The landscape of sports media is undergoing a significant transformation, and Roku's latest venture signals a powerful shift in the narrative surrounding women's sports. The streaming platform has partnered with Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Rich Eisen Productions to launch "Women's Sports Now," a weekly talk show poised to capture the growing audience for women's athletics.
This collaboration brings together a formidable team. Hello Sunshine, known for its commitment to amplifying female voices, adds to its expanding portfolio of women's sports content, which already includes projects like "Surf Girls" and "F1 Academy." Rich Eisen Productions contributes its expertise in sports broadcasting, ensuring a high-quality production. The show will be co-hosted by Suzy Shuster, Dream co-owner and veteran sports broadcaster (who also serves as executive producer); Renee Montgomery, former WNBA star and analyst; and comedian Sarah Tiana, bringing a blend of expertise, insight, and humor to the program.
Roku's strategic investment reflects the increasing mainstream appeal of women's sports. As Joe Franzetta, head of sports at Roku Media, observes, this sector is experiencing rapid growth in viewership, advertising interest, and investment. This show positions Roku to capitalize on this expanding market and solidify its presence in the sports content arena.
Hello Sunshine's involvement underscores its dedication to reshaping the narrative for women in media. Sara Rea, head of unscripted at Hello Sunshine, emphasizes the company's passion for supporting women's sports and its commitment to creating content that resonates with both dedicated fans and those new to the scene. The aim is to make the show accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
"Women's Sports Now" joins Roku's existing sports programming, including "The Rich Eisen Show," creating a synergistic lineup. New episodes will premiere Thursdays at midnight ET, immediately following "The Rich Eisen Show," maximizing viewership and creating a consistent viewing experience for sports enthusiasts.
Montgomery anticipates a dynamic and multifaceted show, blending in-depth analysis with discussions of the cultural impact of women's sports. Her own broadcasting style, which she describes as "untraditional and unconventional," suggests that the show will offer a fresh and engaging perspective.
The show's coverage will encompass a wide range of women's sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and college sports, featuring a diverse roster of guests. Shuster highlights the power of sports as a platform for meaningful conversations, fostering dialogue and understanding across different perspectives.
Shuster also emphasizes the significance of the show's title, "Women's Sports Now," underscoring the timeliness and importance of this moment for women's athletics. It's not simply about providing a platform; it's about demanding recognition and celebrating the achievements of female athletes.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the evolution of sports media, recognizing the growing audience for women's sports and providing a dedicated space for their stories to be told. "Women's Sports Now" promises to be more than just a talk show; it aims to be a catalyst for change, reflecting and shaping the future of women's sports.
