Sports Wars artwork

Sports Wars

175 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3K ratings

You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.

Sports rivalries can fuel fans and athletes to fight and argue for years. But what’s the real story behind these epic battles?

From Wondery, the company behind “Business Wars”, “Gladiator” and “The Lead” comes SPORTS WARS, a new series that offers an immersive look at some of the greatest athletic rivalries of all time: two superpower nations facing off in the Miracle on Ice. The battle for the starting quarterback gig in Green Bay between Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. And many more.

Host Dan Rubenstein (Sports Illustrated, SB Nation) will take you from the grudge matches to the pranks, from the tantrums to the triumphs: what really happened, who was right, who was wrong -- and you can decide whose side you’re on.

Sports Society & Culture Documentary
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Episodes

LeBron vs. the Warriors — The Best in the World | 2

December 11, 2019 10:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

The Warriors get a new coach. And a new, scorching-hot offense. But when they reach the NBA Finals, they'll face their biggest test—and their fiercest rival. It's the first Finals matchup between LeBron and the Warriors.  Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeBron vs. The Warriors — Chosen One vs. the World | 1

December 06, 2019 08:05 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

It was the king versus the upstarts. The superman versus the superteam. It was LeBron versus the Warriors. The rivalry, which spanned four straight NBA Finals, would reshape basketball for years to come. And it began with two kids from Akron, Ohio—one who lived in poverty, and one who grew up the son of NBA royalty. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Support us by supporting our spon...

LeBron vs. The Warriors — Chosen One vs. The World | 1

December 06, 2019 08:05 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

It was the king versus the upstarts. The superman versus the superteam. It was LeBron versus the Warriors. The rivalry, which spanned four straight NBA Finals, would reshape basketball for years to come. And it began with two kids from Akron, Ohio—one who lived in poverty, and one who grew up the son of NBA royalty. Support us by supporting our sponsors! Peloton — Get $100 off accessories when you purchase the Peloton Bike. Go to onepeloton.com and use promo code SPORTSWARS.

Ray Ratto on the Record | 6

November 29, 2019 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

Ray Ratto is a legendary sportswriter who's been covering San Francisco teams for more than thirty years. He chats with Dan about Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders, and the rivalry that roiled the Bay. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sanders vs. Rice — Final Showdown | 5

November 27, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Jerry and Deion are competitors again, battling in their most contentious showdown yet. This rivalry is starting to come full circle. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sanders vs. Rice — Teammates | 4

November 22, 2019 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice become unlikely teammates in San Francisco. They're supposed to share the same goal: Super Bowl glory. But that doesn't mean bygones will be bygones. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sanders vs. Rice — Sleepless Nights | 3

November 20, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

Jerry and Deion engage in a fierce battle while playing for NFC West rivals, yet despite their enormous individual success, their teams each have some spectacular flaws. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing Good Life Project

November 15, 2019 10:30 - 6 minutes - 5.81 MB

Every week, we share inspirational, intimate and disarmingly-unfiltered conversations about living a fully-engaged, fiercely-connected and purpose-drenched life. From iconic world-shakers like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown, Sir Ken Robinson, Seth Godin and Gretchen Rubin to everyday guests, every story matters. Listen at wondery.fm/SportsWarsGLP

Sanders vs. Rice — World Versus Prime Time | 2

November 15, 2019 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB

When Jerry Rice is drafted out of a small school, some question whether he's really ready for the show. It's nothing like the instant impact Deion Sanders will soon make with his show-stopping speed and showboating style. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sanders vs. Rice — Running Against the Dark | 1

November 13, 2019 10:05 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

For nearly twenty years, Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice wowed football fans with their dazzling speed and athleticism. And for nearly twenty years, neither man could stand the other. There were on-field battles, handshakes ignored, wars of words, and blow-ups in the media. And for one contentious season, they were forced to be teammates with a shared goal: a Super Bowl championship. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wo...

