Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Exclusive
Media

Former ESPN President John Skipper Leaving Meadowlark Media

Meadowlark Media co-founder John Skipper is leaving the company.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; ESPN president John Skipper during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Meadowlark Media co-founder John Skipper is leaving the company, sources told Front Office Sports.

Skipper, the former ESPN president, co-founded the company with host Dan Le Batard in early 2021. The company signed a reported three-year contract worth $51 million with DraftKings as the presenting sponsor, and later extended the deal.  Le Batard has stated publicly on his show that their contract with the sportsbook is coming up.

It was not immediately clear what the new leadership structure will be for Meadowlark’s business. 

One source said that Meadowlark will be aiming to focus more on its podcasts, including The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz and Pablo Torre Finds Out. There will be less of an emphasis on documentary content, although it will not totally go away, the source said. 

In between ESPN and Meadowlark, Skipper was executive chairman at DAZN. Skipper could not immediately be reached for comment.

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

Buss Family Drama Brewing After Reported Lakers Sale

Jeanie Buss is contradicting a report that her family will sell.

LIV Golf Finally Cancels Its $40M Michigan Finale

This week’s tournament in Indianapolis will be LIV’s season finale.
Kurt Warner
Exclusive

ESPN Closes In on Announce Teams for NFL Network Games

It remains “fluid” whether Jason Kelce will join some game broadcasts.
Aug 7, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Johnson tees off on the 16th hole during the second round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.

LIV Vendors Say They’re Unpaid As League Seeks to Stay Afloat

LIV’s funding from the Saudi PIF is ending this month.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Jessica Pegula on the US Open, WTA Sex Testing, and More.

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
August 16, 2026

Stephen A. Smith Vows to Fire Back at NABJ Over ‘Award’

“You had your turn, now mine is coming,” he wrote.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; CBS analyst J.J. Watt on the field before Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
August 17, 2026

J.J. Watt’s CBS Rise Could Reshape the NFL Analyst Pecking Order

Watt will serve as CBS’s top game analyst in Tony Romo’s absence.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Exclusive
August 14, 2026

NFL’s Tom Brady Rules Are Back and Now Apply to Troy Aikman, Too

Aikman was involved in the Dolphins’ GM and coach hires this offseason.
Mar 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
August 13, 2026

Lakers Join Sixers, Knicks, Spurs Atop NBA’s National TV Slate

The Thunder, meanwhile, will play 30 national TV games this season.
Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; A detailed view of the ESPN Monday Night Football touchdown Pylon on the field at Levi's Stadium.
August 13, 2026

ESPN Kicks Off Increased NFL Preseason Presence After Equity Deal

The ESPN app has 12 out-of-market preseason broadcasts.
Exclusive
August 13, 2026

Jimmy Traina, Sal Licata, John Jastremski Joining Media Start-Up

Traina left Sports Illustrated earlier this week.