• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Is Crafting Future Beyond Fox With Own Platform

  • Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ Moving to The Volume.
  • Hall of Famer also nearing deal with Stephen A. Smith’s ‘First Take.’
Shannon Sharpe
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

During a Super Bowl party for The Volume, Shannon Sharpe was seen chatting up founder and then Fox Sports colleague Colin Cowherd.

Sharpe is gone from his full-time job at Fox – but his relationship with Cowherd continues. Today, they’re poised to announce a deal that will bring their media networks together.

The three-time Super Bowl champion’s next move could be announced as soon as Thursday with his move to ESPN’s “First Take”, according to sources.

Front Office Sports previously reported in mid-July that Sharpe was in negotiations to join “First Take” as a high-profile contributor. Smith confirmed the podcast talks, declaring, “I want Shannon Sharpe.”

ESPN declined to comment.

Sharpe’s popular “Club Shay Shay” show, which boasts nearly 1.25 million YouTube subscribers and 15 million views per month, will join Cowherd’s The Volume platform. 

Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media will jointly produce new programming with The Volume. Recent episodes include the Pro Football Hall of Famers interviews with Dwyane Wade, Steve Harvey, and Deion Sanders.

“I’m excited to partner with my friend Colin Cowherd and the creative team at the Volume,” Sharpe said in a statement.  “The Volume has built an amazing platform that is the right fit to help Shay Shay Media reach the next level. That includes developing new shows and bringing on new talent under the Shay Shay Media brand.”

Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe Could Score ‘Contributor’ Role With ESPN

Media free agent Shannon Sharpe has talked to ESPN about a role.
July 19, 2023

The Volume boasts personalities such as Cowherd, Richard Sherman, and Daniel Cormier. During its second year of operations in 2022, it generated 330 million downloads and two billion impressions.

“There are very few people in sports media that cut through like Shannon Sharpe,” Cowherd said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with him and his team Shay Shay Media and co-produce original content with them.”

The partnership validates Cowherd’s gamble to create his own company outside the Fox Sports orbit. “This is a huge day for Cowherd,” said a source.

Sharpe left his longtime role as co-host of FS1’s “Undisputed: Skip and Shannon” in June after a falling-out with Skip Bayless.

Just in time for the NFL season, Sharpe’s poised to join Stephen A. Smith’s “First Take” as one of a rotating team of guest debaters. The deal is not quite done. But Sharpe and ESPN are at the “10-yard line” in negotiations, said sources. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.
September 15, 2025

Chiefs’ Fall to 0–2 Dims the Spotlight on NFL’s Top TV Draw

The NFL’s most-watched team sinks to a new low since Patrick Mahomes arrived.