Public radio is re-entering the sports arena with the launch of “Sports in America,” a new weekly show produced by WHYY in Philadelphia. Debuting in September 2025, it is currently the only nationally distributed public radio program dedicated entirely to sports—a gap left since 2020, when “Only a Game” ended production.
Created to appeal to fans and non-fans alike, the program delves into sports stories that reflect broader themes in society, featuring conversations with athletes and experts, and exploring issues that go beyond scores and highlights. Host David Greene brings both his journalism experience and passionate fandom to the role, aiming to share compelling sports narratives and personal journeys with listeners.
Launched amid changes in public radio scheduling following reductions in federal funding, “Sports in America” is distributed free to stations by PRX and WHYY. It has already been picked up by over 60 stations nationwide, including WESA in Pittsburgh—a market with a strong sports culture and local pride in Greene’s roots.
The early episodes have included interviews with athletes such as NFL player Chris Godwin and NCAA swimmer Lia Thomas, as well as feature segments like an in-depth look at sports betting and its impact on families. About one-third of the content so far uses updated material from the podcast “In the Moment,” licensed by WHYY, providing a foundation as the show builds up new exclusive reporting and interviews.
Looking to the future, the creative team at WHYY plans for “Sports in America” to deliver fresh weekly content, potentially including reporting from other stations and producers. The show may expand to multiple platforms, including YouTube, to reach broader audiences. WHYY’s internal surveys suggest strong demand for sports content among listeners, with over 60% showing interest in at least one sport and most actively engaging with sports media and podcasts.
Stations across different regions, like WCMU in Michigan, report positive feedback from listeners, who appreciate the deeper storytelling and sense of community the show fosters during a time when sports continue to bring people together across divides.
