Ranking the Best Sports Theme Music

When one reflects on a lifetime of sports fanhood, it’s actually quite interesting to think about how some of the themes of the games or shows are inextricable from the games we watch. It’s hard to quantify exactly how much they bring to the table, but they’re an element without which the sports viewing experience would certainly not be the same. Here are our top 10, all of which you will surely agree with one-thousand percent.

10. Pardon the Interruption

There’s still something about when the PTI theme hits at 5:30 ET that makes you feel like the most important stories of the day are about to be discussed in an authoritative and funny manner. Work is out, but it’s not yet dinner time, and the notes on theme signify that it is indeed Happy Hour.

9. Sad NFL on Fox Injury Music

Look, this one is all class. It would be uncouth to go to break with punchy, upbeat tones. Serious moments deserve a serious soundtrack. And there’s nothing more morose than when a guy goes down with an apparently-serious injury. The oxygen tends to go out of the building and the energy through the television severely tempers off. Sad Fox music is appropriate and respectful. We can only hope they play it at our funerals.

8. The Masters

Take all the most heralded meditation music and throw it in the trash. There is nothing more relaxing than this once-a-year treat. One can practically hear the azaleas blooming and the allure of succumbing to a mid-afternoon nap creeping in. The only way it could be improved is by switching to the full version with singing.