Underdog's Gil's Arena Secures Cast with Multi-Year Deals, Eyes Major Ratings Upsurge

Underdog's Gil's Arena Projected to Surpass First Take Ratings by 2025

In a bold move to solidify its position in the sports media landscape, Underdog, a rapidly growing sports gaming and media company based in the U.S., has announced multi-year contract extensions with the cast of its flagship show, Gil's Arena. This show features a star-studded lineup, including three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who serves as the host and executive producer, along with notable figures such as NCAA Champion Rashad McCants, NBA Champion Nick Young, and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes. With this latest development, Gil's Arena is on track to challenge ESPN's First Take, aiming to surpass its viewer ratings by the end of 2025.

Gil's Arena, launched in 2023, has rapidly ascended to become the largest digital basketball show and the fifth-largest daily sports program in the U.S., amassing an impressive viewership across various platforms. With more than 500 million views on YouTube alone and tens of millions of audio downloads, the show currently averages about 275,000 viewers per episode, far below First Take’s benchmark of 496,000 viewers but with clear aspirations for growth.

Gilbert Arenas emphasized the transformative partnership with Underdog, stating, "Underdog built us a platform and more importantly created a real partnership to share our unfiltered takes with fans. We are building a one-of-a-kind basketball network here, and this is just the beginning – we have big plans for the future." The combination of unfiltered opinions and a dynamic cast is designed to foster deep engagement within the basketball community, which holds significant value to both fans and advertisers alike.

The path for Gil's Arena has not just been paved by its star power; it also reflects a broader movement within sports media towards athlete-centered narratives. Tim Livingston, Underdog's VP of Content, highlighted this trend, mentioning that Arenas and he had initiated one of the earliest athlete-focused podcasts, No Chill, in 2018. This innovative approach has set the tone for the current landscape, which favors direct conversation and engagement with fans.

The show airs live on the Gil's Arena YouTube channel four times a week, Monday through Thursday at 2:30 PM EST. Plans for more content and viewer engagement are on the horizon as the team looks to maintain momentum and audience interest. By deepening its content offerings, Gil's Arena is well-positioned to capture more market share in an increasingly competitive space.

Underdog's strategic partnership with Arenas extends beyond just the show; it encompasses the inclusion of his and his co-hosts' picks featured on the Underdog fantasy sports website and mobile app, showcasing a blend of entertainment and interactive fan engagement.

Liz Marro, the Chief Marketing Officer of Underdog, noted, "This partnership is at the center of our media network expansion and proof of concept for our belief in bringing fans unvarnished and incredibly deep sports content. Working with Gil and his team has been incredible, and we are going to continue to elevate our sports content and build the best sports entertainment experience for our customers."

In only four years since its inception, Underdog has made significant strides in establishing a prominent sports media network in the U.S. Its roster now boasts multiple successful programs, contributing to a total of 1.3 million YouTube subscribers, and a vibrant collection of shows that resonate with sports enthusiasts. From NFL fantasy shows hosted by Steve Smith to discussions on Major League Baseball by veteran analysts, the diversity in programming reflects Underdog's commitment to providing comprehensive coverage and entertainment.

As Gil's Arena continues to grow and evolve, the implications for sports media are substantial. The blend of athlete-led content, interactive fan experiences through technology, and strategic partnership development positions both Underdog and its flagship show for an exciting future in sports entertainment. The race to outperform traditional shows like ESPN’s First Take is more than just numbers; it's about reshaping how fans consume sports content in a modern, digital-first world. Look for Gil's Arena to innovate further and expand its audience in the coming years.