Monday, April 13, 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. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Azzi Fudd Gets $500K Salary As WNBA No. 1 Pick

The new CBA sets a $500,000 salary for the first pick.
Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy takes a golf cart to the press building following the green jacket ceremony during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

What Happens at Augusta National After the Masters?

The exclusive private club is closed each year between May and October.
John and Louis Antonelli
exclusive

Chernin Group Leads Funding Round in Social Box Score App ‘Real’

The app combines live stats and play-by-play with a social media experience.

WNBA’s 2026 Draft Class Will Be Richest Rookies Yet

The top pick gets $500,000, up from Paige Bueckers’s $78,831.

Featured Today

Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
ESPN's Jay Bilas speaks during ESPN's 'College GameDay' broadcast ahead of No. 4 Tennessee's basketball game against No. 10 Texas at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.
exclusive

Bilas to Fill Malone’s Role on ESPN NBA Playoff Coverage

Bilas will call playoff games alongside Ryan Ruocco.
opinion
April 12, 2026

Masters Sunday Was Rare Golf Stumble for CBS

Viewers were left hanging on the most important shot of the tournament.
April 13, 2026

NBA Playoffs Set to Leave Local TV Behind in Streaming-Heavy Shift

The league’s new TV deals introduce a stark reality.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Feb 10, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater. Mandatory Credit:
exclusive
April 10, 2026

The Athletic Probing Dianna Russini Over Mike Vrabel Photos

The Athletic previously released a statement defending the NFL reporter.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 9, 2026

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
opinion
April 9, 2026

Why Prime Video Was Wise to Lay Up During Masters Debut

Amazon’s modern broadcast still felt traditional.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns putts on the 15th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Amazon Passes Masters Test During Debut

Prime Video streamed two hours of coverage Thursday afternoon.