Exploring six of the best sports podcasts in the UK
Sports podcasts have surged in popularity across the UK, giving fans an easy way to stay connected to their favourite games, leagues, and athletes while on the move.
From football and cricket to rugby and horse racing, there’s a podcast for every type of sports follower. Here’s a round-up of six standout listens spanning different disciplines.
1. Football Weekly
Football Weekly, produced by The Guardian, is a go-to for comprehensive football coverage. Hosted by Max Rushden with a rotating cast of journalists and ex-players, the show offers sharp analysis of the biggest football stories. Premier League updates, Champions League drama, and major international tournaments are all part of the mix.
For those who pair their passion for football with online sports betting, the in-depth discussions can complement the experience of using exchange betting sites, where users can act as either the punter or the bookmaker, backing an outcome to win or laying it to lose. These peer-to-peer platforms offer competitive football odds across a wide range of betting markets, swift payouts through flexible payment options, and exciting bonuses such as odds boosts, free bets, and deposit-matched bets, making each episode’s analysis even more valuable for those looking to place informed wagers.
2. Tailenders
Mixing cricket knowledge with light-hearted banter, Tailenders brings together Greg James, Jimmy Anderson, and Felix White. Their shared passion for the sport, combined with music and comedic moments, creates a fresh and engaging listen. Beyond the major cricketing headlines, the podcast connects with its audience through interactive features and listener-submitted questions, giving it a strong community feel.
3. The Peter Crouch Podcast
Former England striker Peter Crouch has turned his off-pitch charm into a winning podcast. Joined by Chris Stark and Tom Fordyce, Crouch focuses on the humour and quirks of football. The team shares funny behind-the-scenes stories from Crouch’s playing career, debates fan-submitted topics, and tackles questions that range from the practical to the absurd. It’s this relaxed and relatable style that has helped the show build a loyal following.
4. The Athletic UK Podcasts
The Athletic offers a series of UK-based podcasts tailored to specific football clubs, such as Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Each one is hosted by experienced sports writers who provide well-researched insights and behind-the-scenes context. As well as club-focused content, The Athletic produces shows covering wider football topics, making it a solid choice for fans who like in-depth analysis delivered by respected voices in the game.
5. The Rugby Pod
Presented by former players Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton, The Rugby Pod offers a candid and entertaining take on the rugby scene. Covering everything from the Gallagher Premiership to the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup, the hosts share stories, analyse matches, and speak openly on contentious subjects. Their mix of on-field experience and light-hearted humour captivates listeners, making the show appealing to both newcomers and long-time rugby fans.
6. Fighting Talk
BBC Radio’s Fighting Talk combines sport and competition in a high-energy panel format. Host Colin Murray keeps the pace fast as guests from the sporting world go head-to-head in debates, challenges, and quick-fire opinion rounds. The range of topics covers everything from football and rugby to less mainstream sports, ensuring each episode feels fresh. Listeners enjoy the unpredictable nature of the discussions and the witty exchanges between panellists.