Written by: Stanley M.

Honest Talk: Athlete-Hosted Podcasts Shaking Sports Media

The terrain of sports media is amidst a remarkable metamorphosis. The advent and proliferation of podcasts anchored by sports veterans have emerged as an undeniable sensation. This trend appears to be magnetizing audiences away from classic sports media bastions such as ESPN. The ‘Joe Budden’ ripple, hallmarked by unreserved and frank dialogues, appears to be aligning with audience proclivities.

Ex-athletes, armed with a treasure trove of experiences, can impart wisdom and tales that conventional sports pundits might not fully grasp. Moreover, the relaxed and dialogue-driven milieu of these podcasts seems to resonate with the youth. A salient catalyst in athletes’ motivation to helm their own podcasts is the pursuit of genuine self-expression and governance over the tales woven around them:

“I’m not saying that the media is always off target, but they don’t know what it’s like to be in the trenches. They don’t know what it’s like to play the game at the zenith. So sometimes, they falter.”

LeBron James

“The media is on a perpetual quest for a story, and sometimes they’ll conjure one out of vapors. They don’t always have their facts aligned, and can be hypercritical of athletes. It’s challenging, but essential to learn to sidestep it.”

Tom Brady

“The media is interwoven with the game, but it’s pivotal to recall that they’re not shoulder to shoulder with you on the field. They can’t fathom the pressure of erring before 70,000 spectators. So sometimes, a grain of skepticism is necessary.”

Serena Williams

“The media wields influence, but it’s crucial to understand that they’re not the oracle. They harbor biases, and can be inequitable. Being vigilant and speaking out for oneself is indispensable.”

Megan Rapinoe

Mainstream media is often indicted for sensationalism or lacking the granularity only accessible to those who have donned the players’ jerseys. These platforms facilitate athletes to communicate unmediated by conventional media, thus forging a profound bond with the masses.

Having traversed the underpinnings of athletes’ affinity for these platforms, let’s dive into an assortment of distinguished podcasts that exemplify the earnest and straight-talking tenor athlete-driven shows embody.

Podcasts of Note hosted by Athletes:

I Am Athlete: Hosted by Brandon Marshall, Adam “Pacman” Jones, LeSean McCoy, and Chad Johnson, this riveting podcast merits the attention of sports aficionados. The discourse is wide-ranging encompassing the NFL, NBA, and boxing. The hosts’ no-holds-barred banter is a standout feature. Furthermore, the hosts have dialogued with luminaries in the sports cosmos.

All The Smoke: Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes helm this vibrant podcast with a spotlight on the NBA. Featuring interviews with current and past players, the duo is renowned for igniting dialogues and shaking things up.

Pull Up: CJ McCollum orchestrates this enthralling podcast that takes a deep dive into the NBA sphere. Through intimate interviews with both current and past players, McCollum deploys his experiential lens to give an extraordinary vantage point. Acclaimed for stimulating and engaging dialogue, he keeps the audience hooked.

The Shop by LeBron James: Following a lively talk show format, James and guests partake in electrifying exchanges covering an eclectic mix of subjects. The podcast is lauded for broaching critical societal matters and for its kaleidoscope of guest speakers.

The Joe Budden Podcast: Joe Budden, an ex-rapper, hosts this multifaceted podcast covering sports, pop culture, and human relationships. With razor-sharp wit and fearless expression, Budden has garnered a diverse following.

The Draymond Green Show: Draymond Green, NBA champion, hosts this all-encompassing podcast. Green’s astute wit and candor win over a broad audience.

The Cam’ron Podcast: Cam’ron, a former rapper and actor, navigates an array of topics from music to sports. Cam’ron’s unique perspective ensures an unforgettable ride through the realm of entertainment.

The ETCs with Kevin Durant: This podcast opts for a traditional route, with interviews featuring a diverse set of guests. Durant’s unfeigned tone and adept interviewing skills have won him acclaim.

Podcast by Paul George: This NBA All-Star hosts an engrossing podcast delving into basketball, popular culture, and self-growth. George’s unpretentious interviewing style enamors the NBA community.

As Paul George’s “The Podcast” exemplifies the revolutionary essence athletes are injecting into media, this is not an isolated occurrence. ESPN has been jolted by this paradigm shift. Now, let’s examine the seismic waves this ascent in athlete-centric platforms is sending through the bedrock of this long-reigning colossus in sports broadcasting.

On June 30, 2023, ESPN revealed that it would be streamlining its workforce by around 300 employees. The streamlining impacted employees ubiquitously, including on-air talent, production, and digital.

Prominent individuals impacted include: Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, and Keyshawn Johnson. Formerly unchallenged, ESPN has observed an exodus of viewers. The network cited the need to reposition for sustainable growth as a rationale for the layoffs.

A key contributor to this downslide is the burgeoning athlete-hosted podcasts. By engaging with audiences through an unvarnished lens and addressing an amalgam of topics, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and LeBron James have resonated with younger demographics.

Strikingly, ESPN’s contractual ties with titanic sports leagues like NBA and NFL, which have been its bastions, have not adapted to the advent of “new media.” The contractual flexibility has emboldened active athletes to venture into these platforms, often producing content that’s magnetizing modern audiences. For instance, “I Am Athlete” has accrued over 1 million subscribers on YouTube.

In the wake of athlete-hosted podcasts, sports media is undergoing a monumental shift. These platforms arm athletes with the means to divulge their wisdom and grant audiences a peek into their personal worlds, enhancing diversity. As the preferences of sports enthusiasts evolve, legacy sports media must either acclimate or confront the peril of obsolescence. This seismic shift in media ecosystems suggests the need for ESPN to rethink its contractual strategies in view of the evolving landscape.

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