Netflix is adding to its sports docuseries lineup with three new shows centered on the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics as well as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has joined America’s Team.
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is getting into the Olympic spirit with its newest batch of sports documentaries.
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix is ready to play ball with Major League Baseball.
For the first time, the streamer will follow an MLB team — in this case, the Boston Red Sox — over the course of a full season. Netflix says it will have unprecedented access to players, coaches and executives throughout the 2024 season for a docuseries that will debut in 2025.
A second project is in the works with the Red Sox that’s expected to stream on Netflix later this year. The untitled documentary will look back at the historic 2004 Red Sox season, which culminated with one of the greatest comebacks in sports history and the franchise’s first World Series title in 86 years. The series will feature new, exclusive interviews with key players and figures from the team that broke one of baseball’s longest curses where the franchise has now won more World Series (four) in the last 20 years than any Club in MLB.
For the first time, the streamer will follow an MLB team — in this case, the Boston Red Sox — over the course of a full season. Netflix says it will have unprecedented access to players, coaches and executives throughout the 2024 season for a docuseries that will debut in 2025.
A second project is in the works with the Red Sox that’s expected to stream on Netflix later this year. The untitled documentary will look back at the historic 2004 Red Sox season, which culminated with one of the greatest comebacks in sports history and the franchise’s first World Series title in 86 years. The series will feature new, exclusive interviews with key players and figures from the team that broke one of baseball’s longest curses where the franchise has now won more World Series (four) in the last 20 years than any Club in MLB.
- 2/7/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN has been giving one of its newest show hosts a lot of rope despite a years-long policy of keeping talent on a very short leash.
Pat McAfee has generated reams of unwanted publicity for the Disney-backed sports-media giant in recent days, allowing frequent guest Aaron Rodgers to spread misinformation about vaccinations; insulting Norby Williamson, an influential ESPN executive who manages many studio shows and tries to keep a tight rein on them, and accusing him of working to sabotage his show in talks to media outlets; and giving Rodgers room to call out Jimmy Kimmel, the ABC late-night host who is one of the most high-profile employees in the Disney empire.
Interestingly, few of the controversies that have surfaced on McAfee’s show have anything to do with ESPN’s raison d’etre: games and sports. Such a program is “unsustainable,” says Joel Lulla, a former attorney for ABC Sports...
Pat McAfee has generated reams of unwanted publicity for the Disney-backed sports-media giant in recent days, allowing frequent guest Aaron Rodgers to spread misinformation about vaccinations; insulting Norby Williamson, an influential ESPN executive who manages many studio shows and tries to keep a tight rein on them, and accusing him of working to sabotage his show in talks to media outlets; and giving Rodgers room to call out Jimmy Kimmel, the ABC late-night host who is one of the most high-profile employees in the Disney empire.
Interestingly, few of the controversies that have surfaced on McAfee’s show have anything to do with ESPN’s raison d’etre: games and sports. Such a program is “unsustainable,” says Joel Lulla, a former attorney for ABC Sports...
- 1/11/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Former ESPN President John Skipper, who led the effort to secure the current NBA rights deal, says incumbents Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have no choice but to re-up with the league.
“These are existential rights for ESPN,” he said during an episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, a podcast produced by Meadowlark Media, which Skipper co-founded in 2021. “They have to have the NBA. And it’s pretty close to existential with TNT. I don’t know if they have to have the NBA, but I think they do.”
The companies’ 9-year pacts with Turner and ESPN, which average a total of $2.6 billion a year, are due to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. As has happened in the NFL and other sports, large tech firms like Amazon and Apple are taking a close look at the rights given the overall shift toward streaming. NBCUniversal, whose Peacock streaming...
“These are existential rights for ESPN,” he said during an episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, a podcast produced by Meadowlark Media, which Skipper co-founded in 2021. “They have to have the NBA. And it’s pretty close to existential with TNT. I don’t know if they have to have the NBA, but I think they do.”
The companies’ 9-year pacts with Turner and ESPN, which average a total of $2.6 billion a year, are due to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. As has happened in the NFL and other sports, large tech firms like Amazon and Apple are taking a close look at the rights given the overall shift toward streaming. NBCUniversal, whose Peacock streaming...
- 10/27/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: EverWonder Studio is teaming with John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media on its first project, a feature-length documentary examining the dynamic relationship between tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, which it will finance and co-produce.
The teams have also secured rights for a future scripted adaptation of the story, Deadline can exclusively reveal.
“I’m thrilled that this project is moving forward, and that we’ve found the right partners in EverWonder and Meadowlark,” stated Evert. “I’m looking forward to sharing our story with global audiences – not just with tennis fans but with anyone who appreciates an inspirational journey through rivalry and to mutual respect and friendship.”
Said Navratilova, “This film has been decades in the making, and EverWonder and Meadowlark are the right studios to finally take it from a concept to a reality. It was important to us to work with storytellers who will honor the...
The teams have also secured rights for a future scripted adaptation of the story, Deadline can exclusively reveal.
“I’m thrilled that this project is moving forward, and that we’ve found the right partners in EverWonder and Meadowlark,” stated Evert. “I’m looking forward to sharing our story with global audiences – not just with tennis fans but with anyone who appreciates an inspirational journey through rivalry and to mutual respect and friendship.”
Said Navratilova, “This film has been decades in the making, and EverWonder and Meadowlark are the right studios to finally take it from a concept to a reality. It was important to us to work with storytellers who will honor the...
- 9/26/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The roller coaster of ESPN staffing news continued today, as NFL analyst Mina Kimes is set for what’s reported to be a massive new deal. The agreement is worth more than $1.7 million, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, and puts Kimes over seven figures for the first time.
“Kimes’ role with ESPN will basically stay the same,” reported Marchand. She will be featured on NFL Live and make other appearances on the network’s shows.
Additionally, Dan Le Batard announced this morning that Kimes had signed a new deal with former ESPN boss John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media. She will continue to appear on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”
Kimes will also reportedly continue her podcast, which is produced by Omaha Productions as part of the Peyton Manning-led company’s partnership with ESPN.
The announcements come one day after longtime football analyst Chris Mortensen announced his retirement,...
“Kimes’ role with ESPN will basically stay the same,” reported Marchand. She will be featured on NFL Live and make other appearances on the network’s shows.
Additionally, Dan Le Batard announced this morning that Kimes had signed a new deal with former ESPN boss John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media. She will continue to appear on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”
Kimes will also reportedly continue her podcast, which is produced by Omaha Productions as part of the Peyton Manning-led company’s partnership with ESPN.
The announcements come one day after longtime football analyst Chris Mortensen announced his retirement,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Count NBA Mvp Joel Embiid among the athletes looking to make their way into the media industry.
The six-time NBA All-Star is launching Miniature Géant, a new production studio, in partnership with The SpringHill Company, the media company backed by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
“We want to do as much as we can to inspire,” says Embiid, who has galvanized sports fans by overcoming injuries early in his career for the Philadelphia 76ers, which he joined in 2014. He adds: “I want it to be successful, but I want it done the right way. The whole goal is just to try to tell people stories, and use my platform to inspire the next generation.”
Miniature Géant aims to showcase stories of people who have taken nontraditional paths to success. The studio will look for projects that could include unscripted, scripted, audio and branded content. Embiid’s unique background — he was born in Yaounde,...
