The Sports Podcast Awards are back for 2025, offering a golden opportunity for podcast creators to shine. With entries now open, this year brings new categories and exciting opportunities for both independent and major network creators.
Introduction: A New Era for Sports Podcasting
The 2025 Sports Podcast Awards have officially opened for entries, marking a new chapter in celebrating the best in sports podcasting. This year, the awards have expanded to include two brand-new categories: Best Cycling Podcast and Best Olympic and Paralympic Podcast. With these additions, the total number of categories has risen to 23, offering a diverse range of opportunities for creators across various sports disciplines.
Categories: A Comprehensive Line-Up
The Sports Podcast Awards have meticulously curated categories to encompass a wide array of sports genres, ensuring that every niche has a chance to be recognized. Here’s a breakdown of the categories available for this year:
Category Highlights
- Best American Football Podcast: Honoring the finest in gridiron coverage.
- Best Baseball Podcast: Celebrating podcasts that hit it out of the park.
- Best Basketball Podcast: Showcasing the top dribble and shoot analyses.
- Best Combat Sports Podcast: A nod to the best in boxing, MMA, and beyond.
- Best Cricket Podcast: Highlighting the finest in cricket commentary and insights.
- Best Cycling Podcast: A new category for the ever-growing cycling community.
- Best Equality & Social Impact Podcast: Recognizing podcasts that drive social change.
- Best Fantasy & Gaming Podcast: For those who dominate in the realm of sports fantasy.
- Best Fitness, Health & Wellbeing Podcast: Focusing on podcasts that promote physical and mental well-being.
- Best Golf Podcast: Celebrating the best in golf coverage and commentary.
- Best Hockey Podcast (Ice and Field): Acknowledging the top podcasts in the hockey world.
- Best Motorsports Podcast: For the podcasts that speed ahead in motorsports coverage.
- Best Olympic and Paralympic Podcast: A new addition to honor the spirit of global athleticism.
- Best Rugby Podcast: Recognizing the best in the rugby podcasting arena.
- Best Soccer Podcast: A staple category for the world’s most popular sport.
- Best Sports Business Podcast: Highlighting podcasts that delve into the business side of sports.
- Best Sports Comedy Podcast: Where sports and humor collide for an entertaining listen.
- Best Sports Documentary Podcast: Honoring storytelling at its finest in the sports world.
- Best Sports Talk Podcast: For those who engage, inform, and entertain with sports talk.
- Best Team Podcast: Celebrating podcasts that cover teams in depth.
- Best Tennis & Racket Podcast: Serving up the best in tennis and racket sports commentary.
- Best Wrestling Podcast: Recognizing the top voices in the world of wrestling.
- Diverse Voices Award: Celebrating diversity and inclusion in sports podcasting.
Independent Creators: A Special Opportunity
In a bid to encourage and support independent creators, the Sports Podcast Awards offer a special deal this year. Independent podcasters can enter their creations for free using the code INDIE at checkout. This opportunity is specifically designed for those who produce and manage their podcasts independently, without the backing of major networks or corporations.
For independent creators, this is a chance to compete on a level playing field with industry giants, and potentially gain recognition for their hard work and unique perspectives.
Entry Fees and Special Discounts for Major Networks
While independent creators can benefit from a free entry, major networks are required to pay an entry fee of $150 per podcast. However, there is a cap of $300 for multiple submissions, making it more cost-effective for those entering several podcasts.
Additionally, there’s an early bird offer available for those looking to get ahead of the competition. By using the code EARLYBIRD during checkout, entrants can lock in last year’s pricing, paying just $99 per podcast, with a cap of $297 for multiple entries. This offer is particularly beneficial for those who have multiple podcasts ready to enter, allowing them to save on entry fees while still having the opportunity to compete for the prestigious awards.
Selection Process: Industry Experts and Fan Participation
Once the entry period closes on October 27th, the next phase of the competition begins. An Industry Selects panel, comprised of experts in the podcasting and sports industries, will be tasked with creating shortlists for each category. Each category will feature a shortlist of 10 podcasts, handpicked based on content quality, audience engagement, and overall impact.
But the decision-making doesn’t end there. After the shortlists are announced, fans will have the power to choose the ultimate winners. This unique blend of expert curation and fan voting ensures that the awards not only recognize industry excellence but also resonate with the audiences who engage with these podcasts daily.
How to Enter: Steps and Deadlines
For those eager to enter the 2025 Sports Podcast Awards, the process is straightforward:
- Visit the Sports Podcast Awards Website: All entries must be submitted through the official website.
- Choose Your Categories: Select the categories that best fit your podcast.
- Apply Discount Codes (if applicable): Don’t forget to use INDIE if you’re an independent creator, or EARLYBIRD to take advantage of the discounted rates.
- Submit Before October 27th: Ensure your entry is in before the deadline to be considered.
Detailed instructions and more information about the awards can be found on the official Sports Podcast Group’s website.
Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity for Podcasters
The 2025 Sports Podcast Awards present a golden opportunity for both new and seasoned podcasters to gain recognition in the ever-growing world of sports podcasting. With the addition of new categories, special opportunities for independent creators, and the excitement of fan voting, this year’s awards promise to be more competitive and inclusive than ever. Whether you’re an independent creator looking to make your mark or a major network aiming to showcase your best content, the Sports Podcast Awards offer a platform to highlight excellence and innovation in sports podcasting.
