ESPN will add seasonal content from its most popular podcasts to its ESPN2 channel starting this afternoon. The initial wave of podcasts consists of First Draft, The Hoop Collective, The Lowe Post, The Mina Kimes Show, and The Elle Duncan Show.
These podcasts are available on ESPN’s YouTube channel and bring with them an already-established fanbase. Moving podcasts to air on ESPN2 is a first for the network, although it previously aired its ESPN Radio coverage. The move allows a fresh wave of sports personalities to host ESPN content and dive into the various leagues during each season to help expand the network’s audience.
First Draft is hosted by the “godfather of draft analysis,” Mel Kiper Jr, joined by Field Yates. The podcast will air on Mondays and breaks down the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. On Tuesdays, The Hoop Collective with Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon, Tim Bontemps, and other ESPN NBA insiders discuss basketball-related.
The Low Post with Zach Lowe joins EPSN2 on Wednesdays. Lowe combines his background in reporting, data analysis, and film study to provide “a smart but accessible look” inside the NBA.
On Thursdays, The Mina Kimes Show Featuring Lenny with host Mina Kimes combines her film study with “sharp data analysis” along with her insight and humorous outlook. She’s joined by guests around the league and her dog Lenny.
“They said a football podcast co-hosted by a woman and a dog could never be on ESPN2,” Mina Kimes posted on X. “They were wrong.”
The podcasts will air on ESPN2 on weekdays starting January 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET.
“This strategic content initiative provides our ESPN podcasts with a tremendous opportunity for continued growth and audience expansion while simultaneously lending compelling content to our ESPN2 television lineup,” said Mike Foss, ESPN’s senior vice president of production. “The opening slate of podcasts combine timely, in-season sports – First Draft, The Hoop Collective, and The Lowe Post – and high-profile ESPN personalities such as Mina Kimes and Elle Duncan.”
ESPN Audio launched in 2005 with its first podcast and has grown to more than 35 offerings and shows from ESPN Radio and television. The titles focus on sports through storytelling and are available wherever you can download podcasts and on ESPN.
Image credit: ESPN