Stugotz Launches Podcast Network in Major iHeartMedia Deal | Sports Podcast News 2025
Jon “Stugotz” Weiner has officially stepped into a new era of sports media. In a move that signals both confidence and ambition, the outspoken sports personality has signed a long-term, multiplatform agreement with iHeartMedia, launching the Stugotz Podcast Network and positioning podcasting—not traditional radio—as the core engine of his media future.
The deal underscores a broader industry shift: talent-led podcast networks are becoming the new power centers of sports talk media, and iHeartMedia is betting big on Stugotz’s ability to scale personality-driven content across audio, video, and live radio.
A Strategic Partnership Built Around Podcast Growth
At the heart of the agreement is the immediate launch of the Stugotz Podcast Network, produced and distributed in partnership with iHeartPodcasts, one of the largest podcast publishers in the world.
Unlike legacy radio-first contracts, this deal flips the model:
Podcasting is the centerpiece
Radio supports and amplifies on-demand content
Video and digital distribution are baked in from day one
For Stugotz, the partnership is about evolution—not reinvention.
“This wasn’t about starting over,” sources familiar with the deal say. “It was about taking what already works and building something much bigger around it.”
Flagship Shows Anchor the New Network
The Stugotz Podcast Network launches with two established and popular properties that already carry strong brand recognition among sports fans:
Core Network Shows
Stugotz and Company – A conversational, personality-driven sports show built around humor, opinion, and offbeat takes
God Bless Football – A football-focused podcast blending analysis, culture, and irreverent commentary
These shows will now benefit from:
Expanded promotion through iHeart’s national platforms
Enhanced monetization opportunities
Cross-platform distribution including iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Original Sports Programming on the Way
Beyond its initial offerings, the network is designed to grow into a multi-show sports audio ecosystem.
What’s Coming Next
New original sports talk podcasts
Rotating hosts and contributor-led shows
Formats designed for both audio-first and video-first consumption
Programming tailored for year-round sports cycles
This approach mirrors successful podcast networks that prioritize scalability, allowing the brand to extend beyond a single host while maintaining a consistent tone and identity.
YouTube Plays a Central Role
Unlike older podcast deals that treated video as an afterthought, the Stugotz Podcast Network integrates YouTube distribution from the outset.
Episodes will be:
Filmed with video-native presentation
Optimized for discoverability on YouTube
Designed to reach younger, social-first audiences
For iHeartMedia, this aligns with a growing industry realization: the future of podcast growth is inseparable from video platforms.
A New National Radio Show—Built as a Podcast Extension
As part of the broader agreement, Stugotz will also debut a weekday national radio show beginning in January 2026.
Radio Show Details
Airs: 3–5 p.m. ET
Network: FOX Sports Radio
Reach: More than 270 stations nationwide
Streaming: iHeartRadio app and FOXSportsRadio.com
But insiders stress that this is not a traditional radio play.
Radio as a Funnel, Not the Focus
FOX Sports Radio executives have framed the show as a live extension of the Stugotz podcast brand, not the centerpiece of the deal.
The show is designed to:
Match the tone and structure of his podcasts
Feature rotating co-hosts and guests
Blend sports commentary with humor and freeform conversation
Drive listeners toward on-demand podcast content
This strategy reflects a growing industry trend: broadcast radio is increasingly being used as a discovery tool for podcasts, rather than the other way around.
Why iHeartMedia Was the Right Partner
Stugotz has made no secret that scale was the deciding factor.
Key Reasons Behind the Deal
iHeartMedia’s massive promotional reach
Industry-leading podcast infrastructure
Cross-platform distribution capabilities
Experience building personality-driven podcast networks
Rather than simply distributing shows, iHeart will help build a sustainable, expandable podcast brand.
iHeart’s Bigger Strategy Comes Into Focus
For iHeartMedia, the Stugotz deal fits squarely into a broader strategy:
Invest in recognizable media personalities
Build network-style podcast brands
Leverage broadcast radio to amplify digital content
Monetize across audio, video, and live experiences
The company has increasingly moved away from one-off podcast deals toward ecosystem-building partnerships, and Stugotz is the latest example of that shift.
A Personality-First Media Model
What makes this deal especially notable is how clearly it centers on personality rather than format.
Stugotz’s appeal has never been about breaking news—it’s about:
Voice
Perspective
Humor
Chemistry with co-hosts and guests
The network model allows that personality to exist across multiple shows, formats, and platforms without dilution.
Sports Media in 2025: A Changing Landscape
The launch of the Stugotz Podcast Network highlights several key trends shaping sports media today:
Industry Shifts
Podcasts now rival radio in audience loyalty
Video is essential for growth and discovery
Talent ownership and brand-building matter more than ever
Audiences prefer conversational, authentic voices over scripted analysis
In this environment, creators who can anchor ecosystems rather than single shows are increasingly valuable.
What This Means for Fans
For listeners, the deal promises:
More consistent content
A wider range of sports-focused shows
Easier access across platforms
A unified brand experience
Whether tuning in live on radio, streaming on-demand, or watching clips on YouTube, fans will encounter a cohesive Stugotz-led media universe.
What Comes Next
While the full programming slate has yet to be announced, expectations are high that the Stugotz Podcast Network will:
Expand rapidly in 2026
Introduce new voices and formats
Serve as a testing ground for hybrid audio-video sports content
The deal positions Stugotz not just as a host—but as a media operator.
Final Take: A Deal Built for the Future, Not the Past
This partnership leans less on legacy radio economics and more on long-term digital brand building. It reflects where sports media is heading—not where it’s been.
For Stugotz, it’s his biggest move yet. For iHeartMedia, it’s another step toward dominating the next generation of sports audio. For the industry, it’s a clear signal: the podcast network era is here to stay.
