Fox Sports Invests in Tom Brady’s Shadow Lion Studio for Growth

Fox Sports has announced a significant investment in Shadow Lion, the entertainment and marketing studio co-founded by NFL superstar and lead analyst Tom Brady. This strategic partnership aims to develop original content that blends sports and culture, including films, series, and digital programming. According to Eric Shanks, CEO of Fox Sports, the collaboration is designed for long-term growth and innovation.

Brady expressed enthusiasm about extending the reach of Fox Sports beyond traditional NFL broadcasts. “It’s extending this Fox Sports experience beyond just NFL games on Sunday,” he stated. “We want to tell stories year-round and develop original content that fans are eager to see.”

The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed. Still, Shanks emphasized that the partnership aligns with Fox’s previous strategic investments, such as its stake in Penske Entertainment, which owns the IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fox has also collaborated with notable talent, including Gordon Ramsay, through Studio Ramsay Global.

Expanding Content Horizons

Shanks noted that engaging with Shadow Lion and Brady opens new avenues for Fox Sports, enhancing its storytelling capabilities. “Once we met them, it became pretty clear that a partnership with Shadow Lion and Tom could give Fox Sports a new gear,” he explained. Brady echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared values and commitment to storytelling that both organizations possess.

Gilad Haas, co-founder of Shadow Lion, elaborated on the goals of the studio, stating, “I see this as a new chapter for us as we expand to produce longer-form content and continue to be talent-led.” The collaboration will also see Shadow Lion opening an office on the Fox lot in Los Angeles, where newly appointed head of content Philip Byron will work closely with the Fox team.

The first project following the investment will be a docuseries focusing on the University of Michigan football program, where Brady played as a college athlete. The series will feature Brady and Jim Harbaugh, the program’s former coach and current head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, as executive producers. “It was a huge moment in my life,” Brady said, reflecting on his time at the university.

Future Collaborations and Ambitions

The partnership is set to explore more than just sports-themed projects. Shadow Lion aims to broaden its scope in entertainment production, which may include initiatives independent of Brady. “We have ambitious plans for growth and how we tell these stories,” Haas noted.

Fox Sports and Shadow Lion are also collaborating on the upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year, featuring Brady and other NFL stars. This event will be broadcast on Fox, further integrating the two organizations’ efforts.

Shanks emphasized that the partnership is not solely about Brady. “It’s not just the Tom content company,” he stated. “We see the potential in the number of brands they activate through storytelling, which will benefit Fox as well.”

Brady acknowledged the advantages of the collaboration, pointing to Fox’s extensive infrastructure and reach. “They have massive scale, and Shadow Lion provides its unique creativity,” he concluded.

This investment marks a promising chapter for both Fox Sports and Shadow Lion as they work together to expand their creative horizons and reshape sports entertainment.