Landon Buford
The intersection of sports and entertainment has long been a captivating realm. Athletes, whose careers are often limited in terms of years, have increasingly ventured into various forms of media and content creation. One such venture is Players TV, an athlete-owned media company, and at the helm of its content creation division stands Kyrie Irving, the renowned NBA superstar. In this article, we delve into Kyrie Irving’s perspective on the incentives that Players TV offers and how the company is poised for a bright future in the world of sports media.
As Players TV’s Chief Content Officer (CCO), Kyrie Irving has been there since the company’s inception. He takes pride in having witnessed the birth and growth of Players TV. When asked about the company’s journey, Irving shared, “It has been amazing to see the growth, been there since the birth of the company.” His involvement since the early days of Players TV has given him a unique insight into its evolution.
One of the defining characteristics of Players TV is its status as an athlete-owned media company. Kyrie Irving believes that this uniqueness is what sets the company apart. He notes, “When you have an athlete-owned media company, a lot of people won’t catch on right away, because we’re used to the big brands or the big product being the consumers’ first choice.” Players TV, however, brings innovation to the table. It’s not just about following the established norms; it’s about creating new opportunities in the sports media landscape.
Partnerships play a crucial role in any media company’s success. Kyrie Irving emphasizes that Players TV is continuously developing new strategies and forging partnerships that are instrumental in capturing the market. He points out, “As we develop more content, we develop more partnerships, I definitely see a bright future for us.” The partnership with the NBA, in particular, is a significant step in this direction, as it combines the appeal of professional basketball with the authenticity of athlete-owned content.
Kyrie Irving draws parallels between Players TV and established sports channels like the Golf Channel or Tennis Channel. He highlights that owning one’s media platform can lead to a lasting legacy and independence beyond a player’s career. He shares, “Being at Players TV gives me that option to be independent, create content that really feels at home for me.” This independence is a valuable asset for athletes as it allows them to shape their post-playing careers according to their vision and values.
Irving expresses his appreciation for the like-minded individuals at Players TV, saying, “It’s just easy to work with people that kind of share that same alignment. That’s the same vision.” This alignment between the athletes and the company’s executives is what fuels their pursuit of innovation and independence in sports media.
One of the most enduring aspects of Kyrie Irving’s perspective on Players TV is the long-term vision. He acknowledges that the journey as a CCO hasn’t been easy, but it is one he will appreciate when the time comes to pass this investment on to future generations. Irving reflects, “That’s what I love about it most when our partner Players TV, so being a CCO over there hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a process that I’m going to appreciate when I can pass this investment on to my kids, and my kids, kids.”
Kyrie Irving’s role as the Chief Content Officer at Players TV is not just a job; it’s a testament to his commitment to innovation, independence, and the future of athlete-owned media. Players TV, with its unique approach to sports and entertainment, is carving out a distinctive space in the industry. With the backing of NBA athletes like Irving, it is clear that Players TV is set to be a major player in the world of sports media for years to come. As the sports and media landscape continues to evolve, Players TV and its athlete-driven content will likely stand as a beacon of authenticity and independence in an industry dominated by big brands.
