Global podcast studio and network Wondery is launching its first UK sports original, Everything To Play For, and a distribution and ad-sales rep deal for award-winning 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. In every season, the hosts explore the wild, funny and jaw-dropping tales which have entered the pantheon of sporting legend.
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 Colin and Elis 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 – and at times bitterly competitive - rivalry of two of the all-time great managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
As Wondery continues to expand its sports offerings, the podcast The Socially Distant Sports Bar joins the network today, where Wondery will distribute and rep ad sales rights for the fan-favourite show. The Socially Distant Sports Bar will launch June 4 on Wondery+ and will continue to be available on all podcast services one day later. Hosted by Elis 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. The podcast has enjoyed extensive industry recognition, winning the Pod Bible poll winners award in the Sports & Leisure category in 2021, as well as Best Comedy Sports Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards in 2022.
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.”
Everything To Play For is produced by Crowd Network and Wondery. This is the latest in Wondery’s UK original slate which includes award-winning series British Scandal, Legacy, The Spy Who, Terribly Famous and The Spy Who. Recent originals Ghost Story and The Price of Paradise both recently hit #1 (Apple Podcasts) in the UK and US. Other UK originals from Wondery include Hooked on Freddie, Stolen Hearts, Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera and Who Killed Daphne? The distribution and ad-sales rep deal with The Socially Distant Sports Bar follows other recent similar UK collaboration deals for Brydon & and RedHanded.