Lenn Robbins Has Seen It All | 7

November 08, 2019 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

Longtime columnist Lenn Robbins, who has covered New York baseball for years, talks with Dan about the Subway Series. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mike Piazza: The Monster Is Out of the Cage | 6

November 06, 2019 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MB

Mike Piazza needs no introduction, but what the heck. The catcher is a 12-time All-Star. He has an ESPY Award. And he's in the Hall of Fame. He joins Dan to talk about his career with the Mets, his rivalry with Roger Clemens, and what it was like to play in the 2000 World Series. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mets vs. Yankees — Believe | 5

November 01, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

In a make-or-break game five, the Mets pin their hopes on pitcher Al Leiter. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mets vs. Yankees — Round Two | 4

October 30, 2019 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

A broken bat leads to a bench-clearing brawl. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mets vs. Yankees — Fall Classic | 3

October 25, 2019 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

From sidewalks to train platforms, talk radio to television, cubicles to water coolers, everyone's talking about the all-New York World Series. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mets vs. Yankees — Collision Course | 2

October 23, 2019 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

When the Yankees and Mets meet in a doubleheader, Roger Clemens sends Mike Piazza a bruising message. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mets vs. Yankees — Interleague Play | 1

October 18, 2019 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

The Mets and the Yankees may share a city, but they’ve never really been rivals. That all changes in the summer of 2000.  You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sugar Ray Leonard: The Mind of a Fighter | 6

October 16, 2019 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

With three National Golden Gloves titles and an Olympic gold medal to his name, Sugar Ray Leonard is unquestionably one of boxing's all-time greats. He joins Dan to talk about his career and share memories of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, George Forman, and Muhammad Ali. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Introducing The Next Big Idea

October 15, 2019 08:30 - 8 minutes - 7.86 MB

Ideas are coming at you every day from all directions. How can you process it all? You can start with The Next Big Idea. Host Rufus Griscom and legendary thought leaders Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Dan Pink, and Susan Cain, will be your personal “idea” curators. Open your mind and get ready for something big, because the right idea--at the right moment--has the power to transform your life. Listen now at http://wondery.fm/TNBIWondery

In the Ring With Teddy Atlas | 6

October 11, 2019 09:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

Teddy Atlas trained under Cus D'Amato. He was later a ringside commentator at some of the greatest fights in boxing history. Now Atlas joins Dan to talk about the Tyson–Holyfield match up and how he predicted the bite fight would end the way it did. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Tyson vs. Holyfied — Bite Fight | 5

October 09, 2019 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

It's June 1997. At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield are suiting up for a highly anticipated rematch. It's been billed as "The Sound and the Fury." But soon the fight will have another name.  Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Tyson vs. Holyfield — Finally | 4

October 04, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

At long last, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield come face to face. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Tyson vs. Holyfield — Dream Matchup | 3

October 02, 2019 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Tyson suffers a stunning defeat in the ring, and Holyfield takes on "old man" George Foreman. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Tyson vs. Holyfield — Becoming Champions | 2

September 27, 2019 07:05 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson grew up idolizing Muhammad Ali. Both aspired to become the champion of the world. But there’s only room for one at the top. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Tyson vs. Holyfield — Sweet Science Schooling | 1

September 25, 2019 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MB

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. It's one of the greatest rivalries in boxing history, and it began with sterling mentors, Olympic dreams, and bad luck. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Going, Going, Gone: Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville | 7

September 20, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Jayson Stark followed Mark McGwire during the ’98 season. At the time, he thought it was the greatest story he’d ever covered. Now Stark, who writes about baseball for The Athletic, tells Dan he isn’t so sure. And former major leaguer Doug Glanville talks about playing with Sammy Sosa. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony La Russa on the Home Run Chase | 6

September 18, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

Tony La Russa has won three World Series titles, been named manager of the year four times, and he coached the Cardinals during the 1998 home run race. He talks with Dan about that race and what it was like managing Mark McGwire. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing The Lead: Your New Daily Sports Fix

September 16, 2019 08:44 - 8 minutes - 7.46 MB

From Wondery and The Athletic, The Lead is the first daily sports podcast that will bring you one big story each day from The Athletic's all-star team of local and national sports reporters. Subscribe now to hear new episodes each weekday morning: http://wondery.fm/TheLeadED

McGwire vs Sosa - Broken Records | 5

September 13, 2019 09:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

When the AP drops a bombshell story, Mark McGwire worries his season, his record chase, and his career may be over. And it’s not just his livelihood that’s at stake. Pretty soon, Sammy Sosa is facing tough questions of his own. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