The six-time NBA All-Star is launching Miniature Géant, a new production studio, in partnership with The SpringHill Company, the media company backed by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
“We want to do as much as we can to inspire,” says Embiid, who has galvanized sports fans by overcoming injuries early in his career for the Philadelphia 76ers, which he joined in 2014. He adds: “I want it to be successful, but I want it done the right way. The whole goal is just to try to tell people stories, and use my platform to inspire the next generation.”
Miniature Géant aims to showcase stories of people who have taken nontraditional paths to success. The studio will look for projects that could include unscripted, scripted, audio and branded content. Embiid’s unique background — he was born in Yaounde,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: As Denver throws a parade for the Nuggets, who just captured their first NBA championship after 47 seasons in the league, a new documentary project is poised to shine a light on one of the team’s all-time greats.
David Thompson, a star for the Nuggets for eight seasons as well as a force in college basketball with the 1974 national-champion North Carolina State Wolfpack, is the subject of the film from Meadowlark and Backstage Media.
In college, Thompson led Nc State to the NCAA championship over Bill Walton and seven-time defending champion, UCLA, in 1974.
He went on to play seven seasons for the Nuggets and two in Seattle, averaging more than 22 points per game during his NBA career. He was one of basketball’s premier dunkers in the 1970s, earning himself the nickname of “Skywalker.” Basketball analysts have declared he was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. To Jordan, Thompson was his idol,...
David Thompson, a star for the Nuggets for eight seasons as well as a force in college basketball with the 1974 national-champion North Carolina State Wolfpack, is the subject of the film from Meadowlark and Backstage Media.
In college, Thompson led Nc State to the NCAA championship over Bill Walton and seven-time defending champion, UCLA, in 1974.
He went on to play seven seasons for the Nuggets and two in Seattle, averaging more than 22 points per game during his NBA career. He was one of basketball’s premier dunkers in the 1970s, earning himself the nickname of “Skywalker.” Basketball analysts have declared he was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. To Jordan, Thompson was his idol,...
- 6/15/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance Sports, NFL Films and the Jerry Jones family are collaborating on what they call a “defining” docuseries about the Dallas Cowboys and the arc of Jones as the owner and builder of the franchise over 30-plus years.
As president and general manager, Jones is credited with engineering a massive turnaround that led to three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s. While the Lombardi Trophy has remained out of reach during the past quarter-century-plus, Jones and his family have shepherded the rise of the Cowboys to the status of the most valuable franchise in professional sports.
Using never-before-seen footage from the NFL Films archive, the as-yet-untitled series will trace Jones’ rise from the son of an Arkansas community store owner to the top of the pro sports heap. Interviews will feature ex-Cowboys players Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders; former head coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer...
As president and general manager, Jones is credited with engineering a massive turnaround that led to three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s. While the Lombardi Trophy has remained out of reach during the past quarter-century-plus, Jones and his family have shepherded the rise of the Cowboys to the status of the most valuable franchise in professional sports.
Using never-before-seen footage from the NFL Films archive, the as-yet-untitled series will trace Jones’ rise from the son of an Arkansas community store owner to the top of the pro sports heap. Interviews will feature ex-Cowboys players Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders; former head coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer...
- 5/3/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
A docuseries about Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys franchise is in the works from Skydance Sports and NFL Films.
Featuring some of NFL Films’ archived never-before-seen content, the series will chronicle the Cowboys owner, president, and general manger’s rise from the son of an Arkansas community store owner to becoming one of the most renowned leaders in sports. Additionally, the documentary will highlight several of the household names who partnered with Jones along the way, including Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Head Coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, Rupert Murdoch, and Phil Knight.
When Jones first purchased the organization in 1989, the team was coming off a 13-loss season and was losing in excess of $1 million a month. He’s credited with transforming the franchise and leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s which ultimately cemented his name...
Featuring some of NFL Films’ archived never-before-seen content, the series will chronicle the Cowboys owner, president, and general manger’s rise from the son of an Arkansas community store owner to becoming one of the most renowned leaders in sports. Additionally, the documentary will highlight several of the household names who partnered with Jones along the way, including Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Head Coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, Rupert Murdoch, and Phil Knight.
When Jones first purchased the organization in 1989, the team was coming off a 13-loss season and was losing in excess of $1 million a month. He’s credited with transforming the franchise and leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s which ultimately cemented his name...
- 5/3/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
A docuseries centered on the Dallas Cowboys and owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones is in development from Skydance Sports, NFL Films and the Jerry Jones family.
The untitled series will reach deep into NFL Films’ vast archive of never-before-seen content and will trace Jones’ remarkable rise from the son of an Arkansas community store owner to being one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports.
It will also spotlight the stars and partners who teamed with Jones along the way, including Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Head Coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, Rupert Murdoch, and Phil Knight.
When Jones risked everything to purchase the club in 1989, the team was coming off a 13-loss season and was losing in excess of $1 million a month. Less than a decade later, the Cowboys won three NFL titles.
“Sharing my father’s journey and his passion for the game,...
The untitled series will reach deep into NFL Films’ vast archive of never-before-seen content and will trace Jones’ remarkable rise from the son of an Arkansas community store owner to being one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports.
It will also spotlight the stars and partners who teamed with Jones along the way, including Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Head Coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, Rupert Murdoch, and Phil Knight.
When Jones risked everything to purchase the club in 1989, the team was coming off a 13-loss season and was losing in excess of $1 million a month. Less than a decade later, the Cowboys won three NFL titles.
“Sharing my father’s journey and his passion for the game,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Sports betting has come an awfully long way in the United States in a relatively short amount of time. Since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018, more than 35 states have decided to legalize wagering on live sports.
Nowadays, sports betting companies are behaving more and more like media companies as they try to expand their brands. That’s certainly the case for DraftKings, as according to Bloomberg the company has announced it is launching a new ad-supported streaming service in the coming weeks.
The service will be free, and feature video versions of podcasts sponsored by DraftKings. The company currently has deals in place with the podcast conglomerate iHeartMedia, as well as Meadowlark Media, a startup founded by former ESPN founder John Skipper and ESPN radio and podcast host Dan Le Batard.
“Over the years DraftKings has expanded our media...
Nowadays, sports betting companies are behaving more and more like media companies as they try to expand their brands. That’s certainly the case for DraftKings, as according to Bloomberg the company has announced it is launching a new ad-supported streaming service in the coming weeks.
The service will be free, and feature video versions of podcasts sponsored by DraftKings. The company currently has deals in place with the podcast conglomerate iHeartMedia, as well as Meadowlark Media, a startup founded by former ESPN founder John Skipper and ESPN radio and podcast host Dan Le Batard.
“Over the years DraftKings has expanded our media...
- 4/27/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Pablo Torre is about to become a creature of two worlds.
The veteran ESPN writer and on-air personality is leaving the Disney sports-media giant — and he’s staying, too. Torre is joining Meadowlark Media, the content company founded by former ESPN chief John Skipper and the sports commentator Dan Le Batard. And yet, Torre is expected to remain a regular contributor to “Around The Horn” and “Pardon The Interruption,” two of the mainstay programs on the ESPN daytime schedule.
“They are looking to build another show directly out of ‘The Dan LeBatard Show,’ which is a monster,” Torre says of Meadowlark in an interview. Torre envisions a digital program with audio and video components that will allow him to “tell original stories, do a bit of journalism and figure out how to make that show a home that can fit all of the things I aspire to do creatively.” Torre...
