Saturday, June 6, 2026
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. 

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

NBA Finals Game 4 Tickets Hit $15K After Knicks Go Up 2-0

The ticket resale market surges again after the Knicks claim another win.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the first half during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.

NBA Finals Game 1 Viewership Is Highest Since 2019

Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs is Friday.
Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.

Bears Taking New $5B Stadium Plans Across State Line to Indiana

The decision arrived just four days after political inaction by Illinois leaders.

Featured Today

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

‘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.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN analysts Richard Jefferson (left) and Tim Legler (center) and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.

ESPN’s Tim Legler: ‘I Don’t Think About Coaching Anymore’

Legler is making his NBA Finals broadcasting debut.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
June 4, 2026

ESPN Braces for More Layoffs

The cuts are expected to affect both talents and non-camera-facing employees.
June 5, 2026

Stanley Cup Final Viewership for Game 1 Nearly Doubles on ABC

The Vegas win was the most-watched Stanley Cup Final opener since 2019.
Sponsored

Landon Donovan: What Soccer in America Still Needs

Landon Donovan discusses the evolution of soccer in America and investing in the NWSL.
exclusive
June 4, 2026

ESPN Evaluating AI Promos After Tony Parker Backlash

The network says it used AI for portraits of Parker and others.
June 4, 2026

Duke-Michigan Hoops Moving to MLB Ballpark to Skirt Rights Issue

The crux of the move is due to media-rights complications.
June 3, 2026

Spurs-Thunder Outdraws Last Year’s NBA Finals 

The 2025 NBA Finals drew 10.27 million viewers.
June 2, 2026

NHL Set to Enter Rights Talks With ESPN, TNT As Ratings Climb

The league’s recent run of heady viewership gives it greater bargaining power.