Skipper, Le Batard Look to Raise Millions

John Skipper and Dan Le Batard are seeking $10-$15 million in initial financing for their new sports content venture Meadowlark Media. 

“Skipper would rather have 10 investors chipping in a million dollars apiece — than one investor giving him $10 million,” a source told Front Office Sports. A range of investors offers more opportunity for the creative and financial freedom the duo desires.

Despite Skipper’s current role as Executive Chairman of DAZN, Meadowlark will not operate as part of the global sports streaming service. DAZN parent Access Industries will support Meadowlark while Skipper and Le Batard seek outside investors, however. DAZN could also invest in Meadowlark.

• Some of the cash for Meadowlark will come from a pending deal for Le Batard’s radio show and podcast. 
• Possible suitors for his shows include Spotify, SiriusXM and iHeartRadio, sources said.

The new venture won’t be a consumer company — content won’t be posted on a platform called Meadowlark. Instead, it will be a business-to-business outfit that sells premium sports and entertainment content to third parties, potentially including streaming services or TV networks.