The veteran ESPN writer and on-air personality is leaving the Disney sports-media giant — and he’s staying, too. Torre is joining Meadowlark Media, the content company founded by former ESPN chief John Skipper and the sports commentator Dan Le Batard. And yet, Torre is expected to remain a regular contributor to “Around The Horn” and “Pardon The Interruption,” two of the mainstay programs on the ESPN daytime schedule.
“They are looking to build another show directly out of ‘The Dan LeBatard Show,’ which is a monster,” Torre says of Meadowlark in an interview. Torre envisions a digital program with audio and video components that will allow him to “tell original stories, do a bit of journalism and figure out how to make that show a home that can fit all of the things I aspire to do creatively.” Torre...
- 3/14/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Actor, producer and screenwriter Ryan Reynolds will receive “The People’s Icon” award at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, NBC and E! announced. Reynolds will be honored for his contributions to film and television, including recent Netflix film “The Adam Project.” The program will air on NBC and E! on Tuesday, December 6 at 9 p.m. Et from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
“In any endeavor – whether it’s acting, producing, marketing or business – Ryan Reynolds has the unique ability to create joy and authentically connect with his audience. He’s received many accolades over the years, but it’s these innate qualities that makes him so beloved,” said Cassandra Tryon, SVP, entertainment live events, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “We cannot wait to present Ryan with ‘The People’s Icon’ award at this year’s show.”
Reynolds can next be seen in the musical comedy “Spirited” opposite Will Ferrell and Octavia Spencer,...
“In any endeavor – whether it’s acting, producing, marketing or business – Ryan Reynolds has the unique ability to create joy and authentically connect with his audience. He’s received many accolades over the years, but it’s these innate qualities that makes him so beloved,” said Cassandra Tryon, SVP, entertainment live events, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “We cannot wait to present Ryan with ‘The People’s Icon’ award at this year’s show.”
Reynolds can next be seen in the musical comedy “Spirited” opposite Will Ferrell and Octavia Spencer,...
- 11/4/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video’s new documentary series “Good Rivals” will investigate the social and political roots of the rivalry between the Mexican and American international soccer teams, from Mexico’s historic domination of the game to Donald Trump’s election in 2016.
The three-part docuseries, premiering Nov. 24 on Prime Video, tracks the rivalry that has never ceased to pack the stadiums with fans over its 30-year span — including the American team’s inability to beat Mexico in 24 straight games from 1937 to 1980.
Launched by Prime Video Sports, the series will spotlight some of the most memorable careers of the pairing, including Landon Donovan, a striker hailing from Southern California, and Rafa Márquez, a player whose grandfather abandoned the family to move to the U.S., who represented their countries as iconic players in the early to mid 2000s.
Also Read:
Amazon to Launch Day-and-Night Sports-Talk Lineup on Prime
After the U.S.
The three-part docuseries, premiering Nov. 24 on Prime Video, tracks the rivalry that has never ceased to pack the stadiums with fans over its 30-year span — including the American team’s inability to beat Mexico in 24 straight games from 1937 to 1980.
Launched by Prime Video Sports, the series will spotlight some of the most memorable careers of the pairing, including Landon Donovan, a striker hailing from Southern California, and Rafa Márquez, a player whose grandfather abandoned the family to move to the U.S., who represented their countries as iconic players in the early to mid 2000s.
Also Read:
Amazon to Launch Day-and-Night Sports-Talk Lineup on Prime
After the U.S.
- 11/3/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Meadowlark Media, the content studio founded by former ESPN president John Skipper and ESPN radio host Dan Le Batard, wants a sports content franchise to call its own.
And so the production company is launching its most ambitious content effort yet, a multi-platform series called Sports Explains the World.
“We are putting a stake in the ground that we are going to be a storytelling company,” Skipper tells The Hollywood Reporter. “When we launched the company, what we wanted to do overwhelmingly is to tell stories. Both in the number of podcasts we do and in our video. And one of the great ways to tell a story is to have an anthology series in which to put those.”
Sports Explains the World is Meadowlark’s “bold statement” that it is playing to win. “When we launched 30 for 30 [at ESPN], people knew it was quality,...
Meadowlark Media, the content studio founded by former ESPN president John Skipper and ESPN radio host Dan Le Batard, wants a sports content franchise to call its own.
And so the production company is launching its most ambitious content effort yet, a multi-platform series called Sports Explains the World.
“We are putting a stake in the ground that we are going to be a storytelling company,” Skipper tells The Hollywood Reporter. “When we launched the company, what we wanted to do overwhelmingly is to tell stories. Both in the number of podcasts we do and in our video. And one of the great ways to tell a story is to have an anthology series in which to put those.”
Sports Explains the World is Meadowlark’s “bold statement” that it is playing to win. “When we launched 30 for 30 [at ESPN], people knew it was quality,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: A documentary series about the rivalry between the Mexican and American national men’s soccer/football teams is kicking off at Amazon.
The company will launch Good Neighbors, a three-part series on its Prime Video service around the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which begins in November.
The series will look at the political, social, and sporting layers of the rivalry; Mexico has beaten the U.S. 36 times since 1934, when the first game was played, but the U.S. has the edge since 2000 with 17 wins and nine losses.
It will feature interviews with the likes of U.S. star Landon Donovan and Mexico’s Rafa Márquez, who became symbols of their country’s cultures during their respective careers. It will also examine the passionate, international battle for on-field talent and fan support that has made the U.S.-Mexico border one of the most fascinating soccer frontiers in the world, with...
The company will launch Good Neighbors, a three-part series on its Prime Video service around the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which begins in November.
The series will look at the political, social, and sporting layers of the rivalry; Mexico has beaten the U.S. 36 times since 1934, when the first game was played, but the U.S. has the edge since 2000 with 17 wins and nine losses.
It will feature interviews with the likes of U.S. star Landon Donovan and Mexico’s Rafa Márquez, who became symbols of their country’s cultures during their respective careers. It will also examine the passionate, international battle for on-field talent and fan support that has made the U.S.-Mexico border one of the most fascinating soccer frontiers in the world, with...
- 8/11/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Hollywood has come to accept that content is the primary weapon in the streaming wars. Quietly, as legalized online sports betting spreads across the country, content also has become the weapon of choice for digital casino operators and betting firms looking for that edge in what has been an expensive grab for consumer dollars. And content creators, from production companies to podcasters to established TV talent, are cashing in. “It is the streaming wars version for casino operators,” former Wall Street analyst Hal Vogel says.
Online sports betting has been on a steady expansion across the U.S. since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy vs. NCAA paved the way for states to permit the practice. As each state legalized access to sports betting (it’s legal in 21 states, with another nine pending and others expected to follow), gaming operators jumped into the space,...
Hollywood has come to accept that content is the primary weapon in the streaming wars. Quietly, as legalized online sports betting spreads across the country, content also has become the weapon of choice for digital casino operators and betting firms looking for that edge in what has been an expensive grab for consumer dollars. And content creators, from production companies to podcasters to established TV talent, are cashing in. “It is the streaming wars version for casino operators,” former Wall Street analyst Hal Vogel says.
Online sports betting has been on a steady expansion across the U.S. since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy vs. NCAA paved the way for states to permit the practice. As each state legalized access to sports betting (it’s legal in 21 states, with another nine pending and others expected to follow), gaming operators jumped into the space,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Telemundo is building its 2022-23 season lineup around the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the return of two of the Spanish-language outlet’s biggest star drama vehicles: Kate del Castillo in Season 3 of “La Reina del Sur” and Rafael Amaya rising from the dead for an eighth round of “El Señor de los Cielos.”