McGwire vs. Sosa — Showdown at Wrigley Corral | 4

September 11, 2019 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

Wrigley Field — August 19th, 1998. The Cubs are facing the Cardinals, which means Sammy Sosa is about to duke it out, at bat after at bat, with Mark McGwire. It's a metaphor for the whole season, really, each man a moonshot away from besting the other. Support is by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

McGwire vs Sosa — The Race Begins | 3

September 06, 2019 09:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

It's 1998, the race to 61 homers is on, and Mark McGwire is a force to be reckoned with. Then comes the All-Star break. Suddenly his bat slows down and Sammy's speeds up. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

McGwire vs. Sosa — Generating Power | 2

September 04, 2019 09:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

Mark McGwire doesn't leave college with a diploma: he leaves with a beautiful swing and a ticket to the show. Pretty soon, though, his personal life is in tatters and so is his game. Can bulking up he get him back on track? Meanwhile, Sammy Sosa explodes into the majors. But he also implodes. He's streaky, and that streakiness zaps his confidence. When the Cubs sign him to a huge deal, he'll have to prove, once and for all, that he's worth it. Support us by supporting our sponsors!...

McGwire vs. Sosa — Saving Baseball | 1

August 30, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Blasts. Jacks. Moonshots. Grand salamis. Nothing's quite so mythical as baseball's home run. In 1998, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa reminded the nation of that as they tried to smash into the record books. They thought they were going to save baseball. Instead, they destroyed their reputations. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Polic...

The Solid Verbal's 2019 Guide to College Football Rivalries | 1

August 28, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

Do you love bonus content? Thought so. Here's a special episode of Dan's other Wondery podcast, The Solid Verbal. It's is a thrice-weekly show about college football that features previews, recaps, and analysis. In this edition, Dan and his co-host Ty Hildenbrandt size up the team rivalries—some quirky, others tenacious—that you should watch out for this season. Check out The Solid Verbal at https://wondery.com/shows/the-solid-verbal/

Andy Staples and Emmanuel Acho: Clashing Colleges | 4

August 23, 2019 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MB

Andy Staples was once the worst walk-on offensive lineman in Florida history; now he's an excellent writer who covers college football for The Athletic. In this episode of Sports Wars, Staples talks about some key moments in the Florida–Georgia rivalry. He also makes a bold claim: jean shorts don't cool you down. Then Dan talks with ESPN analyst Emmanuel Acho about his college career at Texas. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Texas vs Oklahoma - Young and Feisty | 3

August 21, 2019 09:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

Adrian Peterson and Baker Mayfield are two Texas-born football phenoms. But when they enroll at the University of Oklahoma, it touches off a recruiting war that will define the modern era of the Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Texas vs Oklahoma - The Outlaw | 2

August 16, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

A new era has dawned in the rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma—an era of such bitter hatred that even the President of the United States can't escape it. A lot of it has to do with Barry Switzer, the Sooners' head coach, whose maverick tendencies provoke the ire of the NCAA. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Texas vs Oklahoma - The Red River Shootout | 1

August 14, 2019 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

What makes the rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma so doggone contentious? Maybe it’s that these states hate each other so much they almost went to war over a bridge. Maybe it’s the underhanded stunts coaches like Mike Leach have pulled to win. Or maybe it’s just because with great proximity comes great hostility. Over the next three episodes, we’ll dig into this unparalleled grudge match. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ i...

Georgia vs Florida - Tebow Time | 3

August 09, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

Urban Meyer passes up his dream job and instead takes the head coach gig at Florida. Among his early recruits is Tim Tebow. They're one heck of a pair. But will it be enough to stop Mark Richt's Georgia team? This is the third and final episode of Georgia vs. Florida. Next, we'll look at another ferocious college football rivalry: Oklahoma vs. Texas. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Georgia vs Florida - Head Ball Coach | 2

August 07, 2019 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB

It's 1989 and Steve Spurrier, Florida's head coach, is desperate to settle the grudge he's been holding against Georgia for two decades. Back then he was Florida's QB, and Georgia spoiled his perfect season. Now he's out for blood—Bulldog blood. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Georgia vs Florida - The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party | 1

August 02, 2019 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

For the next six episodes, we're focusing on two of the greatest rivalries in college football: Georgia vs. Florida and Texas vs. Oklahoma. We begin with Georgia vs. Florida, a long-simmering, start-studded, completely unruly matchup. These schools have hated each other for a century. Here's why. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...

