Influencer
Shannon Sharpe Expected To Sign Podcast Deal Worth Over $100M
Shannon Sharpe’s media deal with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume podcast network has expired, with the Pro Football Hall of Famer now fielding multiple offers. According to Front Office Sports, Sharpe is expected to sign a new agreement exceeding $100 million in value.
The former NFL star partnered with The Volume in August 2023 after departing FS1’s “Undisputed,” where he had built his media reputation alongside Skip Bayless. This partnership gave Sharpe ownership and creative control over his content under the Shay Shay Media umbrella.
Sharpe’s flagship podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” has gained popularity in the sports and entertainment media, particularly on YouTube. His January 2024 interview with comedian Katt Williams has generated 89 million views to date, contributing to the channel’s nearly 4 million subscribers.
His secondary show, “Nightcap,” co-hosted with former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, has also garnered a large audience.
The anticipated agreement will encompass all programming on the Shay Shay network, not just Sharpe’s personal shows. The network currently includes “Club Shay Shay,” “Nightcap,” “Club 520 Podcast,” “The Bubba Dub Show,” and “Humble Baddies.”
Media Presence
Sharpe maintains a regular presence on ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith, where his commentary has earned widespread acclaim. His media career began at CBS’s “The NFL Today” following his retirement from professional football in 2003.
The Volume podcast network, meanwhile, continues its own expansion, recently adding Nick Wright’s podcast and YouTube content to its growing portfolio.
News of Sharpe’s new deal appeared as U.S. podcast creator revenues are set to reach nearly $1 billion in 2025, marking a 27.3% year-over-year increase, according to EMARKETER’s forecast. This growth rate outpaces the projected 15.8% increase in social media creator revenues, which are expected to reach $17.76 billion this year.