Tuesday, July 7, 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 5, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Norway forward Erling Haaland (9) scores his teams second goal of the match against Brazil during a Round of 16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Bidding for Next World Cup Rights Could Start at $1B

Fox paid $485 million for the rights to the 2026 World Cup.
Sep 29, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Brad Stevens Preaches ‘Optionality’ in Defense of Jaylen Brown Trade

The Celtics executive conceded that the trade wasn’t popular with fans.

Everything You Need to Know About the Trump-FIFA-Balogun Mess

Balogun will play in the USMNT’s World Cup game Monday night.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/7/26 – USMNT Eliminated by Belgium, Trump’s FIFA Call Scrutinized, Tiger Woods Sells Golf Simulator Company, Giannis Heads to Miami

0:00

Featured Today

ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
July 5, 2026

Nielsen Prepares Another Major Shake-Up in Sports TV Ratings

Big impacts are again coming to sports media.
July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images
Opinion
July 6, 2026

Hot Takes on Folarin Balogun Red-Card Appeal Miss the Mark

FIFA has confirmed Balogun will be eligible to play on Monday.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
Matt Miller ESPN
July 3, 2026

ESPN’s Matt Miller’s Crash, Backlash, and Investigation: Timeline

The Missouri AG’s office confirmed it is investigating Miller.
Jun 30, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her match against Maya Joint of Australia on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
July 3, 2026

Serena Singles Return Draws Record Wimbledon Ratings for ESPN

Williams’s status for doubles remains in question.
July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Malik Tillman of the U.S. celebrates scoring their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images
July 3, 2026

USMNT’s World Cup Ratings Continue to Surge

Fox and Telemundo are setting soccer viewership records.
Exclusive
July 2, 2026

ESPN Nears Mike Garafolo Deal As It Goes All In on NFL Reporters

ESPN has a deep bench of NFL reporters and personalities.