by Get ready, sports fans! 2025 is going to be an amazing year for anyone who loves watching upcoming sports documentaries on Netflix.
If you’re someone who enjoys learning about your favorite athletes and seeing what happens behind the cameras, you’re going to love what Netflix has planned for this year.
Netflix has always been great at making documentaries that tell incredible stories, and their sports content is no different.
These aren’t just regular sports shows – they’re deep dives into the lives of world-class athletes, showing us their struggles, amazing victories, and the hard work that most people never get to see.
From legendary tennis players saying goodbye to their careers, to basketball teams fighting for Olympic gold, to cheerleaders working incredibly hard to make their dreams come true – Netflix is covering it all.
These documentaries will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired to chase your own goals.
Upcoming Sport Documentaries on Netflix in 2025
What makes these shows special is that they don’t just focus on the games or matches.
Instead, they show us the human side of sports – the fears, the hopes, the family support, and the incredible dedication it takes to be the best in the world.
Whether you’re already a huge sports fan or someone who just enjoys good storytelling, these upcoming sports documentaries coming to Netflix will keep you entertained throughout 2025.
Sports Documentaries to be Released on Netflix in 2025
Netflix has carefully planned an incredible lineup of sports documentaries that will cover almost every sport you can imagine. These shows feature some of the most famous athletes in the world and give us access to stories we’ve never heard before.
Why These Documentaries Are Worth Watching:
- Real stories from actual athletes and their families
- Never-before-seen footage from training sessions and competitions
- Personal interviews that reveal what athletes think
- Emotional journeys that show both success and failure
- Educational content about different sports and their rules
- Inspiring messages about working hard and never giving up
| Documentary Type | Featured Sports | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Team Sports Stories | Rugby, Cricket, Basketball, Baseball | Team dynamics, coaching strategies |
| Individual Athletes | Tennis, Golf, Gymnastics | Personal journeys, career highlights |
| Olympic Coverage | Multiple sports | International competition, national pride |
| Behind-the-Scenes | Cheerleading, Sports Business | Industry insights, preparation work |
Six Nations: Full Contact
Rugby fans, this one’s for you! The second season of Six Nations: Full Contact premieres on January 25, 2025, and it’s going to be bigger and better than the first season.
What Makes This Show Amazing:
- Eight action-packed episodes that are 50 minutes each
- Coverage of Ireland’s historic Grand Slam victory in 2023
- Inside access to training camps from all six countries
- Real conversations with players about the physical demands of rugby
- Family stories showing how rugby affects players’ personal lives
This documentary doesn’t just show you the games – it shows you what happens in the months of preparation before players step onto the field. You’ll see the intense training, the team meetings, and the mental preparation that goes into competing at the highest level of rugby.
Why You Should Watch: Even if you don’t know much about rugby, this show will teach you why it’s called one of the toughest sports in the world.
Rafael Nadal Docuseries
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has retired, and Netflix is giving us a final tribute to one of the greatest players who ever lived. This documentary, created with Skydance Sports, will focus on Nadal’s last season as a professional player.
What You’ll Discover:
- Exclusive footage from Nadal’s final tournaments
- Personal stories about his 22 Grand Slam victories
- Behind-the-scenes moments with his family and team
- The challenges he faced with injuries throughout his career
- What motivated him to keep playing for so many years
| Nadal’s Career Highlights | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 22 |
| French Open Wins | 14 |
| Years as Professional | 20+ |
| Olympic Medals | 2 |
Special Focus: This documentary will show you why Nadal is known for his incredible fighting spirit and how he became a role model for athletes around the world.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are back with their second season, and fans couldn’t be more excited! After the huge success of the first season in June 2024, Netflix knew they had to bring us more.
Behind-the-Scenes Access:
- Audition process showing how competitive it is to make the team
- Daily training routines and fitness requirements
- Personal stories of current and former cheerleaders
- The business side of being a professional cheerleader
- Game day preparation and performance pressure
This show breaks down the myth that cheerleading is easy. You’ll see the athletic ability, dance skills, and mental toughness required to perform at NFL games in front of millions of people.
Learning Opportunity: Perfect for understanding how much work goes into what looks like just dancing and cheering.
The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan
Cricket fans know that when India plays Pakistan, the whole world stops to watch. This documentary, premiering February 7, 2025, explores why this rivalry is so special and intense.
