Pod-Alization: : Point Forward Sports Podcast Moves To SB Nation; Bloomberg Announces A-Rod As A New Podcast Co-Host

 Point Forward sports podcast moves To SB Nation

Vox Media has announced a partnership with Andre Iguodala, former Golden State Warriors star, and Evan Turner’s media company, New Amendment, to bring their podcast franchise, Point Forward, to SB Nation and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Point Forward uses basketball as its north star to dive beneath the surface on topics as eclectic and diverse as its two hosts. Notable former guests include A-list athletes like Stephen Curry and Sue Bird, business leaders Steve Ballmer and Robert Smith, and cultural influencers like Rick Rubin.

Season 3 of Point Forward releases weekly on YouTube and all podcast platforms beginning this October.

  The deal marks an inflection point, as SB Nation nixes more of its foundational team sites and seeks revenue growth from branded content and live events. SB Nation seems to be entering the athlete-driven video podcast space.

Bringing Point Forward to the Vox Media Podcast Network under the SB Nation brand also follows in line with Vox’s broader strategy in podcasting. Shows like On with Kara Swisher and Into It with Sam Sanders similarly feature recognizable hosts who appear to get more freedom and resources from Vox.

"Point Forward has always been about diving deeper into topics that resonate with our audience, and now with the unparalleled reach and expertise of SB Nation and Vox Media, we're excited to take our conversations to an even wider audience," said Iguodala. "Basketball is our north star, but our conversations are universal."

"Having been on both sides of the game – as a player and a coach – I've come to appreciate the myriad stories that exist within the world of sports," said Turner. "Andre and I have always had raw and honest discussions, and now we have a platform that will allow us to reach fans, thinkers, and enthusiasts on an even greater scale. The next season is set to be our best yet, and we're thrilled to embark on this journey with SB Nation and Vox Media."

A four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Andre Iguodala is one of the association’s premier players with a decorated career that spans 19 years. Known for his savvy business instincts, Iguodala is currently the co-founder and general partner at Mastry Ventures, and co-owner of the Leeds United Football Club of the English Premier League. He currently serves on the National Basketball Players Association’s executive committee as its First Vice President.

A former National Player of the Year and first-team AP All-American, Evan Turner is a 10-year NBA veteran and was selected 2nd overall in the 2010 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Following his NBA career as a player, he served as an assistant coach for the Celtics. With a diverse portfolio across commercial real-estate holdings, commodities, fashion-retail, cryptocurrency and technology, Turner is an experienced investor with a strong commitment to philanthropic endeavors.

Point Forward is the latest addition to Vox Media’s podcast network.

 

 A-Rod to co-host new sports podcast called The Deal

 

 Bloomberg Media has signed Alex Rodriguez to co-host a new original podcast and video series The Deal. Rodriguez will co-host the show with Jason Kelly, Chief Correspondent, Bloomberg Originals. The 12-episode limited Bloomberg series will span both audio and video. 

 Rodriguez is a fourteen-time MLB All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees; Chairman and CEO, A-Rod Corp and Owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.

Set to debut in early 2024, the series will explore the stories, strategies, and challenges behind some of the biggest business moves made by athletes, entertainers, and executives across industries. Each podcast episode will be followed by a video companion airing on Bloomberg Originals and Bloomberg Television.

"Dealmaking in sports, media and entertainment requires a strategic vision and nuanced execution to compete in such a crowded space,” said Rodriguez. “Jason brings his experience as a seasoned journalist, and I share what I’ve learned from the best in sports and business. Our show will welcome iconic figures to provide insights that you won’t hear anywhere else.”

The Deal joins Bloomberg’s expanding coverage of the business of sports, including Bloomberg Originals shows Power Players and Next in Sports; the forthcoming Business of Sports weekly newsletter and expanded coverage Bloomberg.com dedicated to business of sports coverage, including deeper, data-driven coverage of sports transactions and valuations worldwide.