former ESPN personality Dan Patrick hosts his eponymous talk radio, television and podcast show and covers a wide range of sports analysis in a dynamic and entertaining style.  The show’s blend of wit and expertise is bound to appeal to sports enthusiasts of all stripes. 
4. Men in Blazers – Men in Blazers is a hugely popular podcast focused on the ins and outs of American football, and hosted in unique and entertaining style by by Roger Bennett and Michael Davies. Known for their witty banter and offbeat take on the big news of the week, Bennett and Davies dive deep into the matches, players and teams on everyone’s lips, while also examining the cultural impact of the game both at home and abroad. 
5. The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 – Another self-titled effort – hosted by Pat McAfee, a former NFL player and current sports pundit – this podcast offers an #nofilter take on sports and current events, exemplified by the charisma and quick wit of its host. The show blends sports analysis with interviews of athletes and other relevant celebrities, and engages with ongoing and trending news stories from the world of sports in a candid and humorous way. This approach makes it a great show for listeners seeking a fresh, authentic take on sports.
6. The Rest is Football – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – best known for their punditry on BBC’s Match of the Day, not to mention their heroic exploits as professional footballers – have their say on the latest stories from the Premier League and beyond, while frequently dropping in priceless anecdotes from their playing days. The Rest is Football expertly balances current issues with entertaining stories, resulting in an entertaining and modern take on the Beautiful Game.
7. Pardon My Take – Hosted by Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter, Pardon My Take is a hugely popular podcast that combines a funny, irreverent tone with in-depth sports chat, offering endlessly entertaining insights into the sporting world.
8. All the Smoke – Hosted by former NBA stars Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, All The Smoke takes listeners on a captivating journey through the lives and careers of legendary athletes, while providing a genuinely intimate platform in which guests can share their personal sporting stories and challenges.
9. The Athletic Football Podcast – The Athletic is the home of sports-based journalism from the New York Times, and its weekly football podcast sees hosts Mark Chapman and Dan Bardell discuss the latest news, results, transfer rumours and behind-the-scenes shenanigans with a wide range of guests throughout the Premier League season.
10. The Lowe Post – The Lowe Post is a hugely popular basketball podcast hosted by ESPN journalist Zach Lowe, which focuses on the National Basketball Association (NBA) and features deep-dive interviews with players, coaches and pundits. Lowe’s analysis is consistently insightful and engaging, while his interviews with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kevin Arnovitz, Brian Windhorst and Masai Ujiri – among others – have become the stuff of NBA legend.

As we have seen, sports podcasts are hugely popular worldwide, and for good reason – so why not consider them as a platform for promoting your sports fundraising campaign? The formats in-built audience of sporting fanatics make it an ideal place to spread the word about your campaign, and help an aspiring sports star’s dreams come true!