• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 20, 2025

Colin Kaepernick Signs Partnership Deal with Disney, ESPN

  • Disney’s first-look deal extends across all platforms, including ESPN, Walt Disney TV, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated.
  • Kaepernick has asked ex-ESPN anchor Jemele Hill to work alongside ESPN Films as a producer on his life story.
Colin Kaepernick announced a first-look production deal with The Walt Disney Co. and ESPN on Monday. ESPN Films will produce exclusive docu-series on his life.
Photo Credit: ESPN

While Colin Kaepernick’s future on the football field remains to be seen, the former NFL quarterback who has inspired thousands of athletes to take a knee for social justice is evolving into a growing media brand.

On July 6, the Walt Disney Co. announced a first-look production deal with Kaepernick and his production arm Ra Vision Media. That will include ESPN Films producing an exclusive docuseries on his life. The first-look deal extends across all Walt Disney platforms, including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated.

The partnership will produce “scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity” and will “showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers,” according to a release. 

“During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters,” Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger said in a statement. “Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture, and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”

The deal marks something of an about-face for ESPN on two fronts. It is a continued reversal of ESPN’s prior strategy to avoid mixing sports and politics, with ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro now leaning into politics during a U.S. presidential election year via the new deal with Kaepernick. 

It also marks a comeback by Jemele Hill. ESPN canceled her 6 p.m. SportsCenter with Michael Smith, then bought out her contract in 2018. But Kapernick has enlisted Hill as a producer on the first project in development. Hill, a contributing writer for The Athletic, is also launching a new talk show for Vice TV this summer with former ESPN colleague Cari Champion. 

The 32-year old former San Francisco 49ers QB will share his life story with Hill and ESPN’s Connor Schell, Libby Geist, and Kevin Merida. ESPN Films recently scored a critical and rating triumph with its Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls documentary, “The Last Dance.” The unit previously won ESPN’s first Oscar for “O.J.: Made in America” in 2016.

Said Kaepernick in a statement: “I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives. I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”

READ MORE: Q&A: Jemele Hill Opens Up on Bubba Wallace, NFL Protests and ESPN

Pitaro said he wants ESPN to tell stories through a “wide array” of voices. 

“Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice, it feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations,” Pitaro said in a statement.

With the NFL’s 32 teams still reluctant to sign him to a deal, Kaepernick has been expanding his media brand.

On June 29, Netflix announced he would be the subject of a six-part series called “Colin in Black and White.” Kaepernick will serve as the narrator and executive producer on the series. Previously, he joined Medium’s board of directors as the site’s sole minority board member. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.
@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood, left, celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix with team co-owner Dan Towriss in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss Defends  $700 Million Apple Deal

“We’re going to have a bigger reach than what people think.”
Hansi Flick

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.

Featured Today

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of an NBA basketball and backyard and NBA logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Tries to Solve Fragmentation Issue It Helped Create

A new “Tap to Watch” feature will direct fans to live games.
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) attempts to make a catch over Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) in the first half at Ohio Stadium.
October 16, 2025

SEC Games Help ABC Dominate College Football Ratings at Midseason

Texas–Ohio State on Fox remains the most-watched game of the season.
Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of ESPN broadcast camera during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
October 16, 2025

ESPN’s New NBA Segment Resists Hot Takes

LeBron James tweeted in favor of the new segment.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
October 14, 2025

WNBA Finals Draws 1.5M Viewers, Second-Highest Series on ESPN

The four-game series averaged 1.5 million viewers.
MLS
October 14, 2025

MLS Publishes Unchecked AI-Generated Game Recaps

Humans are not reviewing the articles for accuracy.
Micah Parsons
exclusive
October 14, 2025

NFL Scorigami Creator Blames Glitches on Twitter Platform Changes

The bot has been glitching all NFL season, and fans have noticed.
Sep 5, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia embraces after their match in the semifinal of the men’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
October 13, 2025

Six Kings Slam Returns With Record $6M Prize, Netflix Deal

The Six Kings Slam is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.