• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Bill Simmons Expected to Stay at The Ringer and Spotify on New Deal

The executive and podcaster is expected to reach a contract extension with Spotify to remain head of The Ringer with his old deal set to expire in February.

Bill Simmons
ESPN

Bill Simmons is expected to run it back.

Simmons is closing on a new deal to remain with The Ringer and parent company Spotify, Front Office Sports has confirmed. Semafor first reported that Simmons is “set to renew” his contract, which was set to expire next month.

There had been hints that Simmons was staying. Sources told FOS that Simmons has been involved in the recruitment of talent who would work for The Ringer well beyond the expiration of his deal in February. He also had said on his podcast that he was excited to have Todd McShay’s NFL Draft coverage on the platform this year. 

Spokespeople for Simmons and Spotify did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Simmons founded The Ringer in 2016 and sold it to Spotify for $250 million in 2020. He was later given the title Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization at Spotify, the Swedish audio behemoth.

There have been murmurs in industry circles that Simmons could work out a collaboration for a return to ESPN in some capacity in the future. ESPN leadership, including chairman Jimmy Pitaro and president of content Burke Magnus, have been aggressive in maneuvering to work with big stars.

According to a source with knowledge of ESPN, nothing is imminent, but the company would be open to working with Simmons again if there’s a compelling opportunity. An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.

Beyond his podcast at ESPN, Simmons spearheaded Grantland, in many ways the spiritual predecessor of The Ringer. He also co-created the 30 for 30 documentary series with former ESPN executive Connor Schell, and was an analyst for two seasons on NBA Countdown. He was fired by former ESPN president John Skipper in 2015 after making remarks critical of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. 

I reported last year that Simmons was a looming free agent, and there was some friction with Spotify management over his autonomy to recruit and sign talent. A spokesperson for Simmons dismissed that report as “incorrect and idle speculation” at the time, while a Spotify spokesperson said the company was looking forward to continuing its partnership with The Ringer.

One of the companies that Simmons had exploratory conversations with during the months of his expiring contract was Fanatics, sources told FOS. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the pick for the Athletics pick during the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy.

Manfred Says MLB Had Wrong Approach to Creators Like Jomboy

“You gotta go where people are going,” the commissioner said.
(NCL_OSU_11_SUGAR_LAURON 04JAN11) Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) slips around the Arkansas Razorbacks defense during first half of the Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, January 4, 2011.

Terrelle Pryor’s Case for NIL Backpay Dismissed in Court

Pryor played seven years in the NFL after leaving OSU amid a scandal.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.

Netflix Beats Projections Again—and Plots Big Holiday Sports Slate

The streaming giant again beats analyst projections in every respect.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in the swing off of after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park.
July 16, 2025

MLB All-Star Game Viewership Dips Despite Historic Swing-Off

Game viewership falls 3% despite late dramatics in the unique tiebreaker.
July 17, 2025

ESPN Bidding Against NBC, Apple for MLB Rights Package

The league continues to negotiate with multiple media-rights bidders.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 15, 2025

MLB Home Run Derby Draws 5.7M Viewers on ESPN, Up 5%

ESPN reverses the trend from last year and registers audience growth.
July 15, 2025

WNBA Hits Fourth-Highest ABC Viewership With Clark-Bueckers Duel

Clark missed the first Fever vs. Wings game with an injury.
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark
exclusive
July 15, 2025

‘Good Morning America’ Will Air From WNBA All-Star in First

The All-Star Game’s relevance has exploded with the league in recent years.
NBC Sports
exclusive
July 14, 2025

NBC Hiring Ex-Hawks Exec Grant Liffmann As NBA Front Office Insider

Liffmann spent the last three years with Atlanta after covering the Warriors.