Saturday, July 18, 2026

Rob Gronkowski, Family to Host UFC 278 ‘GronkCast’

  • Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions is producing the ‘ManningCast’ spinoff.
  • Guests for the telecast include Chuck Liddell, Paddy Pimblett, and Molly McCann.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Viewers tuning in to this weekend’s UFC 278 will be able to watch with one of sports’ most famous families.

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions — the production company behind ESPN’s “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” aka the “ManningCast” — is making the final preparations for “UFC 278 with The Gronks,” an alternative telecast featuring Rob Gronkowski, his brothers Chris, Dan, Glenn, and Gordie Jr., and his father Gordon.

Like the ManningCast, the “GronkCast” will feature guest interviews during the event. For Saturday’s inaugural show, the Gronkowskis will talk with UFC legend Chuck Liddell, as well as rising stars Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann.

Of course, ESPN had to adjust the format of the telecast to fit the parameters of a UFC pay-per-view.

The Gronkcast will be on ESPN and ESPN+ from 9-10 p.m. ET, then move over to ESPN+ exclusively for the rest of the event.

Those who purchase the pay-per-view will get access to the traditional stream with commentators Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Joe Rogan, as well as the Gronk stream.

In an interview with Variety, Peyton Manning said that Omaha Productions “jumped at the opportunity” to work with the Gronkowskis on the project.

“His team is the one that reached out about possibly doing something once they knew we were looking to expand,” he said. “You could not get a more perfect group of guys to host it.”

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

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
Nate Burleson Front Office Sports

Nate Burleson: ‘I’d Gladly Take a Pay Cut’ for CBS to Hire Travis Kelce

Burleson also had high praise for CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson.
2026 ESPY Awards New York Knicks

5 Takeaways From the 2026 ESPY Awards

The annual ESPN awards show returned to New York this year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Silver Wants LeBron Decision So NBA Can Finalize Schedule

James’s free agency choice will help shape the NBA’s national TV schedule.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) bats in the second round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.
July 17, 2026

Home Run Derby Ratings Drop 7% on Netflix

The event’s pivot to streaming results in a slightly lower average audience.
Gilbert Arenas Podcast Playmaker
Exclusive
July 17, 2026

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Lands at Playmaker After Underdog Exit

Arenas recently departed Underdog after three years.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of fireworks over Citizens Bank Park during the fourth inning of the All-Star Game.
July 16, 2026

MLB All-Star Game Ratings Get a Boost From World Cup

The midseason showcase’s audience rises with a World Cup lead-in.
Adam Friedland
July 15, 2026

How the World Cup Turned Adam Friedland Into a Sports Pundit

The comedian says he’ll continue to create sports content post–World Cup.
Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
July 15, 2026

Can Jon Gruden Reinvent Himself on Play-by-Play?

Gruden will reportedly call a Buccaneers’ preseason game next month.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA- JULY 13: during the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry / Netflix)
Opinion
July 14, 2026

Netflix Bounces Back With Home Run Derby Debut

After its panned coverage of Opening Night, Netflix focused on the field.