The NBCUniversal-owned programmer also is stepping up investment in a range of multilingual content for the Peacock streaming platform.
Telemundo will formally unveil its programming plans to advertisers and media buyers on Monday evening as the industry gathers in New York for the network upfront presentation. Headlining the scripted side of the presentation is the return of hits “La Reina del Sur” (“The Queen of the South”) and “El Señor de los Cielos” (“Lord of the Skies”), which are both set in the world of Latin American drug trafficking.
The NBCU Spanish-language group will use the...
The NBCUniversal-owned programmer also is stepping up investment in a range of multilingual content for the Peacock streaming platform.
Telemundo will formally unveil its programming plans to advertisers and media buyers on Monday evening as the industry gathers in New York for the network upfront presentation. Headlining the scripted side of the presentation is the return of hits “La Reina del Sur” (“The Queen of the South”) and “El Señor de los Cielos” (“Lord of the Skies”), which are both set in the world of Latin American drug trafficking.
The NBCU Spanish-language group will use the...
- 5/12/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
When former ESPN president John Skipper greenlit Bill Simmons’ and Connor Schell’s award-winning “30 for 30” documentary series, he also built the template for his new company, Meadowlark Media: Great content that may or may not be about sports, but is never afraid to show its politics.
“We have credibility in sports, so you use that credibility to get started,” Skipper said before boarding an airplane traveling south-by-southwest to SXSW. There, he and former ESPN host-turned-Meadowlark partner Dan Le Batard will tape leading sports podcast “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” March 13 and 14 (from 3-5:30 p.m. Ct) with a live studio audience at Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel. Le Batard is also hosting a conversation at SXSW’s Athlete Empowerment Summit with Ricky Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner who now does astrology readings on the podcast.
Skipper said he roots for artists as hard as he roots for athletes.
“We have credibility in sports, so you use that credibility to get started,” Skipper said before boarding an airplane traveling south-by-southwest to SXSW. There, he and former ESPN host-turned-Meadowlark partner Dan Le Batard will tape leading sports podcast “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” March 13 and 14 (from 3-5:30 p.m. Ct) with a live studio audience at Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel. Le Batard is also hosting a conversation at SXSW’s Athlete Empowerment Summit with Ricky Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner who now does astrology readings on the podcast.
Skipper said he roots for artists as hard as he roots for athletes.
- 3/11/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Meadowlark, the production company set up by former ESPN boss John Skipper, has struck its latest sports deal – inking a first-look deal with Backstage Media.
Backstage Media is a new content development company founded by former ESPN and NFL exec John Marvel and former Sports Illustrated writer and podcaster Mike Silver.
The deal will see the two companies develop several projects in audio and television across multiple sports.
Marvel is the former managing editor of news and features at NFL Media Group and ex-vp and executive editor of ESPN.com and also worked at Golf Digest Properties, while Silver has contributed to NFL 360 and co-authored with Kurt Warner book All Things Possible that has been adapted as feature film American Underdog.
It is the latest deal for Meadowlark, which was founded by Skipper and national radio and podcast host, Dan Le Batard in 2021. Last week, it teamed with...
Backstage Media is a new content development company founded by former ESPN and NFL exec John Marvel and former Sports Illustrated writer and podcaster Mike Silver.
The deal will see the two companies develop several projects in audio and television across multiple sports.
Marvel is the former managing editor of news and features at NFL Media Group and ex-vp and executive editor of ESPN.com and also worked at Golf Digest Properties, while Silver has contributed to NFL 360 and co-authored with Kurt Warner book All Things Possible that has been adapted as feature film American Underdog.
It is the latest deal for Meadowlark, which was founded by Skipper and national radio and podcast host, Dan Le Batard in 2021. Last week, it teamed with...
- 2/8/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Angels of the Avalanche Age, the longform GQ story written by Joshua Hammer, tells the story of a helicopter rescue team battling life-and-death obstacles in the high mountain slopes of the Swiss Alps.
It is now being developed for the screen as a documentary.
GQ Studios, the Condé Nast Entertainment-run production arm of the glossy monthly, has teamed up with Meadowlark, the production company run by former ESPN chief John Skipper to adapt the story.
It marks one of the highest profile developments for GQ Studios and forms part of Condé Nast Entertainment President Agnes Chu’s plan to turn high-profile magazine IP into TV series, films and documentaries. The company is adapting stories about Kundalini yoga and megachurch Hillsong with Vf Studios, the production arm of Vanity Fair, turning History of Black Twitter from Wired Studios into a three-part documentary and making a feature film based on short story Cat Person,...
It is now being developed for the screen as a documentary.
GQ Studios, the Condé Nast Entertainment-run production arm of the glossy monthly, has teamed up with Meadowlark, the production company run by former ESPN chief John Skipper to adapt the story.
It marks one of the highest profile developments for GQ Studios and forms part of Condé Nast Entertainment President Agnes Chu’s plan to turn high-profile magazine IP into TV series, films and documentaries. The company is adapting stories about Kundalini yoga and megachurch Hillsong with Vf Studios, the production arm of Vanity Fair, turning History of Black Twitter from Wired Studios into a three-part documentary and making a feature film based on short story Cat Person,...
- 1/31/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Skydance Sports, the sports content division of Skydance Media, has set a partnership with Meadowlark Media for the production of unscripted sports content.
The companies are co-producing Good Neighbors, a docuseries on what is arguably the world’s greatest soccer rivalry—that between the U.S. and Mexican men’s national teams. It’s currently in production and will debut in front of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The second project to emerge from the partnership is billed as the definitive, authorized chronicle of the life and career of Diana Taurasi, the most accomplished player in the history of women’s basketball, whose accolades include three NCAA titles, three WNBA titles, five Olympic gold medals, multiple European league championships and numerous individual honors.
The announcement of the Skydance-Meadlowlark partnership was made today by Skydance’s President and COO Jesse Sisgold, who heads up the media company’s sports content division with award-winning writer,...
The companies are co-producing Good Neighbors, a docuseries on what is arguably the world’s greatest soccer rivalry—that between the U.S. and Mexican men’s national teams. It’s currently in production and will debut in front of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The second project to emerge from the partnership is billed as the definitive, authorized chronicle of the life and career of Diana Taurasi, the most accomplished player in the history of women’s basketball, whose accolades include three NCAA titles, three WNBA titles, five Olympic gold medals, multiple European league championships and numerous individual honors.
The announcement of the Skydance-Meadlowlark partnership was made today by Skydance’s President and COO Jesse Sisgold, who heads up the media company’s sports content division with award-winning writer,...
- 1/20/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
John Skipper and Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media has brought on Deirdre Fenton as executive director of unscripted, Variety has learned exclusively.
In her new role, Fenton will oversee the company’s unscripted programming. She will report to Skipper, who is the CEO of Meadowlark. One of Fenton’s early focuses will be leading Meadowlark’s relationship with Apple, with Meadowlark recently signing a first-look deal with the streamer.
“Deirdre has a fabulous eye for what makes a good story and the industry experience to bring it to life,” said Skipper. “Having had the good fortune to work with her often in recent years, I look forward to seeing the immediate and positive impact she will have on Meadowlark.”
Prior to joining Meadowlark, Fenton worked at both ESPN and Dazn in the documentary space. Her time at ESPN included work on the “30 for 30” franchise, as well as...