Historical Coverage:
- Matches dating back to the 1950s
- Political and cultural background of the rivalry
- World Cup encounters that made history
- Personal stories from legendary players like Virender Sehwag and Waqar Younis
- Fan reactions and cultural impact
Why This Rivalry Matters:
- Billions of fans follow these matches worldwide
- Games often have political and social significance
- Players face enormous pressure representing their countries
- Matches create unforgettable moments in cricket history
Educational Value: Even if you don’t understand cricket, this documentary will teach you about the sport and why it means so much to so many people.
Full Swing
Golf lovers, get ready for season three! Full Swing continues to give us amazing access to the world’s best golfers as they compete on the PGA Tour.
Season 3 Features:
- Eight episodes packed with golf action
- Access to top players during tournaments
- Technical explanations of golf strategies
- Personal stories about players’ backgrounds
- The mental game of professional golf
What You’ll Learn:
- How professional golfers prepare for tournaments
- The business side of professional golf
- Why golf is as much mental as it is physical
- The pressure of competing for millions of dollars
Perfect For: Anyone who wants to understand what makes golf such a challenging and strategic sport.
Tour De France: Unchained
For the third season, Netflix takes us inside the world’s most famous bicycle race. Tour de France: Unchained shows why this race is considered one of the hardest sporting events on Earth.
Race Coverage Includes:
- Daily challenges of the three-week race
- Team strategies and rivalries between countries
- The physical demands on cyclists’ bodies
- Beautiful scenery of the French countryside
- The significance of the yellow jersey
Why The Tour de France is Special:
- Covers over 3,500 kilometers in 21 days
- Tests cyclists’ endurance, speed, and strategy
- Includes mountain climbs and flat racing
- Attracts millions of viewers worldwide
Learning Experience: You’ll gain new respect for cycling as a professional sport and understand why the Tour de France is so prestigious.
F1 Academy
Formula 1 gets even more exciting with F1 Academy, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine. This series focuses on the all-women driving category in F1.
Groundbreaking Content:
- Female drivers breaking barriers in motorsports
- Behind-the-scenes racing action and drama
- Personal stories of drivers, teams, and families
- The challenges women face in male-dominated sports
- High-speed racing excitement
Why This Series Matters:
- Shows women competing at the highest level of motorsports
- Breaks stereotypes about women in racing
- Provides role models for young female athletes
- Combining sports action with important social messages
Impact: This show is changing how people think about women in professional racing.
United States Men’s National Basketball Team Docuseries
Team USA Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics – what a story! This documentary covers the team’s journey to another Olympic gold medal.
Star-Studded Coverage:
- Stephen Curry and LeBron James are leading the team
- Behind-the-scenes Olympic preparation
- Team chemistry and leadership dynamics
- Pressure of representing the United States
- Victory celebrations and emotional moments
| Team USA Olympics Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Olympic Golds | 16+ |
| 2024 Team Stars | Curry, LeBron, Durant |
| Games Played | Multiple rounds |
| Fan Following | Millions worldwide |
Why It’s Special: Shows how individual superstars come together to play as a team for their country.
Matchroom: The Greatest Showman
Coming in December 2025, this series tells the story of Matchroom Sports, the company that changed how we watch sports entertainment.
Business Behind Sports:
- Barry Hearn’s vision for sports promotion
- How his son Eddie Hearn continues the legacy
- Building exciting sporting events
- The entertainment side of professional sports
- Success stories and business challenges
What You’ll Understand:
- How sports events are organized and promoted
- The business side of professional athletics
- Family dynamics in the sports business
- What makes some sports events more exciting than others
Unique Perspective: Most sports documentaries focus on athletes – this one shows the people who create the events we love to watch.
Starting 5
This 10-episode series, coming in late 2025, gives basketball fans incredible access to five of the NBA’s biggest stars.
Exclusive NBA Access:
- Personal lives of elite players
- Training routines and game preparation
- Family relationships and personal challenges
- Business decisions and career management
- The pressure of being a professional athlete
Educational Elements:
- How NBA players prepare for games
- The mental side of professional basketball
- Balancing fame with personal life
- The business of being a professional athlete
Fan Appeal: Perfect for basketball fans who want to understand their favorite players as real people, not just athletes.
LeBron James: The Comeback King
LeBron James gets his 10-part series focusing on one of basketball’s greatest stories – his return to Cleveland and the historic 2016 NBA Finals.
