PlayersTV and Genius Sports: A New Era in Athlete-Driven Media

On May 8, 2025, PlayersTV, the pioneering media platform owned by athletes and their fans, will host its highly anticipated NewFront event in New York City. This event marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sports media, showcasing the innovative partnership between PlayersTV and Genius Sports, a leader in sports data and technology. Together, they aim to redefine how brands connect with sports fans through targeted advertising and engaging content.

Introducing PlayersTV+

At the heart of this event is the unveiling of PlayersTV+, a subscription-based streaming platform designed exclusively for athlete-driven content. This platform promises to be a game-changer in the media landscape, offering fans a unique glimpse into the lives of their favorite athletes. With programming that goes "beyond the game, beyond the uniform," PlayersTV+ is set to launch with six original shows featuring star athletes, providing a rich tapestry of lifestyle content that resonates with sports enthusiasts.

The FANHub Activation Platform

One of the standout features of this partnership is the FANHub Activation Platform, touted as the industry’s first omnichannel platform specifically designed for sports audiences. This innovative platform combines programmatic and social media buying capabilities with real-time sports data, enabling brands to engage with fans in a more meaningful way. Advertisers will have access to unique inventory types that allow for precise targeting of PlayersTV viewers, including fans of elite athletes from various sports around the globe.

Augmented Advertising: A New Frontier

In addition to the FANHub Activation Platform, PlayersTV and Genius Sports are introducing Augmented Advertising, a cutting-edge technology that enhances sponsor integration. Currently deployed with major partners like the LA Rams and Verizon, as well as in popular video games such as NBA 2K25 and EA Sports, this technology allows brands to create immersive advertising experiences that resonate with fans. This innovative approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also provides advertisers with measurable results.

A Cultural Movement in Sports Media

Deron Guidrey, Co-founder of PlayersTV, emphasizes that this partnership represents a new era of sports media where athlete influence, fan data, and advertising technology converge. "Our partnership with Genius Sports delivers powerful advertising solutions for brands and richer, more personalized experiences for fans," he states. PlayersTV is not just another streaming service; it is a cultural movement powered by the most influential voices in sports.

Engaging Advertisers and Fans

The NewFront event will feature appearances from PlayersTV athlete-partners, musical performances, and exclusive content previews. Advertisers will have the opportunity to explore integration possibilities across Players Media Group’s ecosystem, which includes PlayersTV, the upcoming PlayersTV+ platform, and Players360, an AI-driven ad network serving premium inventory to fans across various digital platforms.

Major brands such as UBS, Meta, Sony, Walmart, and Novartis are already looking to PlayersTV for comprehensive media buying and content partnerships. Josh Linforth, Chief Revenue Officer at Genius Sports, highlights the need for a fundamentally different approach to reach sports fans in today’s diverse media landscape. "We’re excited to showcase how our technologies and brand new inventory types are solving these challenges for marketers," he says.

The Power of Athlete Ownership

PlayersTV stands out as the first media network owned by athletes and their fans, empowering athletes to tell their own stories while fostering authentic connections with their audience. With over 70 athlete investors and partners, including notable figures like Chris Paul, Travis Kelce, and Dwayne Wade, PlayersTV is backed by a growing community of 2,200+ fan owners who have purchased equity in the media company.

Collin Castellaw, Co-founder of PlayersTV, emphasizes the importance of this new ecosystem where brands, athletes, and fans can connect in authentic and measurable ways. "Together with Genius Sports, we are creating a new ecosystem that will mark the start of the next chapter—not just for PlayersTV, but for the future of athlete-led media," he states.

Conclusion

As PlayersTV prepares for its NewFront event, the collaboration with Genius Sports signals a transformative shift in how sports media operates. With the launch of PlayersTV+ and innovative advertising solutions like the FANHub Activation Platform and Augmented Advertising, the future looks bright for athlete-driven content. This partnership not only enhances the viewing experience for fans but also provides brands with powerful tools to engage with a highly targeted audience. The cultural movement that PlayersTV represents is set to redefine the landscape of sports media, making it an exciting time for athletes, fans, and advertisers alike.