• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now
exclusive
Media

Fanatics and Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, Channing Crowder’s ‘Pivot’ Podcast Mutually Part Ways

The sponsorship deal between Fanatics and “The Pivot” podcast ended in late 2024, FOS has learned.

Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Ryan Clark on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Pivot podcast is moving in a new direction. 

The sponsorship deal between Fanatics and the podcast hosted by former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor ended in late 2024, representatives of both sides confirmed to Front Office Sports.

“We were excited to partner and work with Fanatics, had some good moments throughout the experience and looking forward to continuing doing what has made The Pivot the impactful platform it is today. Ryan, Channing and Fred embody a special connection and skill which is one of the most respected and entertaining in the industry—growing that will always be our mission,” Pivot’s executive producer and partner Alicia Zubikowski told FOS in a statement.

The podcast has continued producing content since the split, including a sit-down with Nick Saban. 

The partnership began last May, and Clark announced it as a multiyear deal in a post on X. 

Founded by Michael Rubin, Fanatics is a conglomerate including sports merchandise, collectibles (including trading cards and in-person events), and a sportsbook. 

Pivot represented Fanatics’ first big foray into direct digital media sponsorship, but at the end of the year the two sides reevaluated their commitment to each other and it was decided that Pivot would be better off returning to be an independent platform, sources said. 

Pivot is exploring future platform partnerships, but nothing is imminent. 

In addition to cohosting Pivot, Clark is a high-profile NFL analyst at ESPN and is part of Inside the NFL on The CW. Crowder is also an afternoon drive cohost on WQAM in Miami. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Flau'Jae Johnson

Flau’jae Johnson Picks LSU Over WNBA Draft

The LSU star and rapper will stay another year in school.
Dawn Staley

Women’s March Madness Has a Portal Problem. Can GMs Solve It?

Final Four coaches are calling agents and players between practices.
Mar 31, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) makes a heart symbol to the crowd after a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the USC Trojans at Spokane Arena.

Women’s Hoops Keeps Climbing: Clark’s Boom to Bueckers’s Moment

This year’s tournament has averaged 967,000 viewers.

Featured Today

Dec 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates during warm ups before their game against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center at San Jose

Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks Rookies Have Brought Good Vibes to a..

The rookie’s arrival has boosted spirits incongruously high inside the flagging franchise.
Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
April 1, 2025

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion
April 1, 2025

Inside the 24-Hour NIL March Madness Deals

Some of the most viral partnerships come together overnight.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
hard-knocks-2020

NFL Expands ‘Hard Knocks’ Pool of Teams: Who’s Eligible for 2025?

The NFL is relaxing rules surrounding its reality TV show.
Feb 2, 2025; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Rory McIlroy (right) is interviewed by CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz (left) on the 18th hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
April 2, 2025

Final Four Snags Jim Nantz’s Masters Plan Even After Retirement

Nantz’s final NCAA tournament on the call for CBS was in 2023.
NWSL
April 2, 2025

NWSL Could Make Tens of Millions Selling New TV Games

Almost 200 games are up for grabs over the next two years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
April 1, 2025

March Madness Ratings Dip After Record Start: Will Final Four Deliver?

Viewership had been at a record pace through the opening rounds.
April 1, 2025

Yankees RSN, Comcast Reach Deal After FCC Pressure

The deal keeps the regional sports network on an expanded basic tier.
Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a television camera operator during the game between the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
March 31, 2025

Sources: NFL ‘Virtual Lock’ to Opt Out of Media-Rights Deals

Data continues to support an early opt-out of the league’s rights.
March 31, 2025

Former ESPN Reporter Zach Lowe Rejoins Bill Simmons at The Ringer

Lowe worked with Ringer co-founder Bill Simmons at Grantland.