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Top Sports Podcasts to Listen in 2025

Sports podcasts offer fans in-depth insights, engaging discussions, and a closer connection to their favorite sports and personalities. In 2024, their popularity continues to rise, providing diverse content that caters to all sports enthusiasts

Sports Podcasts: A Steady Presence in 2024

According to Edison Research’s Q1 2024 report, the “Sports” genre ranks fifth among podcast genres in the United States, maintaining its position from the previous quarter.

Why Listen to Sports Podcasts?

Sports podcasts have carved out a distinct space in the media landscape by addressing the evolving needs of today’s fans. Here’s why they’re essential:

Expert Analysis Beyond the Game:
Unlike quick TV recaps, sports podcasts provide nuanced takes on strategies, player dynamics, and even the psychological aspects of competition. This level of depth enriches fans’ understanding and appreciation of their favorite sports.
Community and Conversation:
Podcasts create a two-way dialogue between hosts and listeners. Whether through Q&A sessions, live shows, or social media engagement, they foster a sense of belonging within a broader fanbase.
Exclusive Access and Stories:
Many podcasts feature insider perspectives, from athlete interviews to behind-the-scenes anecdotes. This access offers fans a closer look at the human side of sports, deepening their connection to the teams and players they admire.
Adaptability for Modern Lifestyles:
The audio format allows fans to engage with content on their terms, whether they’re multitasking or unwinding. This flexibility makes podcasts an indispensable companion for staying connected to the sports world without sacrificing convenience.

By balancing entertainment, education, and engagement, sports podcasts have established themselves as a key pillar of how fans experience their favorite sports today 💪

Top 10 Sports Podcasts of 2024 on Apple Podcasts

Here’s a curated list of the most popular sports podcasts in 2024 on Apple Podcasts, delivering a variety of content for all fans:

1.The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Dan Le Batard and Stugotz bring humor and sharp commentary to the latest sports news, creating an engaging and entertaining listen.

2. The Bill Simmons Podcast

Produced by The Ringer, Bill Simmons covers a wide range of sports topics with renowned guests, offering unique perspectives on the sports world.

3. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

NFL icons Jason and Travis Kelce share authentic insights into football life, both on and off the field, with a personal touch.

4. The Triple Option

Hosted by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone, this podcast dives deep into college football strategies and stories.

5. Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara

Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara revisit iconic sports moments, featuring special guests who share their behind-the-scenes experiences.

6. Fantasy Football Podcast

A go-to resource for fantasy football enthusiasts, offering expert advice and analysis to help listeners optimize their fantasy rosters.

7. Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard

Soccer legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard provide candid discussions on global soccer events and competitions.

8. The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Produced by The Ringer, Ryen Russillo delivers sharp sports analysis and interviews with influential figures across various sports.

9. The Dan Patrick Show

Presented by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, this show offers lively sports discussions with high-profile guests.

10. The Pat McAfee Show

Hosted by Pat McAfee and aired on ESPN, this podcast blends humor, spontaneity, and sports coverage across a variety of topics.

Want to see more sports podcasts rankings? Explore Ausha Charts, where you can track the most popular shows in real-time with detailed rankings by categories and countries on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

How Sports Podcasts can Gain Visibility

To improve visibility on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, sports podcasters need clear strategies. Ausha conducted a detailed analysis of 7.6 million podcast episodes to identify the key elements that influence rankings on Apple Podcasts 👇

How Podcast Algorithms Work

Platforms use three main factors to determine podcast rankings:

Metadata Optimization
Metadata, including the podcast’s title, description, and episode titles, helps platforms match your podcast with relevant searches.
Popularity Indicators
Metrics such as total downloads, play counts, and follower numbers show how well a podcast is received and help platforms decide which shows to recommend.
Audience Engagement
Metrics like episode completion rates, subscriptions, and listening duration indicate how engaging a podcast is. Higher engagement often leads to better rankings.

Key Insights from Ausha’s Study

Our study of 7.6 million episodes provided clear data on how metadata impacts rankings:

65% of podcasts in the top 10 rankings include their primary keyword in the title.
97% of top-performing shows use relevant keywords in their metadata.
Podcasts that include their primary keyword five or more times in episode descriptions rank 9 positions higher on average.

Steps to Optimize Your Sports Podcast

1. Use Keywords in Metadata

Include relevant keywords such as “football analysis” or “game recap” in your podcast’s title, description, and episode names. Integrate keywords naturally to avoid overloading.

2. Write Clear Descriptions

Explain what listeners can expect in your podcast and episodes. Use simple language and include keywords in a way that flows naturally.

3. Choose the Right Categories

Select categories and subcategories that align with your podcast’s content, such as “Sports” or “Football.”

Why Metadata is Important ?

Metadata helps your podcast reach the right audience. A well-optimized title and description ensure that platforms recommend your podcast to users searching for related content 🔥

By applying these steps and using data from Ausha’s study, sports podcasters can improve their visibility and attract more listeners

Try the PSO Control Panel by Ausha

Ausha’s PSO Control Panel helps you manage your podcast’s visibility. It allows you to:

Monitor Keyword Performance: See how your keywords rank in search results.
Refine Metadata: Adjust titles and descriptions based on data insights.
Improve Search Visibility: Align your podcast with the most relevant searches.

👉 Learn more about the PSO Control Panel and take your sports podcast to the next level.

Conclusion

Sports podcasts remain a popular choice for listeners, and podcasters in this category can take simple steps to boost their visibility. Optimizing metadata, building a consistent audience, and driving engagement are key factors that influence rankings on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify 💡

Curious to see how your podcast ranks? Explore Ausha Charts for real-time rankings by category and country 📊

Laura