The Pivot Podcast Signs Multi-Year Netflix Deal, Expanding Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder & Fred Taylor’s Platform

One of the most recognizable sports conversation platforms in digital media is entering a new chapter.

The Pivot Podcast, hosted by former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor, has reached a multi-year partnership with Netflix, bringing the show’s video episodes to the global streaming platform beginning September 8, 2026. Netflix has officially confirmed that The Pivot Podcast will join its growing podcast lineup.

Under the agreement, new video episodes of The Pivot are scheduled to stream on Netflix every Tuesday and Friday. The show’s existing library will also become available on Netflix while remaining accessible on YouTube.

The partnership represents far more than another distribution deal. It puts a podcast built independently by three former NFL players in front of Netflix’s massive global entertainment audience while opening the door for the Pivot brand to expand beyond its current format.

From NFL Players to Major Media Personalities

Since launching in 2022, The Pivot has distinguished itself through long-form conversations that often go far beyond sports.

Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor have used their chemistry and personal experiences as professional athletes to create conversations surrounding football, entertainment, relationships, personal struggles, business, culture and life after sports.

Netflix described the trio as former NFL stars who have “transcended the podcast game,” noting that their mix of emotion, humor and experience has helped establish The Pivot as an influential destination for conversations with major personalities across sports, music and entertainment.

The numbers also demonstrate how far the platform has traveled. Reports surrounding the Netflix agreement say The Pivot has produced more than 500 episodes and generated nearly one billion views across YouTube and social media platforms since its launch.

That type of reach helps explain why Netflix sees value in bringing the show into its expanding video-podcast strategy.

The Netflix Deal Goes Beyond The Pivot Podcast

Perhaps the most significant part of the agreement is what could happen next.

The partnership reportedly gives Netflix first-negotiation rights on new projects from Pivot25 Productions, the company co-founded by Ryan Clark and Alicia Zubikowski. Pivot25 is also expected to develop exclusive bonus episodes for Netflix.

That potentially turns the agreement into something much larger than simply placing The Pivot on another streaming service.

It creates an avenue for Clark and the Pivot25 team to develop additional sports, entertainment and culture programming with one of the world’s biggest streaming companies.

For The Pivot, the move reflects the evolution of a successful podcast into a broader media brand.

Ryan Clark’s Next Chapter After ESPN

The timing also makes the Netflix announcement particularly noteworthy for Ryan Clark.

Clark spent more than a decade at ESPN before leaving the network in July 2026 amid layoffs. Only weeks later, one of his biggest independently built media properties secured a multi-year relationship with Netflix.

Clark addressed the significance of the moment in announcing the partnership, saying he had gained a new perspective centered around “passion over platform, and people over perception.” He described the Netflix agreement as the beginning of a new chapter while making it clear that The Pivot’s story is far from finished.

It’s an interesting full-circle moment.

Clark’s career demonstrates how the definition of a sports media personality continues to change. Television networks are no longer the only pathway for athletes who want to become broadcasters or storytellers. Podcasts, YouTube, social media and streaming services have created opportunities for personalities to develop audiences independently—and then negotiate with major platforms from a position of ownership.

Netflix Continues Its Push Into Video Podcasts

The addition of The Pivot also fits into a much larger Netflix strategy.

Netflix has been steadily expanding its podcast and video-podcast offerings across sports, comedy, true crime, food and entertainment. On September 1, the company announced additional original programs and renewals while specifically highlighting The Pivot Podcast as one of the established shows coming to the service.

Sports appears to be an important part of that experiment. As of early September, Netflix’s sports podcast catalog includes programming connected with organizations such as Barstool Sports and The Ringer, with The Pivot becoming another major addition.

The strategy could help Netflix compete for something streaming platforms increasingly value: habitual viewing.

Movies and television series might bring subscribers in for major releases, but podcasts and sports-talk programming can give viewers a reason to return several times each week.

With The Pivot scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays, Netflix gains recurring programming tied directly to the sports conversation.

The Pivot Isn’t Abandoning Its Original Audience

One important detail is that the move doesn’t erase the community that helped build The Pivot.

While new video episodes will be exclusive to Netflix, the show’s existing library will continue to remain on YouTube. The show’s own announcement also indicated that its broader presence across audio platforms such as Spotify, Apple and iHeart will continue.

That distinction matters.

Rather than simply leaving digital media behind for traditional television, The Pivot is effectively connecting the two worlds—maintaining its established digital ecosystem while adding Netflix’s global distribution power.

Why The Pivot-Netflix Deal Matters

The significance of this partnership extends beyond Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor.

The Pivot’s rise illustrates a changing media landscape in which athletes can increasingly own the platform, build the audience and control the conversation before partnering with larger entertainment companies.

The traditional route once required an athlete to retire, land a television contract and build a broadcasting career inside an established network.

That isn’t the only model anymore.

A microphone, cameras and a strong point of view can become the foundation for an independent media company—and The Pivot is becoming one of the clearest examples of what that evolution can look like.

From three former NFL players sitting down for candid conversations to a multi-year agreement with Netflix, The Pivot has lived up to its name.

And beginning September 8, that pivot enters its biggest stage yet.