Top sports documentaries and TV series arriving in 2025

Sports have never been more popular (viewership is way up) and that will carry over to 2025 with these new docs and shows.
The late, great Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant smiles during a game against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 12, 2015.
The late, great Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant smiles during a game against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 12, 2015. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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We know how this is going to go: Right after tons of parties and food and tomfoolery, by Jan. 1, 2025, you'll be promptly plump and ready to settle in and hunker down on the couch until at least mid-March.

There will be bounties of great football (bowl games, CFP, and, oh right, the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LIX -- 59) and basketball battles galore (NBA and NCAA).

RELATED: Christian Bale joins Nicolas Cage on John Madden movie cast

You and your loved ones will rest and wallow and be glued to the tube for a fortnight or two.

Promise.

But first up ... this will become one of the most-watched sports docuseries ever.

Kobe: The Making of a Legend

Premiere date: Jan. 25.

Network: CNN

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant dunks against the New Orleans Hornets on March 6, 2013.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant dunks against the New Orleans Hornets on March 6, 2013. / Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images

Running Point

Kate Hudson in the photo room at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Jan. 16, 2005.
Kate Hudson in the photo room at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Jan. 16, 2005. / ROBERT HANASHIRO, USA TODAY

Premiere date: TBA

Network: Netflix

Noteworthy cast: Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Chet Hanks

Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss has teamed with Mindy Kaling for this comedy about a nepo-baby Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) who’s been overlooked her entire and then who's unexpectedly appointed President of the LA Waves basketball team, a family business. She aims to prove she was the right choice despite skepticism. Some early whispers say it could be the next "Succession", but set in the fictional (sort) world of professional basketball. Sounds like a blast.

2024 SEC Football Documentary Series

Texas Longhorns mascot Hook 'Em hypes up the crowd in front of the SEC logo at the University of Texas June 30, 2024.
Texas Longhorns mascot Hook 'Em hypes up the crowd in front of the SEC logo at the University of Texas June 30, 2024. / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Premiere date: Summer 2025

Network: Netflix

Vinicius Junior documentary

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior looks up during the second half against Barcelona at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 3, 2024.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior looks up during the second half against Barcelona at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 3, 2024. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Premiere date: Summer 2025

Network: Netflix

A documentary about Vinicius Junior, a 24-year-old Brazilian star soccer player for Real Madrid, is scheduled to be released on Netflix in 2025.

The documentary will cover Vini Jr.'s career, including his time at Flamengo and Real Madrid, and his contributions to the Brazil national team. It will also highlight his activism against racism in football, after he was the target of racist abuse during a 2023 match.

Chad Powers

Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment recipient Glenn Powell laughs during an interview on Sept. 10, 2022.
Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment recipient Glenn Powell laughs during an interview on Sept. 10, 2022. / Jamar Coach/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

The series will be based on the viral character Eli Manning created for Eli's Places.

created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, received a series order at Hulu in February 2024. The series is based on Eli Manning's character created for Eli's Places.

Vincius, 24, possesses sparkling skills and always entertains fans with his on-field performances. Fans are now set to get a closer look at the player's life through the new documentary.

Stick

Actor Owen Wilson at the 2017 Daytona 500.
Actor Owen Wilson at the 2017 Daytona 500. / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Premiere date: TBA

Network: Apple TV+

Noteworthy cast: Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay

Per Vanity Fair: "Owen Wilson stars in this golf comedy as a burned-out former pro who never amounted to much, and now has even less going on. He has lost both his wife and his job at a sports supply store—but he sees a shot at redemption in his future if he can attach himself to a young up-and-comer whose talent he can help refine. "

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