Howard Beck Remembers His Time With Kobe and Shaq | 7

July 26, 2019 07:05 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

As a reporter for the LA Daily News, Howard Beck covered the Kobe–Shaq saga as it happened. In this episode of Sports Wars, he offers his take on the rivalry, explains how the pair changed basketball, and recounts the time Shaq called to say his Laker days were over. Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Kobe vs Shaq - The Storm Before the Calm | 6

July 24, 2019 07:05 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

It’s all over. Or is it? Kobe and Shaq no longer play for the same team, and their relationship seems like it’s slowly evolving from rivalry to brotherhood. Still, Shaq can’t resist making digs at Kobe’s expense, and Kobe won’t stop until he’s got more rings than the big man.

Kobe vs Shaq - It All Comes Apart | 5

July 19, 2019 07:05 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

As the Lakers head into the 2003–2004 season, the team's two stars face their most significant challenges yet. On the court, Shaq’s dominance has started to fade. And off the court, serious allegations have marred Kobe’s once squeaky-clean image. With their personal and professional futures in limbo, the end of the rivalry may be drawing near. Support us by supporting our sponsors! Casper — Get $100 toward select mattresses by visiting Casper.com/SPORTSWARS and using code SPORTSWA...

Kobe vs Shaq - Stay Hungry or Lose | 4

July 17, 2019 07:05 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MB

They may be reigning champs, but things aren’t looking great for the Lakers as the 2000–2001 season gets underway. After a dispiriting loss, Kobe acknowledges he’s a ball hog. Shaq can’t make a free throw to save his life. And their ongoing feud spills into the press. So much for burying the hatchet. Support us by supporting our sponsors! Mack Weldon — For 20% off your first order, visit www.mackweldon.com and use the code SPORTSWARS at checkout

Kobe vs Shaq - Who's the Boss | 3

July 12, 2019 07:05 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

It’s 1999 and Phil Jackson—the tai chi–practicing, sage-burning zen master—is now the Lakers’ head coach. He’s got his eye on a championship, but he knows the only way to get there is to teach Shaq some discipline and snap Kobe’s selfish streak. Easier said than done. Support us by supporting our sponsors! Dollar Shave Club — Get your Ultimate Starter Set for just $5 at www.dollarshaveclub.com/SPORTSWARS

Kobe vs Shaq - Powered by Fury | 2

July 10, 2019 07:05 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Kobe and Shaq are young, famous, handsomely paid, and diametrically opposed. Shaq, with his lifelong craving for adoration, tries to win over his teammates and position himself as the Lakers' top dog. As for Kobe, he couldn’t care less about camaraderie. Support us by supporting our sponsors! Casper — To get $100 toward select mattresses, visit www.casper.com/sportswars and use the code SPORTSWARS

Kobe vs Shaq - It’s Showtime | 1

July 10, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MB

It’s 1996, and the Los Angeles Lakers are priming for greatness. First they sign the gargantuan, indomitable Shaquille O’Neal. Then they bring on a 17-year-old with epic potential: Kobe Bryant. What a coup, right? There’s only one problem. Shaq and Kobe can’t stand each other. (This is the first episode in a six-part series.) You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Support us by supportin...

David Aldridge Charts the Evolution of NBA Rivalries | 6

June 26, 2019 07:05 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB

For three decades, David Aldridge has covered the NBA for outlets like The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Athletic. On this episode of Sports Wars, he digs into the league’s long history of mighty matchups and argues it’s often the rivalries that make basketball great. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Smith Breaks Down “The Jordan Rules” | 5

June 21, 2019 07:05 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

Veteran reporter Sam Smith followed the Chicago Bulls for their 1990–91 season and turned that experience into a bestselling book, “The Jordan Rules.” It’s a searing, unmatched portrait of Michael Jordan’s path to glory. On this episode of Sports Wars, Smith explains why the Jordan–Isiah feud is probably the most ferocious in history, and he sets the record straight on why Jordan left the NBA to play baseball (hint: it didn’t have anything to do with the mob). Support us by support...