U.S. sports leagues paired with Oscar-nominated composers

The MLS dropped their new Hans Zimmer-composed anthem today, so it’s only right to give the other major U.S. sports leagues a composer of their own.

On Wednesday, MLS released a new official anthem, scored by legendary composer Hans Zimmer. Yes, the man responsible for some of the most famous film scores will now be soundtracking “the player procession at all MLS games” and “featured on MLS broadcasts.”

Zimmer’s piece for MLS leans more toward Inception than anthemic, more “the pit in your stomach before a big game” than “the hope of a new season,” as he was clearly shooting for high drama.

“With this composition I tried to give fans and the players a feeling of anticipation, drama and excitement – everything that makes this game so unique and special,” Zimmer said in the video debuting the new anthem.

It isn’t exactly the iconic soaring theme of The Champions League anthem. But it’s something.

“Hans Zimmer has created a bold, modern, progressive anthem for MLS. A piece of music that captures the color and energy in our stadiums and lends on the rhythm that is created by our fans” said David Bruce, MLS SVP of Brand and Integrated Marketing in a release. “His work sets the stage for what is about to unfold, the drama, the anticipation, the emergence of our biggest stars as they appear on the field and the noise leading to kickoff.”

In the spirit of Zimmer’s collaboration with MLS, we decided to get our editors together and pair up other leagues with famous composers whose work could suit a new official anthem.

NWSL — Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Known for: The Social Network, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, Watchmen

But why: Distorted, dreamy, calculated, complex, cool as hell. Also, can’t get the respect they deserve from “purists” despite a wild-long track record of success.

NFL — John Williams

Known for: Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Schindler’s List, Jaws, Harry Potter

But why: Bombastic, extremely extra, a wee bit passé. Also, he literally already composed the theme of Sunday Night Football.

NBA — Ludwig Goransson

Known for: Black Panther, The Mandalorian, Creed, Creed II

But why: Vibrant, playful, adaptable. Also, he’s European and the NBA is super into European talent right now.

WNBA — Nicholas Britell

Known for: Succession, Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk

But why: Versatile, symphonic, underrated for just how super hard it goes. Also, your timeline was obsessed with him in 2019, as it was also the WNBA. (Keep that energy up.)

NHL — Alexandre Desplat

Known for: The Imitation Game, Harry Potter, The Shape of Water, Little Women

But why: He’s French. Also, his name sounds like a hockey name.

MLB — Danny Elfman

Known for: Batman, Nightmare Before Christmas, Spider-Man, Avengers, Fifty Shades

But why: Truly prolific output akin to 162 games a year. Also, he’s known for orchestral work in the “20th century and Golden age film score traditions” and guess who else is overly attached to the past!!