In her new role, Fenton will oversee the company’s unscripted programming. She will report to Skipper, who is the CEO of Meadowlark. One of Fenton’s early focuses will be leading Meadowlark’s relationship with Apple, with Meadowlark recently signing a first-look deal with the streamer.
“Deirdre has a fabulous eye for what makes a good story and the industry experience to bring it to life,” said Skipper. “Having had the good fortune to work with her often in recent years, I look forward to seeing the immediate and positive impact she will have on Meadowlark.”
Prior to joining Meadowlark, Fenton worked at both ESPN and Dazn in the documentary space. Her time at ESPN included work on the “30 for 30” franchise, as well as...
- 11/2/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Former ESPN colleagues John Skipper and Dan Le Batard are getting into business with Apple TV+. Skipper and Le Batard have signed a multi-year first-look deal with the Apple streaming service via their recently launched Meadowlark Media. Under the pact, Meadowlark will produce premium documentary films and unscripted series for Apple TV+.
In January, Skipper and Le Batard announced the formation of Meadowlark, a new content company with a creator-centric point of view. Meadowlark will partner with industry-leading storytellers on a variety of content projects with an initial focus on sports. In April, DraftKings and Meadowlark announced a first-of-its-kind content, distribution, monetization and sponsorship agreement centered on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.
Skipper had led sports streaming outfit Dazn since 2018 prior to forming Meadowlark. Skipper spent 27 years at ESPN, the last six of them as president, before departing in...
In January, Skipper and Le Batard announced the formation of Meadowlark, a new content company with a creator-centric point of view. Meadowlark will partner with industry-leading storytellers on a variety of content projects with an initial focus on sports. In April, DraftKings and Meadowlark announced a first-of-its-kind content, distribution, monetization and sponsorship agreement centered on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.
Skipper had led sports streaming outfit Dazn since 2018 prior to forming Meadowlark. Skipper spent 27 years at ESPN, the last six of them as president, before departing in...
- 11/1/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
John Skipper and Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media has signed a multi-year first-look deal with Apple.
Under the deal, Meadowlark will produce documentary and unscripted series for the streamer. Meadowlark was launched in January, with the company at that time announcing an initial focus on sports content. However, they have previously stated that they will partner with many different creators in a variety of content areas.
In April, DraftKings and Meadowlark announced a content, distribution, monetization, and sponsorship agreement with Meadowlark Media centered on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”
Skipper is the former president of ESPN. He resigned from that position in 2017. He first joined ESPN in 1997 and took over as president in 2012. In addition to forming Meadowlark with Le Batard, Skipper is currently the executive chairman of Dazn Group.
Le Batard is a popular TV, radio and podcast host. He also worked at ESPN, leaving the...
Under the deal, Meadowlark will produce documentary and unscripted series for the streamer. Meadowlark was launched in January, with the company at that time announcing an initial focus on sports content. However, they have previously stated that they will partner with many different creators in a variety of content areas.
In April, DraftKings and Meadowlark announced a content, distribution, monetization, and sponsorship agreement with Meadowlark Media centered on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”
Skipper is the former president of ESPN. He resigned from that position in 2017. He first joined ESPN in 1997 and took over as president in 2012. In addition to forming Meadowlark with Le Batard, Skipper is currently the executive chairman of Dazn Group.
Le Batard is a popular TV, radio and podcast host. He also worked at ESPN, leaving the...
- 11/1/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
John Skipper and Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media is expanding its footprint.
The two ESPN veterans have signed a first-look deal with Apple TV+. Under the multi-year deal, Meadowlark will develop and produce documentaries and unscripted series for the streaming platform.
Skipper, a former president of ESPN, and Le Batard, a former Miami Herald columnist turned radio and TV host at the cable sports giant, founded Meadowlark Media in January, a month after Le Batard and ESPN parted ways.
Le Batard has continued to host the Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz as a daily podcast after ESPN Radio stopped distributing it. Meadowlark ...
The two ESPN veterans have signed a first-look deal with Apple TV+. Under the multi-year deal, Meadowlark will develop and produce documentaries and unscripted series for the streaming platform.
Skipper, a former president of ESPN, and Le Batard, a former Miami Herald columnist turned radio and TV host at the cable sports giant, founded Meadowlark Media in January, a month after Le Batard and ESPN parted ways.
Le Batard has continued to host the Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz as a daily podcast after ESPN Radio stopped distributing it. Meadowlark ...
- 11/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
John Skipper and Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media is expanding its footprint.
The two ESPN veterans have signed a first-look deal with Apple TV+. Under the multi-year deal, Meadowlark will develop and produce documentaries and unscripted series for the streaming platform.
Skipper, a former president of ESPN, and Le Batard, a former Miami Herald columnist turned radio and TV host at the cable sports giant, founded Meadowlark Media in January, a month after Le Batard and ESPN parted ways.
Le Batard has continued to host the Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz as a daily podcast after ESPN Radio stopped distributing it. Meadowlark ...
The two ESPN veterans have signed a first-look deal with Apple TV+. Under the multi-year deal, Meadowlark will develop and produce documentaries and unscripted series for the streaming platform.
Skipper, a former president of ESPN, and Le Batard, a former Miami Herald columnist turned radio and TV host at the cable sports giant, founded Meadowlark Media in January, a month after Le Batard and ESPN parted ways.
Le Batard has continued to host the Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz as a daily podcast after ESPN Radio stopped distributing it. Meadowlark ...
- 11/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The WWE visited the World’s Greatest Arena Friday and continued to dominate the demo ratings, bringing in a healthy 0.6 on a relatively quiet evening.
This week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown on Fox was held live at Madison Square Garden in New York, and saw the return of Brock Lesnar and a surprise visit from NBA superstar guard (and notorious Garden “villain”) Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
The night was staged in front of a host of big time sports media, including Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi and Nick Wright, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg and Omar Raja, Meadowlark Media’s John Skipper and his partner, fashion entrepreneur Carmen Busquets[/link], Barstool Sports CEO Erika Nardini, producer Connor Schell, CAA’s Alan Gold[/link] and Matt Kramer, Roc Nation’s Lori York, and The Volume’s Logan Swaim.
Elsewhere, CBS offered Race Against Time: The CIA and 9/11, a special examining the agency...
This week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown on Fox was held live at Madison Square Garden in New York, and saw the return of Brock Lesnar and a surprise visit from NBA superstar guard (and notorious Garden “villain”) Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
The night was staged in front of a host of big time sports media, including Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi and Nick Wright, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg and Omar Raja, Meadowlark Media’s John Skipper and his partner, fashion entrepreneur Carmen Busquets[/link], Barstool Sports CEO Erika Nardini, producer Connor Schell, CAA’s Alan Gold[/link] and Matt Kramer, Roc Nation’s Lori York, and The Volume’s Logan Swaim.
Elsewhere, CBS offered Race Against Time: The CIA and 9/11, a special examining the agency...
- 9/11/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Meadowlark Media, the content company founded by former ESPN president John Skipper and radio and podcast host Dan Le Batard, has landed its first audio production deal. The company has been commissioned by the BBC to produce a new podcast for the series Sport’s Strangest Crimes.
“This is a victory in that we have a commission from a second buyer,” Skipper tells The Hollywood Reporter, adding that it builds on the deal signed with DraftKings for Le Batard’s programs. “We do have ambitions to be a global supplier of sports content, so for us it represents a step outside of the Le Batard ...
