Former NFL star and sports analyst Ryan Clark is expanding his independent media company, Pivot25 Productions, with a strategic partnership and investment from former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz.
Announced Tuesday, September 22, the deal makes Schultz a strategic partner and investor alongside Clark and Emmy-winning producer Alicia Zubikowski, who co-founded Pivot25 in 2025. The announcement follows Clark’s departure from ESPN earlier this year.
Pivot25 produces “The Pivot,” the podcast Clark hosts with former NFL players Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor. The company recently expanded its programming with “The Pivot Sports with Ryan Clark,” a weekly studio show produced in partnership with NFL Films.
The podcast also has a multiyear agreement with Netflix, which will stream new video episodes. According to Pivot25, The Pivot has surpassed 1.4 million YouTube subscribers and 480 million views.
Clark discussed the origins of his relationship with Schultz during an appearance on Craig Melvin’s “Glass Half Full.” After Clark left ESPN in July, Schultz contacted him about supporting his next chapter.
Clark said Schultz encouraged him to think beyond producing a single program and consider building an entire media network around his brand.
The partnership is expected to support Pivot25’s expansion into original content, distribution, brand partnerships, live experiences, licensing and other media opportunities. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Schultz said audiences are increasingly drawn to trusted personalities and platforms as the boundaries between sports, business, culture and entertainment continue to shift. He said Pivot25 has built its audience through honest, curious and human-centered conversations.
Clark said Schultz’s experience building one of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands makes him an ideal partner for Pivot25’s next phase.
“Howard has always understood that the strongest brands begin with a clear purpose and a genuine relationship with people,” Clark said in a company statement.
The move marks another step in Clark’s transition from traditional sports media to building and owning his own platform. With The Pivot, the NFL Films series and the Netflix agreement, Pivot25 is positioning itself as a broader media brand focused on storytelling, culture, leadership and conversations that connect with audiences across platforms.
Y’all Know What will continue to follow Ryan Clark and Pivot25 Productions as this new chapter develops.
