Tuesday, June 16, 2026

ESPN’s Big Day

The company made some major splashes on Wednesday.

The two promise to deliver high-quality branded content. (FOS Illustration)


Cycle

In a race to create the best social media content in sports, ESPN just upped their game.

As reported by Adage, the ‘Worldwide Leader’ will partner with Cycle to create high-quality branded content for brands that are already advertising with ESPN.

Cycle, the brainchild of Jason Stein, is know for its culturally relevant digital content as well as its work with brands such as Nike.

It will be interesting to see where this partnership goes, but expect to see an incredible collaboration between the two and some really, really good content.

Pardon My Take

The popular podcast is set to come to life on TV. (Image via PodcastOne)

According to multiple reports, ESPN and the popular podcast are close to reaching a deal that will bring a show based on the podcast to ESPN2.

After a successful showing for Barstool with the Barstool Rundown on Comedy Central earlier this year, reports surfaced that the company was shopping a late-night show to networks including FS1.

If everything stands true to what sources are saying, this could be a major steal for ESPN and a huge boost to the promise made by Barstool’s president Dave Portnoy when he said that he would take the company ‘to the moon’ after its acquisition by The Chernin Group in 2016.

Katie Nolan

Nolan on the set of her

In another blow to FS1, one of their most popular personalities has jumped ship and joined ESPN.

According to a release put out by the company, Nolan will have a prominent digital presence while also making appearances across ESPN studio programming.

While what she will be doing and covering has still yet to be determined, expect her presence to help deliver ESPN even more high-quality and engaging digital content.


This piece has been presented to you by SMU’s Master of Science in Sport Management.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

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

Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson holds the Finals MVP trophy during the championship celebration after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Knicks-Spurs Draws Most-Watched NBA Finals Since 1998

The Knicks’ series-clinching Game 5 attracted 24.5 million viewers.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Spain v Cape Verde - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - June 15, 2026 Spain's Pau Cubarsi misses a chance to score REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Exclusive

Fox Frustrated by ESPN’s Lack of World Cup Coverage

Fox took over from ESPN as the World Cup rights holder in 2018.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) scores on a rebound against San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in the fourth quarter during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Epic Knicks Game 4 Comeback Drew 20.9 Million ABC Viewers

The instant classic extends a heady viewership run for ABC . 

Featured Today

Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
June 3, 2026

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

Midge Purce Sounds Off on the Trinity Rodman Rule

Midge Purce discusses the Rodman Rule and the future of NWSL.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Lasik Is Trolling Refs and Offering Them Free Eye Surgery

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Pulls Out of Super Bowl Ad Amid Fire Backlash

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
Exclusive
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto Purse

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.