Friday, July 24, 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

Jul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham’s Unlikely Path to WNBA Stardom

The reserve guard has become one of the WNBA’s most famous players.

The 2030 World Cup Wish List

FIFA is at a crossroads on several key issues.
Jul 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Sutter Health Park.

Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams Firm Buys Stake in A’s

It’s the first investment by Harbinger Sports Partners, which formed last May.

Peacock Turns Profit 6 Years After Launch—With World Cup Bump

The streaming service reached a long-awaited “milestone.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/24/26 – Mark Cuban Buys Into A’s, Raiders Sign Mendoza, Sophie Cunningham’s Meteoric Rise

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.
Jul 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

USA Today Updates Caitlin Clark Column After Backlash

Armour’s column was “clearly labeled as Opinion,” USA Today tells FOS.
July 23, 2026

Will World Cup Lead to More Afternoon Games?

The historic World Cup success shows a new approach to scheduling.
Bussin' With The Boys Josh Pate
Exclusive
July 23, 2026

ESPN to Launch CFB Show With Josh Pate, ‘BWTB’ Hosts

The show will air on Fridays.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Jul 19, 2026; Southport, ENG; Ryan Fox holds the Claret Jug after winning the The Open Championship golf tournament, as he is interviewed by NBC’s Mike Tiroco at Royal Birkdale.
July 22, 2026

All Four Golf Majors Saw TV Ratings Spike This Year

Sunday was The Open’s most-watched final round since 2022.
July 22, 2026

Trail Blazers Slash Broadcast Team As Dundon Keeps Cutting Costs

The majority of Portland’s broadcast team has been laid off.
Cam Newton and Ryan Clark share a laugh during ESPN First Take at Bethune-Cookman University during the show’s HBCU fall tour, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
July 22, 2026

5 Takeaways From ESPN’s Latest Layoffs

Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, and Karl Ravech were among those laid off.
July 22, 2026

Jays, Leafs Owner to Put Stake in Sports Empire Up for Sale

The dominant Canadian entity continues to make large-scale moves.