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Thursday, February 5, 2026
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John Skipper Wants Katie Nolan, Michelle Beadle For Meadowlark

  • Beadle and Nolan rose to stardom at ESPN during Skipper’s tenure as CEO.
  • Nolan announced she’s leaving ESPN on Wednesday.
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Editor’s note: This is a developing story; please check back for updates. 

Meadowlark Media CEO John Skipper says he’s interested in both Katie Nolan and Michelle Beadle for his creator-centric startup with Dan Le Batard.

“Yes, I enjoyed working with them. Yes, I think they’re talented. Of course, Meadowlark would be interested,” Skipper told Front Office Sports Thursday.

Both Nolan and Beadle rose to stardom at ESPN during Skipper’s reign as CEO.

Nolan announced on Twitter Wednesday she’s leaving ESPN after four years. After a two-year layoff, Beadle wants back in the sports media game, said sources.

As with other former ESPN talents like Le Batard and Jemele Hill who work with or for Meadowlark, both Nolan and Beadle would have editorial freedom, added Skipper.

“I have had good experiences in the past working with both Michelle and Katie. I think they’re both very talented individuals,” he said. 

“At Meadowlark, we do want to recruit talented people. We’re prepared to recruit people — and give them editorial freedom — in what they say. We’re interested in people we think can range across a variety of genres. They both qualify for all that.”

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