Blue Wire’s impressive collection of podcasts is growing.
On Tuesday, the podcast network announced that it has signed 10 new shows, headlined by Cam Newton’s 4th & 1 with Cam Newton and Funky Friday. Other podcasts signed by Blue Wire include J.R. Smith and Stephen Malbon’s Par 3 Podcast, Lou Williams and Spank Horton’s The Underground Lounge, Learfield’s Varsity Podcast Network, Darius Slay’s Big Play Slay, Pat Mayo’s Mayo Media Network, and The Kevin Sheehan Show. The news was first reported by the Sports Business Journal.
In a release, Blue Wire said that it “targeted these independent creators as ideal partners to support the company’s vision for continued growth in audio and video content. The network also noted its emphasis on “expanding the network’s activation capabilities for brand partners around key verticals including NFL, NBA, NCAA, and golf.”
The headliner of the bunch is Newton, who has become a prolific podcaster since playing his most-recent NFL season with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The 2015 NFL MVP went viral on several occasions over the course of the 2023 season and has publicly stated his desire to become the most famous athlete-turned-YouTuber.
“Venturing into the media and podcasting space offers a unique platform to share stories, insights, and perspectives with a global audience,” Newton said of the decision to sign with Blue Wire. “As the digital landscape evolves, podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for authentic storytelling and meaningful conversations. By entering this space, we aim to connect with our audience on a deeper level, build a community around our content, and explore new avenues for creativity and innovation. Growing a media business allows us to diversify our content offerings, collaborate with like-minded creators, and adapt to the changing preferences of our audience in a dynamic and competitive industry.”
Smith and Malbon’s golf-focused podcast launched early last year and has built a sizable following thanks in part to Smith’s crossover appeal as a former NBA star. The podcast sees the former Sixth Man of the Year and the Malbon Golf co-founder not only discuss golf, but life experiences in a way that’s relatable to listeners.
“Stephen and I love to talk golf and we’re both fathers who enjoy talking parenting,” Smith said. “We’re trying to grow the game of golf and look to make the game accessible to as many as possible. That’s our drive and initiative. We’re looking to get as many people and eyes on the game as we can. Par 3 Podcast is coming for the top of the leaderboard.”
Blue Wire’s new additions add to a roster of podcasts that already includes shows such as Green Light with Chris Long, The Solid Verbal College Football Show and a vast offering of local, team-focused podcasts. Altogether, Blue Wire touts more than 300 podcasts and 500-plus hosts as a part of its network.
[Blue Wire]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.