Puck’s ‘The Varsity’ Podcast Comes to TV | Now Airing on NESN & SportsNet Pittsburgh
The digital-to-TV pipeline continues to grow — and now, one of the most insightful sports podcasts in America is taking that leap.
Puck’s acclaimed sports podcast, “The Varsity,” hosted by veteran journalist John Ourand, is making its television debut. The show is set to air weekly on NESN (New England Sports Network) — the regional network owned by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins’ parent companies — and its sister channel, SportsNet Pittsburgh.
This marks a significant expansion for The Varsity, which has rapidly built a reputation as a go-to destination for behind-the-scenes coverage of the ever-evolving sports business world.
From Podcast to Primetime: How ‘The Varsity’ Scored Its TV Debut
The partnership between Puck and NESN/SportsNet Pittsburgh reflects a growing trend: podcasts evolving into multi-platform media franchises.
According to an official statement, The Varsity will now be available not only on linear TV but also across streaming platforms — including NESN 360, NESN NATION, and the official NESN YouTube channel.
“This is exactly the kind of smart, original programming we want to bring to NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh viewers,” said David Wisnia, President and CEO of both networks. “John Ourand’s reporting and commentary make ‘The Varsity’ essential for anyone interested in where sports and media are headed.”
Each televised episode will air Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET, ensuring that sports fans get their weekly fix of insider perspectives and industry-shaping stories.
About the Host: John Ourand’s Vision for the Modern Sports Media
John Ourand, one of the most respected journalists in the sports business landscape, has spent decades covering the intersection of sports, media, and money. Before joining Puck, Ourand worked with Sports Business Journal, where his insights on broadcasting deals, streaming wars, and media trends became must-reads across the industry.
With The Varsity, Ourand and the Puck editorial team aim to bring the backroom conversations of the sports world into public view, blending investigative journalism with conversational storytelling.
“We launched ‘The Varsity’ so our readers could hear directly from the larger-than-life figures shaping sports — from broadcasters to owners to executives,” said Ourand. “Just a year later, partnering with NESN is the perfect next step to reach new audiences.”
What Viewers Can Expect: Smart Conversations and Unfiltered Access
Each episode of The Varsity dives deep into the topics shaping the global sports business ecosystem. The TV adaptation will keep that core format intact, while enhancing the storytelling with visual elements, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage that television allows.
🔍 Regular Segments Include:
“The Insider’s Playbook” – A closer look at the latest trends driving the sports economy.
“Media Matchups” – Analysis of broadcasting rights, streaming competition, and sponsorship shifts.
“Money & The Game” – Deep dives into how franchises and leagues are monetizing fandom.
“Voices of the Industry” – Exclusive interviews with CEOs, athletes, media figures, and agents.
The show is designed for a savvy audience — from casual sports fans curious about what happens off the field to industry insiders who shape the business itself.
Puck’s Growing Footprint in Sports Journalism
For Puck, The Varsity’s success underscores its growing influence in sports and media journalism. The platform, which built its name covering power, politics, and culture, has expanded into sports business reporting as audiences crave context behind the headlines.
This expansion aligns with a larger media trend — the convergence of traditional sports coverage and digital-first storytelling. With The Varsity, Puck continues to blur the line between journalism, commentary, and multimedia entertainment.
Why NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh Are the Perfect Partners
Both NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh have a rich legacy of delivering regional sports excellence — covering teams like the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Now, they’re embracing a broader identity as content innovators, blending live sports, studio shows, and now, high-impact podcasts turned TV events.
“NESN and SportsNet are evolving with our audiences,” Wisnia noted. “We’re giving sports fans what they crave — credible, conversational insights into how their favorite games are changing behind the scenes.”
This partnership is also a strategic move to attract younger, digital-native viewers who prefer on-demand content but still appreciate the quality and depth of television programming.
The Streaming Revolution: NESN 360 & NESN NATION Take Center Stage
With the expansion of The Varsity onto streaming platforms, NESN continues to position itself as a multi-platform powerhouse.
Fans will be able to stream the show via:
NESN 360, the network’s premium streaming service.
NESN NATION, its free ad-supported TV channel.
YouTube, where episodes and highlights will reach global audiences.
This hybrid distribution model ensures The Varsity reaches both cord-cutters and traditional TV audiences — a vital move in today’s fragmented media landscape.
A New Era for Sports Media Storytelling
The transition from podcast to television represents a significant shift in the sports media narrative. What began as an audio experiment by a niche digital publication has now become a cross-platform success story, proving that audiences are hungry for thoughtful, behind-the-scenes journalism.
In many ways, The Varsity mirrors broader changes in the sports industry:
Audio-first content gaining visual adaptation
News personalities becoming multimedia brands
Regional sports networks expanding beyond game broadcasts
Looking Ahead: More Distribution Partners on the Horizon
Puck has confirmed that The Varsity won’t stop at NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh. Talks are already underway to license the show to additional regional and national partners in the coming months.
The move could cement The Varsity’s place as one of the most influential sports media franchises in the U.S., bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern, interactive storytelling.
The Bigger Picture: Why Sports Business Journalism Matters Now
The modern sports fan isn’t just watching the game — they’re watching the business. With billion-dollar media rights deals, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules reshaping college sports, and streaming giants like Amazon and Apple entering the arena, understanding the economics of sports is more critical than ever.
The Varsity positions itself as the go-to source for decoding that complexity. By merging credible reporting with dynamic storytelling, it invites viewers into the boardroom conversations that define the future of sports.
Final Thoughts: From Mic to Screen — The Varsity’s Winning Play
In an era where content crosses borders, platforms, and formats, Puck’s The Varsity stands out as a model for how digital-first journalism can thrive on television.
By teaming up with NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh, Puck and John Ourand aren’t just expanding an audience — they’re redefining what sports journalism looks like in 2025.
So whether you’re a die-hard Red Sox fan, a sports media junkie, or simply curious about the business of entertainment, The Varsity is now your front-row ticket to the industry’s most important conversations.
Tune in Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET — and stream anytime on NESN 360, NESN NATION, or YouTube.
