Episode
#124: The Case for Russillo to Barstool; Plus, Why ESPN's New Streaming App is Doomed
- Podcast
- The r/BillSimmons Podcast
- Published
- Aug 25, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 4525
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Welcome to Episode #124! We bring on recurring guest and sports media specialist JF for a highly informative show on the r/BS Pod topic of the day (Russillo's free agency) and the hottest non-Russillo sports media story (ESPN's Direct to Consumer app launching). To start off the pod, JF makes the case that Barstool should be even odds with The Ringer to nab Russillo, a contrast to some of our recent r/BS Pod discussions. JF argues that Russillo is both a better cultural and financial fit at Barstool. We explore some content Russillo could generate at Barstool while also discussing why Barstool's financial model and less stringent IP demands could be of interest to Ryen. We also hit on why The Volume, and their ability to offer Russillo equity, may be more in play than some are thinking. Plus, we get into podcasteconomics, contrasting The Ringer vs. Barstool, and JF questions a few moves Bill is making with some Ringer shows. After we finish up with Russillo, we talk ESPN's new streaming app. For $30, you can now buy all of ESPN standalone, instead of only being able to access the network via a cable TV bundle like YouTube TV. Will this be a success? We don't think so. And, we admonish ESPN for squandering a decade where they've developed no talent and continued putting together weak studio shows - there's no creative vision at the network. We finish up the pod going more in-depth on cable TV andESPN economics, and why the network developed such hubris while diminishing their brand.