Wave Sports + Entertainment

Wave Sports + Entertainment is not a technology company—it is a media and entertainment company that produces and distributes sports content for digital-first audiences.[1][5]

High-Level Overview

Wave Sports + Entertainment is a production and distribution company launched in 2017 that creates original video and audio content featuring athletes and sports personalities.[5] The company serves Gen Z and younger sports fans who consume content primarily through social media and digital platforms rather than traditional television.[5] It solves the problem of fragmented sports fandom by providing authentic, athlete-driven content that builds direct connections between sports personalities and superfans.

The company has achieved significant growth momentum, with over 130 million highly engaged followers globally and a monthly reach exceeding 500 million sports fans.[1][4] Its original shows have generated approximately 5 billion impressions over the past year, demonstrating strong audience demand for sports influencer content.[5]

Core Differentiators

• Athlete-Centric Content Model: Wave builds shows around athletes themselves rather than traditional sports broadcasting, creating authentic narratives that resonate with younger audiences.[5]

• Multi-Platform Distribution: The company operates across podcasts, short-form video, long-form docuseries, and live events, maximizing reach across Gen Z consumption habits.[2][3]

• Dual Revenue Streams: Wave generates revenue through both direct talent representation (managing podcasts like *New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce* and *Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce*) and a media agency that serves sports organizations and brands.[5][2]

• In-House Production Infrastructure: Wave maintains studios and production capabilities designed to create branded experiences for sponsors while maintaining creative authenticity.[3]

Role in the Broader Sports Media Landscape

Wave is capitalizing on a fundamental shift in how younger audiences consume sports content. As traditional sports viewership on television declines among Gen Z, the company has identified and monetized the demand for sports influencers and athlete-driven narratives distributed through digital and social platforms.[5] This positions Wave at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and creator economy trends.

The company also serves as infrastructure for the sports industry itself, helping leagues, teams, and sports organizations (like the WNBA and Tennis Channel) innovate their content strategies and reach younger audiences through its media agency.[2][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Wave Sports + Entertainment represents a successful bet on the creator economy within sports media. CEO Brian Verne's vision—that young fans would embrace original content from athletes themselves—has proven accurate, with multiple podcast hits achieving massive scale and cultural relevance. The company's expansion into serving sports organizations through its media agency suggests a maturing business model that captures value from both talent representation and enterprise services.

As sports media continues fragmenting across platforms and younger audiences increasingly reject traditional broadcasting, Wave's position as a bridge between athletes, fans, and brands will likely strengthen. The company's challenge will be maintaining authenticity and creative quality while scaling commercial partnerships and expanding its talent roster.