BBC World Service Launches More Than The Score Podcast | Daily Global Sports Podcast
The sporting world is not just about final scores, trophies, and statistics—it’s about the stories, struggles, and debates that shape athletes and fans worldwide. Recognizing this, the BBC World Service has launched its latest project: More Than The Score, a daily sports podcast designed to give listeners a deeper look into the personalities, controversies, and human drama behind the headlines.
Launching officially on 8 September 2025, the show will feature seasoned BBC Sport presenters and expert guests, delivering a weekday dose of thought-provoking sports journalism with a truly international perspective.
Unlike traditional sports shows that primarily cover match recaps and tournament updates, More Than The Score aims to go beyond the surface. The format focuses on:
Global sports debates – analyzing controversies, policies, and challenges shaping the industry.
Athlete journeys – from grassroots beginnings to professional stardom.
Cultural impact of sport – how sports influence societies, politics, and even global identities.
Behind-the-scenes stories – offering unique access to athletes, coaches, and commentators.
This strategic shift shows that BBC World Service Sport is responding to modern audiences who crave in-depth storytelling and context, not just numbers on the scoreboard.
The Presenting Line-Up: A Rotating Cast of BBC Sport Icons
More Than The Score is anchored by some of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, ensuring credibility and audience connection. The presenting team will rotate throughout the week, featuring:
John Bennett – Known for his insightful football analysis.
Katie Smith – Bringing fresh perspectives and field reporting.
Maz Farookhi – Experienced in uncovering untold sports stories.
Mani Djazmi – Celebrated for covering global football narratives.
Lee James – A familiar voice for breaking sports updates.
Ed Harry – Specializing in athletics and Olympic coverage.
Ade Adedoyin – Expert in athletics and feature storytelling.
By rotating hosts, the show ensures variety, freshness, and specialist knowledge across different sports.
First Episode Spotlight: How Much Do World Records Matter?
The debut episode dives straight into a fascinating question—the value of world records in modern sport.
Featuring Swedish pole vault superstar Armand Duplantis, who recently set his 13th world record with a 6.29m jump at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Hosts Ed Harry and Ade Adedoyin lead the conversation, joined by Larry Elder, a prominent US athletics commentator.
The episode debates whether world records inspire the next generation, how fellow athletes react, and whether some records are now virtually “untouchable.”
This launch topic immediately signals the depth and ambition of the series—it’s not about stats alone, but about meaning, legacy, and human achievement.
Upcoming Episodes: A Sneak Peek
The podcast’s future line-up promises hard-hitting themes, emotional journeys, and star power.
From Prison to the Premier League – A Hollywood Story
Former footballer Jamie Lawrence shares his journey from incarceration to top-flight football.
Includes insights into a planned film adaptation of his life.
What It Takes to Stay Elite
Examining the physical, mental, and cultural factors that allow stars like Mohamed Salah to perform consistently at the highest level.
Unseen Battles in Women’s Sport
Future discussions will highlight the struggles and triumphs of women athletes, from pay gaps to recognition and representation.
BBC’s Editorial Vision for More Than The Score
The launch is backed by top BBC World Service leaders, underscoring its strategic importance.
Colin Patterson, Editor of BBC World Service Sport, said: “More Than The Score takes a different approach to international sport. It’s about untold stories, compelling debates, and top-quality content. Listeners will get their daily hit of global sports news in a refreshing way.”
Anna Doble, Sport and Digital Editor at BBC World Service, added: “This daily sport podcast will zoom in on the talking points gripping the world, focusing on the people behind the headlines. Every weekday, we’ll deliver fresh perspectives and exclusive interviews.”
The editorial stance is clear: BBC wants to reshape how audiences consume global sports content.
Why Daily Podcasts Matter in 2025
Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, but in 2025, daily podcasts hold particular significance:
Flexibility in consumption – Podcasts fit commutes, workouts, or downtime.
Global reach – Platforms like BBC Sounds, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts make shows instantly international.
Depth over headlines – Audiences crave richer context than what short-form content offers.
With More Than The Score, BBC taps into these trends, offering weekday engagement without overwhelming listeners.
Broader Impact: A Win for Sports Journalism
This launch is not just about entertainment—it has journalistic significance. By prioritizing debate, human interest, and behind-the-scenes access, the podcast strengthens:
Diversity of voices – featuring experts, commentators, and athletes globally.
Cultural storytelling – showing how sport intersects with identity, politics, and society.
Conclusion: Why More Than The Score Could Redefine Sports Media
The BBC World Service has taken a bold step with More Than The Score. By combining world-class presenters, compelling themes, and a commitment to deeper journalism, the podcast is poised to become a daily essential for global sports fans.
As the sporting world gears up for the Tokyo World Championships and beyond, this show could set a new standard for how sports stories are told—focusing on the people, the passions, and the power of sport.
BBC World Service Launches More Than The Score Podcast | Daily Global Sports Podcast
