Friday, May 8, 2026

Athlete Engagement Through Documentaries

  • Simone Biles is the subject of an upcoming documentary.
  • “Simone vs Herself” will be produced by Tom Brady’s Religion of Sports.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Simone Biles is the latest superstar to allow cameras to document her life. 

“Simone vs Herself,” produced by Tom Brady’s Religion of Sports, will premiere on Facebook Watch ahead of the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

“What’s amazing about Simone is that, in the history of sports and certainly the history of her sport, there’s never been anyone quite like her,” said Gotham Chopra, Religion of Sports co-founder and chief creative officer. “At 23, she’s considered the Tom Brady of her sport [age-wise], but she’s still the best.”

Other recent athlete-endorsed docs:

  • “Stephen vs The Game” — with Steph Curry, also directed by Chopra for Facebook Watch.
  • “The Last Dance” — the wildly successful tour de force about Michael Jordan’s career with the Chicago Bulls.
  • “D. Wade: Life Unexpected” — a decade-long examination of Dwyane Wade for ESPN’s “30 for 30” series. 
  • “The Carter Effect” — a 2017 documentary on Vince Carter’s impact on Toronto, produced by Uninterrupted, a production company co-founded by LeBron James.

Tom Brady has already been the focus of one Religion of Sports series on Facebook Watch, “Tom vs Time,” that detailed his 2017 season. Another series, “Man in the Arena,” is scheduled to run in nine parts on ESPN+ later this year.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

PGA Tour to Loosen Social Media Restrictions on Players

Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube ambitions could still prevent his return.
Matt Palumb

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) goes up for a rebound against Connecticut Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) and Connecticut Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) in the first half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Expanded Basketball Tournaments Will Yield NCAA $50M a Year

The deal guarantees the NCAA will be able to cover additional operating expenses.
Potawatomi Sports Book patrons watch from the bar the University of Wisconsin men play UCLA on Friday, March 14, 2025. The venue is open for the first time during March Madness and is expecting to be busy over the next few weeks in Milwaukee.

Live Sports Streaming Ad Market Rife With Fraud, Experts Say

The rise of streaming has led to issues with ad sales.

Featured Today

May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.

Napheesa Collier Admits Engelbert Rant Was For CBA Leverage

The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a new labor deal in March.
Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium.
May 5, 2026

Sabalenka, Gauff Suggest Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Share

“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament,” Sabalenka said.
May 6, 2026

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park.
May 5, 2026

Skubal’s Elbow Surgery Puts Free-Agent Record in Doubt

The star pitcher will likely be out of action for at least two months.
Apr 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Justin Rose watches his tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Cadillac Championship golf tournament.
May 1, 2026

McLaren Golf CEO: Price Point of $375 Irons ‘Justified’

The luxury car maker is now in the golf game.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dribbles against Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
April 29, 2026

AJ Dybantsa Has Big NBA Plans. He’ll Chase Them While Wearing Nike

“Around sixth grade, that was my first dunk.”
Brendan Sorsby runs with the ball during the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
April 27, 2026

Texas Tech QB Sorsby to Seek Treatment for Gambling Addiction

The NCAA has reportedly opened an investigation into Sorsby’s betting activity.