“This is a victory in that we have a commission from a second buyer,” Skipper tells The Hollywood Reporter, adding that it builds on the deal signed with DraftKings for Le Batard’s programs. “We do have ambitions to be a global supplier of sports content, so for us it represents a step outside of the Le Batard ...
- 8/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Meadowlark Media, the content company founded by former ESPN president John Skipper and radio and podcast host Dan Le Batard, has landed its first audio production deal. The company has been commissioned by the BBC to produce a new podcast for the series Sport’s Strangest Crimes.
“This is a victory in that we have a commission from a second buyer,” Skipper tells The Hollywood Reporter, adding that it builds on the deal signed with DraftKings for Le Batard’s programs. “We do have ambitions to be a global supplier of sports content, so for us it represents a step outside of the Le Batard ...
“This is a victory in that we have a commission from a second buyer,” Skipper tells The Hollywood Reporter, adding that it builds on the deal signed with DraftKings for Le Batard’s programs. “We do have ambitions to be a global supplier of sports content, so for us it represents a step outside of the Le Batard ...
- 8/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: CAA sports media agent Michael Klein is leaving the agency to form a management company with a specialty in audio and betting.
His client roster, includes ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Bomani Jones as well as Pft Commenter, the alter ego of Barstool Sports NFL writer Eric Sollenberger, will continue to be co-repped with CAA.
The new firm, Silver Tribe Media, will be based in LA.
Sports wagering has been dramatically expanding since the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in 2018 legalizing it in New Jersey. A number of other states have followed in legalizing betting, and businesses like DraftKings and FanDuel have grown along with the opportunity. Media companies have also jumped aboard the betting trend. With increasing numbers of athletes looking to establish a media presence, Klein sees Silver Tribe as a home for those looking to take that step.
“I’m excited to begin this next...
His client roster, includes ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Bomani Jones as well as Pft Commenter, the alter ego of Barstool Sports NFL writer Eric Sollenberger, will continue to be co-repped with CAA.
The new firm, Silver Tribe Media, will be based in LA.
Sports wagering has been dramatically expanding since the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in 2018 legalizing it in New Jersey. A number of other states have followed in legalizing betting, and businesses like DraftKings and FanDuel have grown along with the opportunity. Media companies have also jumped aboard the betting trend. With increasing numbers of athletes looking to establish a media presence, Klein sees Silver Tribe as a home for those looking to take that step.
“I’m excited to begin this next...
- 5/21/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
DraftKings is making another big media play: The sports-wagering site announced a multiyear content distribution, monetization and sponsorship agreement with Meadowlark Media, the digital media company formed by ex-ESPN boss John Skipper and ex-espn host Dan Le Batard.
As part of the deal, DraftKings secured rights to sports and pop-culture podcasts “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” and the “Le Batard & Friends Network.” The companies said they will distribute the shows across a wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels.
Under the deal, DraftKings will pay Meadowlark at least $50 million over three years, the Wall Street Journal reported.
According to DraftKings, the shows from Meadowlark will “prominently feature DraftKings’ odds, betting trends and general sportsbook and daily fantasy information.” In a statement, Le Batard addressed the new ownership situation: “To our fans, know that DraftKings is the reason you aren’t behind a paywall, and I...
As part of the deal, DraftKings secured rights to sports and pop-culture podcasts “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” and the “Le Batard & Friends Network.” The companies said they will distribute the shows across a wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels.
Under the deal, DraftKings will pay Meadowlark at least $50 million over three years, the Wall Street Journal reported.
According to DraftKings, the shows from Meadowlark will “prominently feature DraftKings’ odds, betting trends and general sportsbook and daily fantasy information.” In a statement, Le Batard addressed the new ownership situation: “To our fans, know that DraftKings is the reason you aren’t behind a paywall, and I...
- 4/27/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Dan Le Batard’s radio show finally has a new home. Sort of.
The former ESPN host’s flagship Dan Le Batard Show will be distributed by DraftKings as part of a wide-reaching distribution and content agreement between the sports-betting giant and Meadowlark Media, the content studio founded by Le Batard and former ESPN president John Skipper.
As part of the deal, DraftKings will distribute Meadowlark’s content “across a wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels,” with odds, betting trends and fantasy sports content integrated into the programming. In addition, DraftKings will also commission original programming that ...
The former ESPN host’s flagship Dan Le Batard Show will be distributed by DraftKings as part of a wide-reaching distribution and content agreement between the sports-betting giant and Meadowlark Media, the content studio founded by Le Batard and former ESPN president John Skipper.
As part of the deal, DraftKings will distribute Meadowlark’s content “across a wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels,” with odds, betting trends and fantasy sports content integrated into the programming. In addition, DraftKings will also commission original programming that ...
- 4/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Dan Le Batard’s radio show finally has a new home. Sort of.
The former ESPN host’s flagship Dan Le Batard Show will be distributed by DraftKings as part of a wide-reaching distribution and content agreement between the sports-betting giant and Meadowlark Media, the content studio founded by Le Batard and former ESPN president John Skipper.
As part of the deal, DraftKings will distribute Meadowlark’s content “across a wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels,” with odds, betting trends and fantasy sports content integrated into the programming. In addition, DraftKings will also commission original programming that ...
The former ESPN host’s flagship Dan Le Batard Show will be distributed by DraftKings as part of a wide-reaching distribution and content agreement between the sports-betting giant and Meadowlark Media, the content studio founded by Le Batard and former ESPN president John Skipper.
As part of the deal, DraftKings will distribute Meadowlark’s content “across a wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels,” with odds, betting trends and fantasy sports content integrated into the programming. In addition, DraftKings will also commission original programming that ...
- 4/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Legentil, a veteran of streaming service Dazn as well as Showtime and the NBA, has been named SVP and head of global communications for WWE Corp.
In steering communications strategy, he will report directly to Nick Khan, the former co-head of television at CAA who is now president and chief revenue officer at WWE. Khan will now oversee the company’s communications division.
Legentil will be based at the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Ct.
Khan shifted from CAA to WWE last August as founder Vince McMahon and his management team looked to position the wrestling-rooted organization as a media- and content-focused entity. Legentil’s arrival in a newly created post attests to that ongoing evolution.
Last week, Khan joined the company’s board of directors, along with former ESPN EVP of content Connor Schell and Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin. Before moving into sports,...
In steering communications strategy, he will report directly to Nick Khan, the former co-head of television at CAA who is now president and chief revenue officer at WWE. Khan will now oversee the company’s communications division.
Legentil will be based at the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Ct.
Khan shifted from CAA to WWE last August as founder Vince McMahon and his management team looked to position the wrestling-rooted organization as a media- and content-focused entity. Legentil’s arrival in a newly created post attests to that ongoing evolution.
Last week, Khan joined the company’s board of directors, along with former ESPN EVP of content Connor Schell and Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin. Before moving into sports,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Content startup Meadowlark Media has made a steady stream of news since former ESPN president John Skipper and ex-espn host Dan Le Batard announced the venture at the start of the year.
The Meadowlark partners signaled their ambition to cast a wide lens on sports, entertainment and culture by revealing that former ESPN personality Jemele Hill and “The Good Place” creator Michael Schur would serve as creative advisers for the company. Skipper, who serves as CEO, also confirmed that the venture has raised $12.6 million in private funding to build up its content pipeline.
“You get the sense when you talk to them that their cup runneth over,” Schur tells Variety of Meadowlark’s plans. “We’re in this kind of weird new world where there’s dozens and dozens of companies and outlets and production houses that are making content in a bunch of different ways.”
