Wondery expands sports slate
June 4, 2024
Global podcast studio and network Wondery has announced a move into UK sports podcasts, with its first UK sports original, Everything To Play For, and a distribution and ad-sales rep deal for popular podcast The Socially Distant Sports Bar.
Hosted by Countdown presenter Colin Murray and comedian, actor and broadcaster Elis James, presenting together for the first time, Everything To Play For from Wondery and Crowd Network launches on June 10th, with the first two episodes available on all podcast services and the full series on Wayne Rooney available to binge on Wondery+. The podcast takes listeners deep inside the drama of sport, to tell the stories behind the most iconic moments, the greatest rivalries, the bravest underdogs and the most astonishing comebacks.
The podcast launches with Wayne Rooney: England Man, the story of Rooney’s dramatic arrival on the global sporting arena, 20 years on, when as a prestigiously talented 18-year-old, he carried England’s hopes on his shoulders at Euro 2004. A street-smart kid with astounding talent, the season follows Rooney’s journey from Liverpool’s working-class roots to the heights of international football, testing his resilience under the weight of fame and expectation. As England’s exciting young team prepare for Euro 2024, hosts Murray and James follow the journey of one of the nation’s all-time greats whose arrival at a major Championships set the footballing world alight.
Future seasons will follow other iconic stars including Andy Murray and his rise to Wimbledon glory, multiple Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah, and the intense rivalry of two of the all-time greatest Premier League managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
As Wondery continues to expand its sports offerings, The Socially Distant Sports Bar joins the network, where Wondery will distribute and rep ad sales rights for the fan-favourite show. The Socially Distant Sports Bar will launch June 4th on Wondery+ and will continue to be available on all podcast services one day later. Hosted by James, Mike Bubbins and Steff Garrero, the podcast’s blend of sports and comedy has attracted a host of fans as well as selling out live venues across the UK.
Declan Moore, Head of International, Wondery said: “We’re delighted to expand the range, breadth and appeal of our sonic storytelling for UK listeners and build on the current slate of Wondery Sports content including the popular Six Trophies, Men in Blazers and The Old Man & the Three. Razor-sharp hosts Colin Murray and Elis James take us on a riotously entertaining journey through the momentous moments that have defined the lives of some of our biggest global sports stars. Who better to kick off the podcast than Wayne Rooney and his dramatic arrival on the global stage in 2004, just as the nation eagerly awaits Euro 2024. We’re also delighted Elis, and his fellow hosts Mike and Steff, are joining the Wondery family, bringing their brilliantly witty and hugely popular podcast, The Socially Distant Sports Bar to UK audiences.”