Entrepreneurship

The EntréView: Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Takes the Media World by Storm

The legendary NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning, has seamlessly transitioned from football to media entrepreneurship. His company, Omaha Productions, has quickly risen to prominence in the entertainment industry, producing hit shows for ESPN, such as Peyton’s Places and the wildly popular Monday Night Football alternative broadcast, Manning Cast.

Manning’s venture into the media world began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Jamie Horowitz and Josh Pyatt, both respected veterans in the sports media industry, encouraged him to start a show from the comfort of his basement. The inaugural broadcast was met with success, setting the stage for Omaha Productions to expand its reach. With the backing of media mogul Peter Chernin, former Chairman of NewsCorp, who invested $10 million in the company, Omaha Productions now boasts an impressive valuation of over $400 million.

Jamie Horowitz, a trusted advisor to Peyton Manning, is instrumental in shaping Omaha Productions’ strategy and programming. Horowitz brings a wealth of experience to the table, having held executive positions at ESPN and Fox, where he showcased an exceptional ability to identify and nurture talented sports commentators like Colin Cowherd, Skip Bayless, and Shannon Sharpe.

Horowitz and Josh Pyatt recognized Peyton Manning’s immense potential in his foray into the media world. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Digital and Development at WWE, Horowitz’s expertise lies in overseeing original programming and digital initiatives. His previous roles at DAZN and Fox Sports’ National Networks have contributed to his deep understanding of content creation and strategy.

During his tenure as a senior executive and executive producer at ESPN, Horowitz played a pivotal role in creating and overseeing popular shows like First Take and SportsNation. During this time, he forged a connection with Connor Schell, a former ESPN executive who was instrumental in introducing Omaha Productions to Peter Chernin.

As Omaha Productions continues to expand its portfolio and attract media investors, Jamie Horowitz’s diverse experience and proven track record will undoubtedly remain crucial in shaping the company’s future endeavors. His partnership with Peyton Manning has driven the company’s rapid growth and success in the media industry.

With Horowitz’s guidance, a robust content portfolio, a talented team, and the support of a significant media investor, Omaha Productions is well-positioned for future growth. The company’s ability to produce captivating and innovative content, with Manning’s star power and Horowitz’s industry expertise, has established Omaha Productions as a dominant player in the entertainment landscape.

As the media world evolves, Omaha Productions is poised to seize new opportunities and deliver compelling content to audiences across various platforms. With Peyton Manning at the helm and Jamie Horowitz navigating the strategic direction, the company is set to leave an indelible mark on the media industry, cementing its position as a powerhouse in sports and entertainment.