TOP Rankings
5 min to read

Top 20 Substack Influencers in Sports in 2025

From game-changing analysis to behind-the-scenes reporting, these experts are redefining how we experience sports. Explore our curated list of the top 20 Substack influencers in sports for 2025.

July 17, 2025
Josie Renna
Country of author
Josie Renna

Josie Renna is a content strategy expert with a passion for helping creators navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Specializing in effective content creation techniques and platform-specific strategies, Josie provides insights to empower creators and brands to thrive online. With a deep understanding of algorithm dynamics and audience engagement, Josie shares actionable tips for optimizing content performance across various platforms.

Check Brand Deals

 ‍All real-time rankings of all platforms and countries are available here.

Here’s the list of the Top 20 Substack Influencers in Sports in 2025:

20. Joshua Colvin

Joshua Colvin is the founder and publisher of Small Craft Advisor magazine, focusing on topics related to small craft and boating. His social media presence emphasizes insights into the boating industry, sharing expertise and updates relevant to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Through his magazine and online platforms, he has built a trusted community resource for both seasoned mariners and newcomers to small boat sailing.

Substack Subscribers: 13K

View the AI-Powered Profile

19. Paul Daugherty

Paul Daugherty is a retired newspaper sports columnist based in Cincinnati, known for his insights on local sports and culture. He engages his audience with a mix of personal anecdotes and professional commentary, particularly focusing on the Cincinnati sports scene. His social media presence reflects a deep connection to the community, sharing opinions and analyses on various sports topics, including the NFL and MLB.

Substack Subscribers: 4.6K 

View the AI-Powered Profile

18. Daniel Benson

Daniel Benson is a freelance journalist and former editor-in-chief specializing in cycling news, transfers, and race analysis. He provides exclusive insights and interviews from the professional cycling world, leveraging his experience with major cycling publications. His social media presence includes breaking news updates and in-depth analysis, particularly around events like the Tour de France. He engages with a community of cycling enthusiasts and professionals through various platforms, including Substack.

Substack Subscribers: 6.2K

View the AI-Powered Profile

17. Geoff Shackelford

Geoff Shackelford is a multifaceted golf architect, author, and television analyst known for his engaging insights into golf architecture and the sport's community aspects. He shares a blend of personal experiences, industry news, and architectural critiques through various platforms, including his newsletter and podcast. His content often highlights significant golf events and features a strong connection to the golfing community, making him a respected voice in the field.

Substack Subscribers: 15K

View the AI-Powered Profile

16. Kieron O'Connor | Swiss Ramble

Kieron O'Connor, also known as Swiss Ramble, is a British blogger based in Switzerland, focusing on the business aspects of football. His content includes detailed analyses of football club finances, transfer deals, and the economic implications of various football events. He engages with his audience through insightful posts on Twitter, often sharing data-driven insights and updates on football-related financial matters.

Substack Subscribers: 31K

View the AI-Powered Profile

15. Jamey Newberg

Jamey Newberg is a trial attorney and adjunct professor with a passion for baseball writing. He shares insights on the sport through his Substack and contributes to D Magazine. His social media presence reflects a deep engagement with baseball, particularly focusing on the Texas Rangers, showcasing analytical commentary and personal reflections on games and players.

Substack Subscribers: 13K

View the AI-Powered Profile

14. Ben Gretch

Ben Gretch is a football analyst and writer known for blending advanced data with football expertise. He shares insights on fantasy football and player performance, often critiquing societal trends in sports analysis. His posts reflect a deep understanding of the game, focusing on actionable conclusions and player evaluations. Gretch engages with a community of football enthusiasts, providing valuable content that resonates with both casual fans and serious analysts.

Substack Subscribers: 13K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍‍

13. Christian Caple

Christian Caple is a sports writer focused on the University of Washington football, contributing to On Montlake, a Substack newsletter. He co-hosts the podcast Say Who, Say Pod, and shares insights on player commitments, team practices, and roster updates, engaging a dedicated audience of college football fans. His coverage combines insider access with analytical depth, making him a trusted voice for Huskies supporters seeking comprehensive team coverage.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Substack Subscribers: 7K

View the AI-Powered Profile

12. Gideon Haigh and Peter Lalor | Cricket Et Al

Gideon Haigh and Peter Lalor are the hosts of Cricket Et Al, an independent Substack publication and podcast covering cricket and broader cultural topics. The show reunites their partnership after their previous collaboration at The Australian ended, offering thoughtful commentary with greater creative freedom. Haigh brings expertise as author of over 50 books including "The Cricket War" and "On Warne," while Lalor contributes his journalistic experience for comprehensive cricket analysis.

Substack Subscribers: 10K

View the AI-Powered Profile of Gideon Haigh

View the AI-Powered Profile of Peter Lalor

11. Justin Rogers

Justin Rogers is a seasoned Detroit Lions beat reporter and founder of the Detroit Football Network. His social media presence focuses on in-depth coverage of the Lions, including player insights, team dynamics, and game analysis. He shares a mix of professional commentary and personal culinary adventures, showcasing his expertise in sports journalism while engaging with fans through interactive content like mailbags. His posts reflect a commitment to providing comprehensive updates on the team and its players.