Early announcements include a new podcast from Hank Azaria,...
The Meadowlark partners signaled their ambition to cast a wide lens on sports, entertainment and culture by revealing that former ESPN personality Jemele Hill and “The Good Place” creator Michael Schur would serve as creative advisers for the company. Skipper, who serves as CEO, also confirmed that the venture has raised $12.6 million in private funding to build up its content pipeline.
“You get the sense when you talk to them that their cup runneth over,” Schur tells Variety of Meadowlark’s plans. “We’re in this kind of weird new world where there’s dozens and dozens of companies and outlets and production houses that are making content in a bunch of different ways.”
Early announcements include a new podcast from Hank Azaria,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Adnan Virk, a Canadian sports broadcaster whose nine-year run at ESPN ended abruptly in 2019, is reuniting with ex-colleagues Dan Le Batard and John Skipper at Meadowlark Media.
The emerging content company, which launched in January, will add Virk as a regular contributor starting in July. Le Batard was a popular host of Highly Questionable and Skipper had a nearly three-decade tenure at ESPN, including six years as president.
ESPN fired Virk, who had been on the rise at the network, in 2019. Reports at the time indicated that he had been accused of leaking confidential information to the media on more than one occasion. Virk denied the charges and later agreed with ESPN that both parties would abandon plans to sue each other in order for Virk to be let out of his contract.
Along with his lengthy sports career, which has also included stints at Canada’s Tsn and, more recently,...
The emerging content company, which launched in January, will add Virk as a regular contributor starting in July. Le Batard was a popular host of Highly Questionable and Skipper had a nearly three-decade tenure at ESPN, including six years as president.
ESPN fired Virk, who had been on the rise at the network, in 2019. Reports at the time indicated that he had been accused of leaking confidential information to the media on more than one occasion. Virk denied the charges and later agreed with ESPN that both parties would abandon plans to sue each other in order for Virk to be let out of his contract.
Along with his lengthy sports career, which has also included stints at Canada’s Tsn and, more recently,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Adnan Virk is joining John Skipper and Dan Le Betard’s Meadowlark Media as a regular contributor, TheWrap has learned exclusively. Virk will begin in July.
As part of the deal, Virk’s “Cinephile” podcast will become part of the “Le Betard & Friends” network.
Since 2016, Virk has offered weekly podcast reviews of the newest films and television as well as conversations with heavy hitters from the entertainment industry. “Cinephile” also offers historical perspective, recapping some of the most influential TV shows and films of all time.
Additionally, Virk will make appearances on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” and participate in Meadowlark projects in the future.
“I’ve been told by people who know such things that Adnan Virk has as much range as anyone in broadcasting, but I’ve simply never liked him,” said Le Batard. “That polish and happy energy is annoying and … what? We did what?...
As part of the deal, Virk’s “Cinephile” podcast will become part of the “Le Betard & Friends” network.
Since 2016, Virk has offered weekly podcast reviews of the newest films and television as well as conversations with heavy hitters from the entertainment industry. “Cinephile” also offers historical perspective, recapping some of the most influential TV shows and films of all time.
Additionally, Virk will make appearances on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” and participate in Meadowlark projects in the future.
“I’ve been told by people who know such things that Adnan Virk has as much range as anyone in broadcasting, but I’ve simply never liked him,” said Le Batard. “That polish and happy energy is annoying and … what? We did what?...
- 4/7/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Emerging content supplier Meadowlark Media has raised $12.6 million in Series A funding, CEO and co-founder John Skipper has announced.
Investors include Dazn (where Skipper was executive chairman), DraftKings, Wasserman and Michael Lynton, former Sony entertainment chief and now chairman of Snap.
The Series A funding will go toward building Meadowlark’s pipeline and helping it staff up in content and business development, according to a press release. While the company is at an early stage, it aims to take advantage of surging demand for programming. Emerging areas like podcasting and streaming have scaled dramatically in recent years, though there are still plenty of opportunities in more traditional sectors.
Skipper, who spent nearly three decades at ESPN, including a stint as president, co-founded Meadowlark with former colleague Dan Le Batard, who left ESPN at the start of 2021.
Meadowlark’s initial focus will be on sports-themed projects but it has broader ambitions.
Investors include Dazn (where Skipper was executive chairman), DraftKings, Wasserman and Michael Lynton, former Sony entertainment chief and now chairman of Snap.
The Series A funding will go toward building Meadowlark’s pipeline and helping it staff up in content and business development, according to a press release. While the company is at an early stage, it aims to take advantage of surging demand for programming. Emerging areas like podcasting and streaming have scaled dramatically in recent years, though there are still plenty of opportunities in more traditional sectors.
Skipper, who spent nearly three decades at ESPN, including a stint as president, co-founded Meadowlark with former colleague Dan Le Batard, who left ESPN at the start of 2021.
Meadowlark’s initial focus will be on sports-themed projects but it has broader ambitions.
- 4/1/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Meadowlark Media, the content company founded by former ESPN on-air host Dan Le Batard and former ESPN president John Skipper, has raised $12.6 million in a Series A funding round.
The company says that participants in the round included Dazn (where Skipper was most recently chairman), DraftKings, Snap Inc. chairman (and former Sony Pictures chief) Michael Lynton, Emj Ventures, Verance Capital, Wasserman and Carmen Busquets.
Meadowlark says that the initial round of funding will be used for key hires and to fund the first slate of projects. The first official project is a podcast hosted by Hank Azaria in character as ...
The company says that participants in the round included Dazn (where Skipper was most recently chairman), DraftKings, Snap Inc. chairman (and former Sony Pictures chief) Michael Lynton, Emj Ventures, Verance Capital, Wasserman and Carmen Busquets.
Meadowlark says that the initial round of funding will be used for key hires and to fund the first slate of projects. The first official project is a podcast hosted by Hank Azaria in character as ...
Meadowlark Media, the content company founded by former ESPN on-air host Dan Le Batard and former ESPN president John Skipper, has raised $12.6 million in a Series A funding round.
The company says that participants in the round included Dazn (where Skipper was most recently chairman), DraftKings, Snap Inc. chairman (and former Sony Pictures chief) Michael Lynton, Emj Ventures, Verance Capital, Wasserman and Carmen Busquets.
Meadowlark says that the initial round of funding will be used for key hires and to fund the first slate of projects. The first official project is a podcast hosted by Hank Azaria in character as ...
The company says that participants in the round included Dazn (where Skipper was most recently chairman), DraftKings, Snap Inc. chairman (and former Sony Pictures chief) Michael Lynton, Emj Ventures, Verance Capital, Wasserman and Carmen Busquets.
Meadowlark says that the initial round of funding will be used for key hires and to fund the first slate of projects. The first official project is a podcast hosted by Hank Azaria in character as ...
Jemele Hill and Mike Schur have thrown in with Meadowlark Media, the content studio startup focused on sports creators headed by former ESPN boss John Skipper and ex-espn host Dan Le Batard.
Earlier this month Skipper exited his post as executive chairman of sports-streaming company Dazn to focus on Meadowlark Media, which he launched in January with Le Batard. Hill in 2018 left ESPN, where she had cohosted an edition of “SportsCenter,” and is now a contributing writer at The Atlantic. Schur is creator of sitcom “The Good Place” and co-created “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Parks and Recreation” after serving as a writer and producer on “The Office.”
