Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Skipper, Le Batard Look to Raise Millions

  • Rather than one primary backer, the duo prefer a number of investors.
  • Meadowlark will be a business-to-business outfit that will sell premium sports and entertainment content to third parties.
John Skipper
Mark Lennihan/Associated Press

John Skipper and Dan Le Batard are seeking $10-$15 million in initial financing for their new sports content venture Meadowlark Media. 

“Skipper would rather have 10 investors chipping in a million dollars apiece — than one investor giving him $10 million,” a source told Front Office Sports. A range of investors offers more opportunity for the creative and financial freedom the duo desires.

Despite Skipper’s current role as Executive Chairman of DAZN, Meadowlark will not operate as part of the global sports streaming service. DAZN parent Access Industries will support Meadowlark while Skipper and Le Batard seek outside investors, however. DAZN could also invest in Meadowlark.

  • Some of the cash for Meadowlark will come from a pending deal for Le Batard’s radio show and podcast. 
  • Possible suitors for his shows include Spotify, SiriusXM and iHeartRadio, sources said.

The new venture won’t be a consumer company — content won’t be posted on a platform called Meadowlark. Instead, it will be a business-to-business outfit that sells premium sports and entertainment content to third parties, potentially including streaming services or TV networks.

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

Mike Monaco Jordan Rodgers ESPN
Exclusive

Mike Monaco and Jordan Rodgers to Call ESPN Friday College Football

Dana Boyle will serve as the broadcast team’s sideline reporter.
Exclusive

NFL Flag Championship Sees Highest Rating Yet

In its third year, the NFL Flag Championships delivered record viewership.

YouTube TV Bolsters Its Sports Lineup With ESPN, NBC Deals

The streaming service significantly expands its sports programming.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers former receiver Steve Smith Sr. on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Steve Smith Sr. Slated for ESPN Studio Role

The former All-Pro receiver has been with NFL Network since 2017.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/30/26 – USMNT Nearing Pochettino Return, FIFA Draws UEFA Criticism, Yankees and Knicks to DAZN

0:00

Featured Today

WPBL

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

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.

Yankees, Knicks Ditch Gotham App for DAZN Deal

Yankees, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Devils, Islanders, and Sabres all head to DAZN.
Shaq Dunkman League
July 28, 2026

Could Shaq’s Dunkman League Revive the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

The dunking league is hopeful to eventually work with the NBA.
Jul 25, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Team Spoon center Jonquel Jones (35) holds the All Star MVP trophy during the 2026 WNBA All Star Game at United Center.
July 28, 2026

WNBA All-Star Game Draws 3.2 Million Viewers

Caitlin Clark missed last year’s game, but was healthy this year.
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

How to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
Paris 2024 Olympics - Basketball - Men's Quarterfinal - Brazil vs United States - Bercy Arena, Paris, France - August 06, 2024. Joel Embiid of United States and Lebron James of United States react during the match. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
July 27, 2026

LeBron James Turns 76ers Into National TV Fixture

The NBA had been waiting on James’s decision to finalize its schedule.
July 24, 2026

Paramount Takeover of Warner Bros. Could Be Delayed Until June 2027

The delays and costs continue to mount.
CBS sportscaster and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo chats with the media Tuesday, June 27, 2023 during the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Championship & Pro-Am at Metamora Fields Golf Club.
July 24, 2026

Tony Romo Arrested for OWI in Milwaukee

The CBS NFL analyst is due in court on Sept. 21.
Feb 7, 2019; Spokane, WA, USA; ESPN personality Neil Everett looks on during a game between the San Francisco Dons and Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 92-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion
July 24, 2026

Is This the Cruel New Reality of Sports Media Layoffs?

Recent layoffs in Portland and Bristol were especially cold-blooded.