In the ever-evolving world of digital sports media, few companies seem as popular as Colin Cowherd's "The Volume." Launched on February 1, 2021, with its flagship program, "The Colin Cowherd Podcast," The Volume has rapidly ascended to prominence, attracting a long list of on-air talent who want the freedom and support that comes with a digital network founded by a fearless and popular sports broadcaster.
The annual Super Bowl party hosted by The Volume is a testament to its influence. Scheduled for this Wednesday of the Super Bowl in New Orleans, this party has garnered a reputation as "the secret must-attend event for sports media execs" with a keen interest in the digital space. This year's invite-only event is at the New Orleans restaurant SideCar and remains the hottest ticket on Wednesday night. NFL reporter Peter Schrager called it one of those parties: "You want to be in the room where it happens." In previous years, many sports media talkers from various networks have attended, including Shannon Sharpe, Clay Travis, Kevin Clark, Kyle Brandt, Bussin with the Boys Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, and Mina Kimes. Sometimes rivals can gather to talk shop and strategize on ways to work together.
The Volume's success is not merely confined to its popular party and key podcast. Under Cowherd's leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio to include various shows catering to sports and entertainment.
The Volume's diverse lineup includes popular shows such as The Herd with Colin Cowherd: A daily sports talk show where Cowherd shares his insights on the latest sports news. The Colin Cowherd Podcast: A show where Cowherd expands beyond daily sports talk. Club Shay Shay: Hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, this podcast features interviews with celebrities and athletes. Nightcap with Unc & Ocho: A nightly show that discusses various topics in sports and entertainment, co-hosted by Shannon Sharpe and former NFL star Chad Johnson. As they say, "Come for the sports, stay for the stories." The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis: NBA star Draymond Green teams up with former NBA player Baron Davis to discuss basketball and culture. 3 And Out: A podcast hosted by John Middlekauf focusing on football analysis and commentary. Club 520 with Jeff Teague: A show that explores various aspects of sports culture with a heavy focus on the NBA. The Richard Sherman Podcast: Hosted by NFL cornerback Richard Sherman, offering insights into the biggest stories in football. Fantasy Pros: A podcast dedicated to fantasy sports advice and analysis. Hoops Tonight with Jason Timpf: A show focusing on basketball news and analysis. The Bubba Dub Show: A podcast that blends comedy with sports commentary. Sloane Knows: A show offering unique perspectives on various topics that heavily focus on basketball. Daniel Cormier TV: Hosted by former UFC champion Daniel Cormier, discussing MMA and more. Nerd Sesh: A podcast that delves into the analytical side of sports. The Favorites: A show focusing on sports betting insights. FantasyPros Dynasty: A show dedicated to dynasty fantasy sports leagues.
Central to The Volume's meteoric rise is its commitment to embracing the digital transformation of media consumption. Recognizing the shifting preferences of audiences, the company has prioritized on-demand content, gambling, and an aggressive focus on YouTube. This has positioned The Volume at the forefront of the evolving sports media landscape.
Colin Cowherd's journey to establishing The Volume is a narrative of vision, resilience, and strategic partnerships. His rise to prominence began with a successful tenure at ESPN, where he became a household name through his distinctive commentary and analytical prowess. In 2015, Cowherd made a stunning move to Fox Sports, a transition that marked a new chapter in his career. This shift was significantly influenced by Jamie Horowitz, a former ESPN executive who had joined Fox Sports as President of National Networks.
Cowherd and Horowitz have been friends for almost 20 years and worked closely together at ESPN, where Cowherd called Horowitz the best executive at the company. They had co-created the hit afternoon daily talk show, SportsNation, which Cowherd co-hosted with Michelle Beadle on ESPN2. Horowitz, known for his innovative approach to sports media, was one of the first ESPN executives to recognize Cowherd's unique talent and potential impact, as Cowherd has mentioned on various podcasts. When they reunited at FOX, they reimagined "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on FS1, a show that has since become a cornerstone of FS1 sports talk.
Jamie Horowitz's partnership with Cowherd cannot be overstated. Horowitz's strategic vision and understanding of the evolving media landscape gave Cowherd a platform to expand his reach and influence. Together, they navigated the challenges of a competitive industry, leveraging their combined expertise to create content that resonates with audiences and sets new standards in sports broadcasting.
When Cowherd decided to launch his company in 2021, he turned to Jamie Horowitz for guidance. One of Horowitz's first recommendations was to hire sports media veteran Logan Swaim as Head of Content. Horowitz and Swaim had worked together at DAZN and called Swaim "one of the most creative sports producers in all sports media." Swaim's extensive experience and innovative vision for The Volume have been instrumental in curating a diverse and engaging content lineup, further solidifying The Volume's position in the competitive sports media industry.
As The Volume grows, it is a testament to the power of innovative thinking, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of audience dynamics. With Cowherd at the helm and a dedicated team supporting his vision, The Volume is poised to shape the future of sports media, offering content that informs, entertains, and inspires.
