Netflix Strikes Ringer Content Deal, Expands into Sports and Podcasts
Netflix has made a significant move into the podcasting arena by signing a deal with Spotify. This agreement brings a selection of shows from Bill Simmons’ The Ringer to the streaming platform. The transition will begin in early 2024.
Details of the Deal
The deal includes more than a dozen popular shows, notably:
- The Bill Simmons Podcast
- The Rewatchables
- The Ringer Fantasy Football Show
Currently, The Bill Simmons Podcast holds the second position on Spotify’s sports podcast chart, while The Ringer Fantasy Football Show is seventh. Though the financial specifics remain undisclosed, reports suggest that the agreement includes a level of exclusivity. As a result, some Ringer shows will no longer be accessible on YouTube starting in 2026.
Ringer’s Popularity and Audience Reach
Bill Simmons’ YouTube channel boasts 241,000 subscribers and features over 1,600 videos. His content often garners significant attention, with one episode attracting over a million views.
Recent Highlights
One notable episode aired on February 2, where Simmons discussed Luka Dončić’s midseason trade to the Lakers, achieving over one million views. This heightened interest in his content underscores The Ringer’s influence in the sports media landscape.
Simmons’ Previous Work with Netflix
Bill Simmons has had prior collaborations with Netflix, including the docuseries on WWE’s Vince McMahon, which premiered on September 25, 2024. This series was a success, amassing 908 million minutes of viewing time in its first five days.
Expanding into Sports and Podcasts
Netflix’s investment in sports content has been substantial. The company aims to blend podcasts with traditional media. During a recent earnings call, co-CEO Ted Sarandos mentioned that Netflix seeks to partner with diverse content creators. He anticipates that the rise of video podcasts will lead to more such content on Netflix.
The Ringer’s Background
Bill Simmons founded The Ringer in 2016 after his previous venture, Grantland, was discontinued by ESPN. The Ringer launched around the same time as his short-lived HBO talk show, Any Given Wednesday. Although that show did not achieve high viewing numbers, it could not diminish Simmons’ success when he later sold The Ringer to Spotify for approximately $200 million. He renewed his commitment to Spotify earlier this spring.