Substack Subscribers: 7.8K

View the AI-Powered Profile

Recommended tools
Find LinkedIn influencersAnalyze your own LinkedIn profileAnalyze competitors' LinkedIn profiles

10. Joe Pompliano

Joe Pompliano is a prominent entrepreneur and investor focused on the intersection of sports and business. He hosts 'The Joe Pomp Show' and shares insights on sports investments, business strategies, and market trends. With a rapidly growing following, he engages over 1 million fans across social platforms, providing valuable content on sports economics and investment opportunities. His newsletter, 'Huddle Up,' offers in-depth analysis of the financial aspects of sports, appealing to a diverse audience interested in sports business.

Substack Subscribers: 133K

View the AI-Powered Profile

9. Tyler Dunne

Tyler Dunne is the founder of Go Long, a platform dedicated to longform journalism in professional football. His content focuses on in-depth analysis, interviews, and narratives surrounding the NFL, showcasing a commitment to independent journalism. He engages with topics like player experiences, team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of college and professional football, often featuring prominent figures in the sport. His posts reflect a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the game.

Substack Subscribers: 27K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍‍

8. Cody Alexander

Cody Alexander is a football coach and consultant, known for his expertise in defensive strategies. He runs the MatchQuarters platform, providing resources and insights for football enthusiasts. As the host of the 'Let's Talk Ball!' podcast, he shares daily clips and analysis, focusing on simplifying complex football concepts. A finalist in the '23 NFL Big Data Bowl, he has authored six books on defense, showcasing his deep understanding of the game.

Substack Subscribers: 20K

View the AI-Powered Profile

7. Bob Sturm

Bob Sturm is a seasoned sports commentator and writer based in Dallas-Fort Worth, known for his engaging insights on various sports, particularly in the local context. He has been active in sports media since 1998, sharing his passion for sports history and analysis through his social media platforms and Substack. His posts often reflect a deep understanding of sports dynamics, player performances, and community engagement, making him a respected voice in the sports community.

Substack Subscribers: 9.5K

View the AI-Powered Profile‍

6. Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp | The Dumb Zone

Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp are the hosts of The Dumb Zone, a Dallas-based independent podcast that covers sports, news, and entertainment with the same chemistry and humor they brought to their previous radio show. Launched in 2023 after leaving 1310 The Ticket, the podcast offers greater creative freedom while maintaining their signature blend of Dallas sports commentary and comedic takes on current events. The duo's 20-year partnership brings seasoned broadcasting experience to their self-produced show, creating an engaging platform for both local and national sports discussion.

Substack Subscribers: 10K

View the AI-Powered Profile‍ of Dan McDowell

View the AI-Powered Profile‍ of Jake Kemp

5. Marc Stein

Marc Stein is a prominent NBA correspondent known for his extensive coverage of basketball news and insights. He has previously worked with major outlets like The New York Times and ESPN. His social media presence focuses on breaking news, coaching changes, and player updates, making him a key figure in sports journalism. Stein engages with a dedicated audience interested in the latest developments in the NBA, showcasing his expertise and connections within the league.

Substack Subscribers: 42K

View the AI-Powered Profile‍

4. Ethan Strauss

Ethan Strauss is a former NBA PR professional and beat writer, currently sharing insights on basketball and sports narratives through his newsletter and podcasts. His content often critiques the NBA and explores its cultural implications, engaging a sports-savvy audience with analytical posts and discussions. He is known for his unique perspectives on player dynamics and league developments, making him a notable voice in sports commentary.

Substack Subscribers: 40K

View the AI-Powered Profile‍

3. Richard Johnson and Alex Kirshner | Split Zone Duo

Richard Johnson and Alex Kirshner are the hosts of Split Zone Duo, an independent college football podcast that covers all aspects of the sport rather than just playoff contenders. The show explores college football's, interconnected subcultures with sharp analysis and genuine enthusiasm for the sport's broader stories. Johnson brings Sports Illustrated reporting expertise and Kirshner contributes insights from outlets like Slate and The Atlantic.

Substack Subscribers: 16K

View the AI-Powered Profile of Alex Kirshner

View the AI-Powered Profile‍ of Richard Johnson

2. John Canzano

John Canzano is a prominent sports columnist and radio host based in Oregon. He shares insights on college sports, particularly focusing on the Pac-12 Conference, and engages with his audience through various platforms, including Twitter and his personal website. His content often includes commentary on sports events, team expansions, and significant developments in the sports industry, showcasing his expertise and influence in the field.

Substack Subscribers: 47K

View the AI-Powered Profile‍

1.  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time NBA champion and MVP, renowned author, and social activist. He uses his platform to advocate for social justice, education, and community empowerment through his Skyhook Foundation. His content spans sports, politics, and culture, often reflecting on historical and contemporary issues. He engages with his audience through various social media platforms, sharing insights and promoting his award-winning newsletter.

Substack Subscribers: 236K

View the AI-Powered Profile

Also See 👀
🏆 TOP 20 SUBSTACK INFLUENCERS IN BUSINESS
🏆 TOP 20 SUBSTACK INFLUENCERS IN TECHNOLOGY
HOW DOES FAVIKON RANK INFLUENCERS?