Epic Story Elements:
- LeBron’s emotional homecoming to Cleveland
- The incredible comeback against the Golden State Warriors
- Leadership lessons from one of basketball’s greatest players
- LeBron’s impact on his community and beyond basketball
- The philosophy behind “Nothing is given; Everything is earned”
Why This Story Matters:
- Shows how athletes can impact their communities
- Demonstrates the power of perseverance and leadership
- Reveals the pressure of high-stakes competition
- Explores themes of home, loyalty, and redemption
Inspirational Value: This series will motivate anyone who’s ever faced challenges or wanted to make a comeback in their own life.
Also Check: LeBron James Net Worth
Boston Red Sox: A Century of Passion
Baseball fans will love this deep dive into the Boston Red Sox and their incredible 2024 season journey.
Complete Coverage:
- Full 2024 MLB season behind-the-scenes access
- Historical moments and legendary Red Sox players
- Fan culture and Boston’s baseball tradition
- Team chemistry and clubhouse dynamics
- Challenges and triumphs throughout the season
Historical Context:
- The Red Sox’s place in baseball history
- Famous players and memorable moments
- What makes Boston fans so passionate
- The culture and tradition of Red Sox baseball
Perfect For: Baseball fans who want to understand what makes the Red Sox special and why their fans are so dedicated.
Olympic Dreams
This documentary follows athletes as they prepare for the biggest stage in sports – the Olympics. Features sprinters like Noah Lyles and Shericka Jackson from the 2024 Olympics.
Olympic Journey Coverage:
- Years of preparation for Olympic competition
- Personal sacrifices athletes make for their dreams
- Family support systems and coaching relationships
- The mental and physical demands of Olympic training
- What it feels like to compete for your country
Featured Athletes’ Stories:
- Noah Lyles – American sprinting sensation
- Shericka Jackson – Jamaican track star
- Other Olympic hopefuls and their unique journeys
- Training methods and competition strategies
Inspirational Message: Shows that Olympic dreams require years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
Simone Biles: Two-time Olympic Champion
After her incredible performance at the 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles gets her documentary celebrating her status as the most decorated gymnast in history.
Career Celebration:
- Six Olympic gold medals and counting
- 25 World Championship medals – a record
- Her journey from young gymnast to global superstar
- Personal struggles and mental health advocacy
- Her famous philosophy about taking risks
| Simone Biles Records | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 6+ |
| World Championships | 25 medals |
| Signature Moves | Multiple are named after her |
| Years Competing | 10+ at elite level |
Personal Story Elements:
- Overcoming challenges and setbacks
- The importance of mental health in sports
- Family support and personal relationships
- Her impact on gymnastics and young athletes
Powerful Message: Her quote, “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take” embodies the spirit of this documentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do these documentaries require any special sports knowledge?
A: Not at all! These shows are made for everyone, whether you’re a sports expert or just getting started.
- Q: Are these documentaries available worldwide on Netflix?
A: Netflix typically releases its original documentaries globally, but availability may vary by region.
- Q: Can children watch these sports documentaries?
A: Most are family-friendly, but it’s always good to check the specific rating for each show.
- Q: Will these be available in different languages?
A: Netflix usually provides subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages for its original content.
- Q: How long are these documentaries?
A: They vary – some are single films, others are multi-episode series ranging from 8-10 episodes.
- Q: Are these based on real events?
A: Yes! All of these are documentaries featuring real athletes, real events, and actual footage.
Conclusion:
Netflix’s 2025 sports documentary lineup is incredible!
Whether you love team sports like basketball and rugby, individual sports like tennis and golf, or you’re curious about the business side of athletics, something amazing is waiting for you.
These upcoming sports documentaries on Netflix offer so much more than just sports highlights.
They give us real stories about real people who have dedicated their lives to being the best at what they do.
You’ll learn about the sacrifices, the hard work, the failures, and the incredible victories that make sports so exciting.
From Rafael Nadal’s final season to Simone Biles’ record-breaking achievements, from Team USA Basketball’s Olympic gold to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket – these documentaries will educate you, inspire you, and entertain you throughout 2025.
Get your popcorn ready, mark your calendars, and prepare to be amazed by some of the most compelling sports stories ever told.
These documentaries prove that sports are about much more than just games – they’re about human dreams, determination, and the incredible things we can achieve when we never give up!
