The Best Sports Theme Music of All Time
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 23 October 2024
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
The Best Sports Theme Songs
Theme songs for sports don’t just signify the beginning of our favorite weekly events. They are anthems that evoke our most cherished memories of big games and thrilling experiences. Some sports theme music has endured for over a century, while others have risen in the last 20 years to become anthems for fans. In this guide, we’ve looked at the most iconic sports songs of all time for the major US sports leagues and beyond.
Intro to the Best Sports Theme Songs
We have avoided providing a list of the sports theme songs ranked as we understand that it’s nearly impossible to do so. Instead, we’ve started this guide by exploring the history of this theme music and why it’s so significant to fans.
From there, we’ve provided details for the top sports music according to sports, kicking off with the Big Four US Leagues; the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. We’ve then looked at some iconic songs from international events such as the Olympic Games and global soccer.
- The Significance of Sports Theme Songs
- NFL Theme Songs
- NBA Theme Songs
- MLB Theme Songs
- NHL Theme Songs
- Olympic Games Theme Songs
- Soccer Theme Songs
The Significance of Sports Theme Songs
Sports theme music has been around since the early 20th century, with the iconic “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” being an enduring classic of baseball. However, these songs didn’t truly become prevalent until the advent of television broadcasting, and since then, the largest sports leagues have invested in their creation and licensing.
These songs are carefully composed to create anticipation around the sporting calendar and to celebrate the unique charms of each sport. As they become more popular, these songs have become staples at games and on TV broadcasts that are cherished by fans. Many viewers associate sports with certain songs, proving the power of a good theme tune.
The Top NFL Theme Songs
As America’s favorite sport, there have been numerous theme songs associated with both the NFL and major teams. However, we believe that the following remains the most iconic, and immediately evokes treasured memories of the sport for different generations.
Monday Night Football Theme
The “Monday Night Football Theme,” also known as “Heavy Action,” was composed by Jonny Pearson and released in 1971. It is one of the most recognized sports themes in the United States and was originally adapted from a standard music library track to be associated with the NFL. It is distinguished by its energetic tempo and catchy tune, making it an exciting and suitable fit for Monday night football.
Sunday Night Football Theme (Waiting All Day for Sunday Night)
“Sunday Night Football” was adapted from the 1988 song “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett in 2006 and has stood the test of time almost 20 years later. This updated version is performed by pop superstars Pink, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood, with lyrics and energy setting the mood for football’s biggest day of the week.
The Top NBA Theme Songs
The NBA has among the best sports theme songs in the world, with the league clearly investing in memorable tunes that capture the dynamism of basketball. Whether you’re placing bets at the best online sportsbooks or at a game, it’s not hard to get these songs stuck in your head.
Roundball Rock
Released in 1989, Roundball Rock was composed and performed by John Tesh to become the theme of NBC’s NBA broadcasts between 1990 and 2002. Despite the fact it hasn’t been used for over 20 years, it is still a fan favorite. Its fast pace and rhythm make it the perfect piece to replicate the speed and energy of major league basketball.
Inside the NBA Theme
It’s clear that 1989 was a good year for NBA theme songs, with the year also seeing the release of the “Inside the NBA Theme.” The song was composed by Edd Kalehoff to be the soundtrack for TNT’s “Inside the NBA” coverage and has remained so for more than 30 years. The song has a funky and groovy energy to it that matches the conversational nature of the show. Instantly recognizable, we expect the song to last for decades more.
The Top MLB Theme Songs
Major League Baseball has undoubtedly had the best sports themes of all time, including both local and international leagues. As we will cover, it also holds the record for having the oldest theme song in the world.
MLB on Fox Theme
The “MLB on Fox Theme” is an instrumental piece that was composed by Scott Schreer. Immediately recognizable to baseball fans, it has an uplifting energy that signifies the beauty and tradition of America’s grandest and most beloved sport. It has lasted for nearly 30 years and holds a significant place in the hearts and minds of sports lovers in the USA.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Considering that “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was released in 1908, it’s amazing to think that the song has been sung for nearly 130 years. The tune was composed by Albert Von Tilzer and lyrics were provided by Jack Norworth, with a catchy melody and celebratory lyrics that underscore the sacredness of the baseball viewing experience. The song is still sung during the seventh-inning stretch at ballparks across the USA.
The Top NHL Theme Songs
We couldn’t write an article on the best sports theme music without highlighting the best of the NHL. These classics are synonymous with the high-stakes thrills of hockey and have remained staples for decades.
NHL on ESPN Theme
The “NHL on ESPN Theme” is an inspiring and powerful musical piece that was composed by Bob Christianson. A perfect encapsulation of hockey’s intensity, the song was used as a theme for ESPN’s NHL broadcasts from its release year in 1992 to the early 2000s. It has a dramatic beat that builds to an epic crescendo, much like the rhythm of hockey.
Hockey Night in Canada Theme
Despite being a Canadian anthem, the “Hockey Night in Canada Theme” is loved by fans in the USA. The song was composed by Dolores Claman and has a fun, upbeat, and show-tunes element to it that sets a lively mood. The song has been associated with Saturday night hockey for more than 50 years, and it’s even been considered affably as Canada’s second national anthem.
The Top Olympics Theme Songs
The Olympic Games are the most inspiring, heart-pumping, and action-filled sporting events in the world, so it’s important that the sports theme music matches this energy. As we’ve seen, this has been achieved several times before.
Olympic Fanfare and Theme
Composed by award-winning film composer John Williams and performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Olympic Fanfare and Theme was released to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The song has become not just the most memorable Olympics theme but one of the most beloved sports themes in the world, and doesn’t just capture the triumphant spirit of the event but has an unmistakable element of blockbuster majesty to it.
Bugler’s Dream
Before John William’s song took the crown, “Bugler’s Dream” was the Olympic theme. It was composed in 1968 by Leo Arnaud to provide the sports intro song for ABC’s Olympic broadcasts of the Mexico City games. The song set the standard for William’s classic with its regal orchestral arrangement and uplifting energy. It remains associated with the games and is still often heard during each game’s broadcasts.
The Top NFL Theme Songs
While soccer isn’t as possible in the USA, it remains the most popular sport in the world. For this reason, it has inspired some of the best sports theme songs in the world to commemorate everything from major international tournaments to club themes.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” was composed by the musical-writing duo Rodgers and Hammerstein for the musical “Carousel”, but became the anthem for Liverpool Football Club in the 1960s. This version was performed by the rock band Gerry and the Pacemakers and carries an emotional message that unites fans and celebrates resilience.
The Champions
Officially known as the UEFA Champions League Anthem, “The Champions” was composed by Tony Britten and released in 1992. The orchestral song includes a choral arrangement performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus and plays before each Champions League match. Few theme songs capture the majesty and grandeur of sports like this.
