Underdog has landed a deal that will allow the sports gaming and media giant to maintain the momentum of its popular basketball-focused digital program.
The New York-based company has announced a multiyear contract extension with the Gil’s Arena show hosted by three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and a team of NBA and media industry veterans. The live daily show has garnered more than 500 million views on YouTube since its launch with an average of 275,000 viewers per episode.
“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,” said Underdog CMO Liz Marro. “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.”
Underdog aims to surpass ESPN’s First Take in viewers per episode by 2026. First Take, hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, averages 496,000 viewers per episode.
Gil’s Arena also features appearances by former NBA players Nick Young, Kenyon Martin and Brandon Jennings. The show also includes WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes.
Underdog has a portfolio of media programs that includes 89, hosted by former NFL All-Pro receiver Steve Smith and Clean Pocket hosted by former NFL coach Jay Gruden.
New opportunity for a former Underdog partner
Last year, former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick secured a video series partnership with Underdog appearing in several online and TV spots throughout 2024.
In December 2024, Belichick reached a five-year deal to become the head coach at the University of North Carolina. Underdog last aired a Belichick spot in October 2024.
