The Pivot, the widely acclaimed interview show hosted by former NFL athletes Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor, is ending its partnership with the global digital sports platform Fanatics. The video podcast initially struck a deal with Fanatics in May 2024, heralded by Clark as a “multiyear, exclusive partnership.” However, Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reports that the two sides mutually agreed to terminate the partnership in late 2024.
Since parting ways with Fanatics, The Pivot has already secured a prominent interview with seven-time NCAA champion coach and ESPN analyst Nick Saban. Glasspiegel further noted, “Pivot represented Fanatics’ first big foray into direct digital media sponsorship, but at the end of the year, the two sides reevaluated their commitment to each other, and it was decided that Pivot would be better off returning to be an independent platform, sources said.”
While The Pivot is exploring potential deals with other platforms and sponsors, as mentioned by Glasspiegel, “nothing is imminent.” An executive at The Pivot confirmed the transition, stating, “We were excited to partner and work with Fanatics, had some good moments throughout the experience, and look forward to continuing what has made The Pivot the impactful platform it is today,” said Alicia Zubikowski, the show’s executive producer and partner.
Since a $350 million fundraising event in 2021, Fanatics has broadened its reach beyond e-commerce and sportswear into areas such as sports gambling, collectibles, and content creation. The partnership with The Pivot was indicative of the company’s first major venture into content, though it concluded in less than a year. Given the substantial resources available to Fanatics and the influence of CEO Michael Rubin within the industry, it is unlikely this will be the last we hear of Fanatics engaging in sponsorships and licensing content as it aims to become a hub for sports enthusiasts.