In their advisory roles, Hill and Schur will “participate in idea generation for new Meadowlark projects,” as well as provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, according to the company. They’ll also assist in business development efforts on an ongoing basis.
“With Jemele and Michael on board,...
Earlier this month Skipper exited his post as executive chairman of sports-streaming company Dazn to focus on Meadowlark Media, which he launched in January with Le Batard. Hill in 2018 left ESPN, where she had cohosted an edition of “SportsCenter,” and is now a contributing writer at The Atlantic. Schur is creator of sitcom “The Good Place” and co-created “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Parks and Recreation” after serving as a writer and producer on “The Office.”
In their advisory roles, Hill and Schur will “participate in idea generation for new Meadowlark projects,” as well as provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, according to the company. They’ll also assist in business development efforts on an ongoing basis.
“With Jemele and Michael on board,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN alum Jemele Hill and “Good Place” creator Michael Schur have joined Meadowlark Media today as creative advisers to founders John Skipper and Dan Le Batard, the newly launched content company announced Wednesday.
Per Meadowlark, “In this role, these award-winning creators will participate in idea generation for new Meadowlark projects, provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, and assist in business development efforts on an ongoing basis.”
Additionally, former ESPN employee Hill’s production company has set a first-look deal with Meadowlark on all sports-related projects.
Skipper and Le Batard, both formerly of ESPN, formed Meadlowlark Media in January, following Le Betard’s exit from the Disney-owned sports network. The duo describes their venture as having a “creator-centric point of view” and plan to “partner with industry-leading storytellers on a variety of content projects with an initial focus on sports.”
“This is a partnership that made too much sense. Skipper...
Per Meadowlark, “In this role, these award-winning creators will participate in idea generation for new Meadowlark projects, provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, and assist in business development efforts on an ongoing basis.”
Additionally, former ESPN employee Hill’s production company has set a first-look deal with Meadowlark on all sports-related projects.
Skipper and Le Batard, both formerly of ESPN, formed Meadlowlark Media in January, following Le Betard’s exit from the Disney-owned sports network. The duo describes their venture as having a “creator-centric point of view” and plan to “partner with industry-leading storytellers on a variety of content projects with an initial focus on sports.”
“This is a partnership that made too much sense. Skipper...
- 3/24/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Writer, podcaster and former ESPN personality Jemele Hill and Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-creator and prolific producer Mike Schur have joined Meadowlark Media as creative advisers.
Meadowlark is a content venture created in January and led by former ESPN president John Skipper and former TV host and columnist Dan Le Batard.
In their advisory roles, Hill and Schur will help generate ideas for new projects, provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, and assist in business development.
Meadowlark’s backers include billionaire Len Blavatnik, whose company owns streaming service Dazn. Skipper was executive chairman of Dazn until reuniting with Le Batard to form Meadowlark. Both worked with Hill at ESPN.
“This is a partnership that made too much sense. Skipper was one of my biggest champions while at ESPN and I have such deep, unconditional respect for Dan and greatly admire his boundless creativity,” Hill said in a press release. “At this stage in my career,...
Meadowlark is a content venture created in January and led by former ESPN president John Skipper and former TV host and columnist Dan Le Batard.
In their advisory roles, Hill and Schur will help generate ideas for new projects, provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, and assist in business development.
Meadowlark’s backers include billionaire Len Blavatnik, whose company owns streaming service Dazn. Skipper was executive chairman of Dazn until reuniting with Le Batard to form Meadowlark. Both worked with Hill at ESPN.
“This is a partnership that made too much sense. Skipper was one of my biggest champions while at ESPN and I have such deep, unconditional respect for Dan and greatly admire his boundless creativity,” Hill said in a press release. “At this stage in my career,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Meadowlark Media, the content company launched by former ESPN president John Skipper and ESPN radio and TV host Dan Le Batard, is bringing on board two high-profile additions as creative advisers.
Writer-producer Michael Schur (The Office, The Good Place, Parks & Recreation) and former ESPN host Jemele Hill will advise Meadowlark on current projects, assist in business development and help create new projects for the company.
The additions of Hill and Schur come after Meadowlark announced its first new project: A podcast hosted by Hank Azaria’s fictional sportscaster Jim Brockmire, a character popularized on the IFC program Brockmire.
“We’re quite lucky to have such talented and accomplished people ...
Writer-producer Michael Schur (The Office, The Good Place, Parks & Recreation) and former ESPN host Jemele Hill will advise Meadowlark on current projects, assist in business development and help create new projects for the company.
The additions of Hill and Schur come after Meadowlark announced its first new project: A podcast hosted by Hank Azaria’s fictional sportscaster Jim Brockmire, a character popularized on the IFC program Brockmire.
“We’re quite lucky to have such talented and accomplished people ...
- 3/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Meadowlark Media, the content company launched by former ESPN president John Skipper and ESPN radio and TV host Dan Le Batard, is bringing on board two high-profile additions as creative advisers.
Writer-producer Michael Schur (The Office, The Good Place, Parks & Recreation) and former ESPN host Jemele Hill will advise Meadowlark on current projects, assist in business development and help create new projects for the company.
The additions of Hill and Schur come after Meadowlark announced its first new project: A podcast hosted by Hank Azaria’s fictional sportscaster Jim Brockmire, a character popularized on the IFC program Brockmire.
“We’re quite lucky to have such talented and accomplished people ...
Writer-producer Michael Schur (The Office, The Good Place, Parks & Recreation) and former ESPN host Jemele Hill will advise Meadowlark on current projects, assist in business development and help create new projects for the company.
The additions of Hill and Schur come after Meadowlark announced its first new project: A podcast hosted by Hank Azaria’s fictional sportscaster Jim Brockmire, a character popularized on the IFC program Brockmire.
“We’re quite lucky to have such talented and accomplished people ...
- 3/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Six-time Emmy Award-winning actor Hank Azaria will reprise his role as Jim Brockmire on The Jim Brockmire Podcast, launching on April 7 on the Le Batard & Friends network. Azaria and Brockmire producer, Sheena Datt, are teaming up with Meadowlark Media to launch the pod which will feature Azaria reprising the critically acclaimed role of fabled sportscaster Jim Brockmire.
In each show, Brockmire will interview a guest with his inimitable, hard-ball style – debuting with Charles Barkley on Wednesday, April 7. The podcast will be available across all platforms on which Le Batard & Friends podcasts are currently published. The 10-episode run will feature guests across sports and entertainment including Joe Buck, Don Cheadle, Steve Cohen, Colin Cowherd, Rich Eisen, Jemele Hill, Dan Patrick, Ben Stiller and Joy Taylor. Datt will co-host and produce the podcast with Dave Thomason on board as writer for the show. Mike Ryan Ruiz (Le Batard & Friends producer) will serve as executive producer.
In each show, Brockmire will interview a guest with his inimitable, hard-ball style – debuting with Charles Barkley on Wednesday, April 7. The podcast will be available across all platforms on which Le Batard & Friends podcasts are currently published. The 10-episode run will feature guests across sports and entertainment including Joe Buck, Don Cheadle, Steve Cohen, Colin Cowherd, Rich Eisen, Jemele Hill, Dan Patrick, Ben Stiller and Joy Taylor. Datt will co-host and produce the podcast with Dave Thomason on board as writer for the show. Mike Ryan Ruiz (Le Batard & Friends producer) will serve as executive producer.
- 3/17/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
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