Monday December 4, 2023

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
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

TV Networks Are Programming College Football’s Future: What’s Next

Conference championship weekends will have a different feel in the future.
The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Professional-Fighters-League

PFL, ESPN Agree on New Multiyear Broadcast Rights Deal

ESPN+ PPV will be the home of the PFL’s new Super Fight Division.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Selection Turns Heads with Controversial Selection

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA Womens Basketball Final Four National Championship at American Airlines Center.
November 6, 2023

Who Is The Highest-Paid Women’s College Basketball Coach?

LSU rewarded Kim Mulkey after winning a national title after her second year leading the program.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
LeBron-James

Would Disney's ESPN Walk Away From The NBA?

Will financial pressures impact the company's decision with a longtime partner?
November 29, 2023

NASCAR Secures $7.7B Media Rights Deals

Amazon and Warner Bros. Discovery come on as new partners.
Detailed view of the new In-Season Tournament court before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center.
November 30, 2023

New Orleans Pelicans Reportedly Headed For Local Television

The Pelicans could air games on over-the-air channel Fox 8.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
disney wbd
November 29, 2023

Disney, WBD Chiefs Lament New Sports Media Challenges

Zaslav, Iger point to heightened complexity of their sports media operations.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tosses the ball to fans after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
November 29, 2023

The Philadelphia Eagles Continue To Be NFL’s Biggest Draw

Philadelphia was once again in one of the NFL's most-watched games.
Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum rushes in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium.
November 29, 2023

Ohio State-Michigan Thriller Produces Record Viewership For Fox

It was the most-watched regular-season CFB game in Fox’s history.
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
November 29, 2023

On Black Friday, Amazon Delivers Lowest-Rated Game

It was the second-least-watched game on Amazon in 2023.