Ranking Network's Sports Themes

I never realized how much my good friend Alex Lamport loved the NCAA on CBS theme. I swear that he enjoys the constant playing of it during the NCAA Tournament more than the actual tournament itself. But can you really blame him? If it doesn't get you pumped for some college hoops, then you need to check your vitals. It got me thinking though. What other network sports themes, both past and present, are the best? And this goes for all sports.

Well I'm here to make a definitive list. This list cannot be disputed, and I dare you to try.

Honorable Mentions:

2014 World Cup in Brazil

Yes, it was a one time thing, but my God, this music is epic. Look, I'm a sucker for international competition, and during the summer of 2014, whenever I heard this song, I found a TV. There are the rhythmic chants and claps, birds in the background, and sounds the rainforest that encompasses Brazil. What starts out slow turns into a rousing theme climaxing with a grand crescendo toward the end.

ABC Sports College Football 1999-2006

This was the time period where I fell in love with college football. The combination of Keith Jackson, ABC, and this incredible theme song were truly the essence of college football. The beginning is perhaps the best start of any theme song on this list. When you heard it, you knew there was a big game about to take place. The only reason it isn't higher is because after the incredible high-pitched beginning with the trumpets blaring, you're left with a steady beat for the announcer to talk over.

TNF on the NFL Network

There's just something about this music that makes you fall into a trance. It starts out with bells, then immediately brings you into something heavier. The NFL Network got rid of it, but I really wish they didn't

Okay, here we go. On with the list.

5.) The Masters on CBS

Could this theme match the elegance and history of the Masters any more? It's calm and soothing, but also represents the sign of rebirth. Spring has officially begun. The azaleas are blooming, the grass is green, and the first major of the year is underway.

4.) NFL on FOX

Sorry CBS, but when you hear these trumpets at high-pitch immediately, you know it's time for football. The theme is loud, obnoxious, and in your face, but it is addicting as all hell. Just like you'd expect the game of football would be. 

3.) NCAA on CBS

Sorry, it's not higher, Alex. But I'm not sure you will be able to argue with the next two. There's no better song to symbolize the hope and excitement of the NCAA Tournament and March Madness in general than this. It has a college band feel to it, and it's certainly as catchy as they come. 

2. NHL on ESPN

God, I really miss this theme. The theme, the theatrics, Gary Thorne's voice, everything about it made me fall in love with hockey. Fortunately, after years of being buried among the ESPN archives, they finally brought it back with their college hockey coverage. This opening is just incredible. Just watch.

1.) NBA on NBC

Was it really going to be anything else? It's everything epic about 1990s basketball. The following intro is perfect. It's Marv Albert, Knicks and Bulls, Jordan and Ewing, Metallica, all at Madison Square Garden. I get goosebumps EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I watch it. I'm sure you will too.