Serena & Venus Williams Launch “Stockton Street” Podcast – FWD Network Named Exclusive Ad Partner
Tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams have never been just athletes – they are entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and advocates for women’s empowerment. Now, they are bringing their voices to the global podcast stage with “Stockton Street,” a show that promises to take listeners on an intimate journey through their lives, values, and the lessons they’ve learned on and off the court.
In a groundbreaking announcement, FWD Network – a female-first, independent podcast platform – has been named the exclusive audio advertising sales partner for “Stockton Street.” This strategic move not only marks a major moment for the Williams sisters’ media ventures but also opens up new opportunities for brands to connect with a massive, engaged audience through authentic storytelling.
“Stockton Street” isn’t just another celebrity podcast. It is a deeply personal exploration of the Williams sisters’ rise from humble beginnings in Compton, California, to becoming two of the most decorated athletes in history.
Listeners can expect:
Reflections on Resilience: Stories of perseverance, discipline, and mindset that carried Serena and Venus through challenges.
Wellness and Mental Health Conversations: Honest discussions on self-care, fitness, and mental strength.
Cultural Commentary: How the sisters broke barriers, reshaped tennis, and influenced fashion, business, and media.
Sisterhood and Family Bonds: Heartfelt anecdotes about growing up together and staying united through success and adversity.
By weaving together personal experiences with broader societal themes, “Stockton Street” stands as a powerful platform for storytelling, empowerment, and connection.
FWD Network’s Exclusive Role
Why FWD Network Was the Right Fit
FWD Network’s appointment as the exclusive audio ad sales partner is significant. This collaboration ensures that every brand partnership, sponsor message, and ad placement aligns with the values and authenticity that Serena and Venus hold dear.
Cathy Csukas, CEO and Founder of FWD Network, shared her excitement:
“Teaming up with Serena and Venus Williams on Stockton Street marks a defining moment for the FWD Network. Serena and Venus are more than champions – they’re icons whose influence extends across generations. This partnership unlocks an unprecedented opportunity for brands to connect with their fans through the intimacy of podcasting.”
FWD Network’s female-first positioning allows it to understand the importance of storytelling that resonates with women, diverse audiences, and global listeners who seek meaningful and authentic content.
The Power of Podcast Advertising
Why Brands Should Pay Attention
Podcast advertising has exploded in recent years – and for good reason. According to industry studies:
80% of podcast listeners can recall ads they’ve heard during a show.
70% say they have considered a product after hearing it advertised on a podcast.
The intimacy of the medium creates a trusted connection between hosts and listeners.
For brands, partnering with “Stockton Street” via FWD Network means:
Exclusive Access to a highly engaged global audience.
Association with two of the most influential athletes and entrepreneurs of all time.
Contextually Relevant Messaging that feels natural and credible.
Serena and Venus on Authentic Storytelling
Venus Williams’ Perspective
Venus emphasized the importance of aligning with a platform that truly understands their mission:
“It was important for us to align with a platform that shares our values. We’re committed to amplifying women’s voices, and they understand the power of creating honest, authentic and meaningful conversations.”
Serena Williams’ Vision
Serena echoed this sentiment, focusing on the podcast’s deeper purpose:
“Stockton Street is about truth, growth, and connection, and working with a female-first platform allows us to amplify our story authentically while inspiring the next generation.”
Global Availability
“Stockton Street” is available worldwide, with new episodes released every Thursday across all major podcast platforms including:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Amazon Music
iHeartRadio
This global reach ensures fans everywhere can tune in and feel connected to Serena and Venus’ journey.
What to Expect in Upcoming Episodes
While the debut season’s full lineup hasn’t been revealed, early teasers suggest upcoming episodes may feature:
Conversations with trailblazers from sports, business, and entertainment.
Behind-the-scenes insights from major matches and career milestones.
Deep dives into mental wellness, recovery, and balance.
Discussions on fashion, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
Why This Partnership Matters for Media & Advertising
This deal is a major milestone in the evolution of podcasting as a serious channel for brand storytelling and direct-to-consumer engagement.
Key takeaways for advertisers:
Premium Content: Association with globally respected personalities.
Audience Trust: Host-read ads create higher recall and engagement.
Diversity & Representation: Supporting a female-led platform focused on empowerment.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Sports, Media & Culture
Serena and Venus Williams have once again proven that they are more than athletes – they are architects of culture. By partnering with FWD Network, they are creating a podcast that doesn’t just entertain but inspires, educates, and empowers listeners worldwide.
This partnership is poised to set new benchmarks for authentic brand collaborations in the podcast space. Whether you’re a fan of the Williams sisters, a brand looking for meaningful connections, or a podcast enthusiast, “Stockton Street” is one to watch – and to listen to.
