Top 18 Best Sports Podcasts of 2026

Game day doesn't have to end when the final whistle blows. These sports podcasts keep the energy alive with hot takes, deep analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories that'll make you feel like an insider. Whether you're into football, basketball, soccer, or something more niche — there's a show here that speaks your language. The best sports podcasts do more than recap scores. They tell stories. The underdog narrative nobody saw coming. The trade that changed everything. That one play everyone's still arguing about three weeks later. These hosts live and breathe sports, and honestly? Their passion is contagious. Some of these shows are perfect for your pre-game ritual. Others work brilliantly as background for your workout (nothing fuels a deadlift like a heated debate about playoff rankings). And a few will surprise you with the depth of their <nuxt-link to="/fiction-podcasts" class="text-indigo-600 dark:text-indigo-400 hover:text-black dark:hover:text-white transition-colors font-semibold border-b border-indigo-200 hover:border-indigo-600">storytelling</nuxt-link> — we're talking documentary-level stuff. Sports fans deserve better than hot takes alone. These podcasts deliver analysis, <nuxt-link to="/entertainment-podcasts" class="text-indigo-600 dark:text-indigo-400 hover:text-black dark:hover:text-white transition-colors font-semibold border-b border-indigo-200 hover:border-indigo-600">entertainment</nuxt-link>, and those goosebump moments that remind you why you fell in love with sports in the first place.

1
First Take

First Take

First Take is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
2
The Dan Patrick Show

The Dan Patrick Show

The Dan Patrick Show is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
3
30 for 30 Podcasts

30 for 30 Podcasts

30 for 30 Podcasts is the acclaimed audio extension of ESPN's award-winning documentary film series, bringing the same cinematic storytelling approach to the podcast medium. Each season explores compelling stories from the world of sports that transcend the playing field, examining the cultural, social, and personal dimensions of athletic competition and the people involved. From forgotten heroes to controversial moments in sports history, the series features meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and rich archival audio that transports listeners to pivotal moments in time. Whether covering the rise and fall of sports empires, the untold stories behind iconic events, or the human drama that unfolds beyond the scoreboard, 30 for 30 Podcasts delivers documentary journalism at its finest, making it essential listening for sports fans and narrative enthusiasts alike.

Listen
4
Pardon My Take

Pardon My Take

Pardon My Take is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
5
The Adam Schefter Podcast

The Adam Schefter Podcast

What separates The Adam Schefter Podcast from the ocean of sports content out there? Perspective. The show doesn't just tell you what happened — it explains why it matters and what comes next. Coverage spans multiple sports with the kind of depth that makes you feel like an insider. The storytelling is genuinely compelling, blending data-driven analysis with the human drama that makes sports worth watching. Episodes range from quick reaction shows to longer features that rival any sports documentary. The chemistry between hosts keeps things lively, and they're not afraid to disagree on air — which honestly makes for better listening. Whether you're a casual fan or a stats nerd, there's always something here that'll grab you. This podcast respects your time and your intelligence.

Listen
6
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

What separates New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce from the ocean of sports content out there? Perspective. The show doesn't just tell you what happened — it explains why it matters and what comes next. Coverage spans multiple sports with the kind of depth that makes you feel like an insider. The storytelling is genuinely compelling, blending data-driven analysis with the human drama that makes sports worth watching. Episodes range from quick reaction shows to longer features that rival any sports documentary. The chemistry between hosts keeps things lively, and they're not afraid to disagree on air — which honestly makes for better listening. Whether you're a casual fan or a stats nerd, there's always something here that'll grab you. This podcast respects your time and your intelligence.

Listen
7
The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Bill Simmons Podcast is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
8
NFL Live

NFL Live

NFL Live is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
9
First Things First

First Things First

First Things First is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
10
Get Up

Get Up

Get Up is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
11
ESPN Daily

ESPN Daily

ESPN Daily is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
12
PTI

PTI

What separates PTI from the ocean of sports content out there? Perspective. The show doesn't just tell you what happened — it explains why it matters and what comes next. Coverage spans multiple sports with the kind of depth that makes you feel like an insider. The storytelling is genuinely compelling, blending data-driven analysis with the human drama that makes sports worth watching. Episodes range from quick reaction shows to longer features that rival any sports documentary. The chemistry between hosts keeps things lively, and they're not afraid to disagree on air — which honestly makes for better listening. Whether you're a casual fan or a stats nerd, there's always something here that'll grab you. This podcast respects your time and your intelligence.

Listen
13
The Tony Kornheiser Show

The Tony Kornheiser Show

The Tony Kornheiser Show is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
14
The Sports Junkies

The Sports Junkies

The Sports Junkies is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
15
Fearless with Jason Whitlock

Fearless with Jason Whitlock

Fearless with Jason Whitlock is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
16
The Sports Gossip Show

The Sports Gossip Show

The Sports Gossip Show is for fans who want more than just scores and highlights. The analysis here goes deeper, examining strategies, player development, and the narratives that make sports compelling beyond the box score. Whether it's breaking down a pivotal game or exploring a season-long storyline, the coverage is thorough without being overwhelming. The hosts clearly love what they do — their enthusiasm is infectious but never obnoxious. Hot takes exist, sure, but they're backed by actual reasoning instead of outrage-bait. There's solid debate, real expertise, and enough humor to keep things entertaining even during the offseason. If you want to show up to Monday morning conversations armed with takes nobody else has, this podcast is your secret weapon. Essential listening for any serious sports fan.

Listen
17
The Ryen Russillo Podcast

The Ryen Russillo Podcast

What separates The Ryen Russillo Podcast from the ocean of sports content out there? Perspective. The show doesn't just tell you what happened — it explains why it matters and what comes next. Coverage spans multiple sports with the kind of depth that makes you feel like an insider. The storytelling is genuinely compelling, blending data-driven analysis with the human drama that makes sports worth watching. Episodes range from quick reaction shows to longer features that rival any sports documentary. The chemistry between hosts keeps things lively, and they're not afraid to disagree on air — which honestly makes for better listening. Whether you're a casual fan or a stats nerd, there's always something here that'll grab you. This podcast respects your time and your intelligence.

Listen
18
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

What separates The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz from the ocean of sports content out there? Perspective. The show doesn't just tell you what happened — it explains why it matters and what comes next. Coverage spans multiple sports with the kind of depth that makes you feel like an insider. The storytelling is genuinely compelling, blending data-driven analysis with the human drama that makes sports worth watching. Episodes range from quick reaction shows to longer features that rival any sports documentary. The chemistry between hosts keeps things lively, and they're not afraid to disagree on air — which honestly makes for better listening. Whether you're a casual fan or a stats nerd, there's always something here that'll grab you. This podcast respects your time and your intelligence.

Listen