NFL podcast expansion reaches four-year milestone with iHeartMedia partnership renewal

Four days after the announcement made on January 8, 2025, the National Football League (NFL) and iHeartMedia solidified their continued collaboration in the podcasting space, marking a significant expansion of their partnership that began in 2021.

According to Brent Lawton, NFL Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Investments, the NFL Podcast Network has delivered high-quality storytelling and podcast content to NFL fans since its inception. The network's growth trajectory has demonstrated substantial audience engagement across multiple show formats.

The partnership extension introduces several strategic developments for content creation and distribution. According to Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, the collaboration will facilitate the development of new original podcasts and NFL Club shows annually, while maintaining existing popular programs within the network's portfolio.

A notable addition to the lineup launched on January 8 is "Lots To Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel." The show pairs iHeartMedia's nationally-syndicated personality Bobby Bones with former Pro Bowl NFL quarterback Matt Cassel. Broadcasting from Nashville, the program combines sports analysis with broader cultural discussions, featuring guests from both athletic and entertainment sectors. The inaugural episode showcased Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner.

The hosts bring significant credentials to their roles. Statistical data indicates their combined experience includes more than 17,500 passing yards in professional football, along with achievements in entertainment, including a Mirrorball trophy from ABC's "Dancing With The Stars."

The NFL Podcast Network's current programming encompasses a diverse range of shows including "NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal," "Off the Edge with Cam Jordan," "The Season with Peter Schrager," and "NFL Fantasy Football Podcast." The network also features "Good Morning Football," "Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks," "10 Takes with Kyle Brandt," "The Insiders," and "NFL Players: Second Acts."

Distribution metrics highlight iHeartMedia's significant market position. According to Podtrac measurements, iHeartMedia maintains its status as the largest podcast publisher, accumulating more downloads than the combined total of the next two podcast publishers.

The technical infrastructure supporting this content distribution operates through multiple channels. All shows on the network are distributed by iHeartPodcasts and accessible via the iHeartRadio app and various podcast platforms. For mobile users, NFL Network programming can be streamed live through the NFL app across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and connected TV devices, integrated with NFL+, the league's direct-to-consumer offering.

The partnership leverages iHeartMedia's substantial audience reach, with data showing 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio monthly. The company's broadcast radio assets maintain an audience larger than any other media outlet in the United States, representing twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company and more than four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital-only audio service.

NFL Media's comprehensive coverage continues to operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the year, providing inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps, and training camps.

For content distribution inquiries, media professionals can contact Jenn Powers at iHeartMedia or Andrew Howard at the National Football League, as specified in the official announcement.