First Take
Work
2007
An ESPN television sports debate program featuring commentators discussing major sports news, controversies, and matchups.
7 episodes featuring First Take
We Fixed It, You're Welcome
Sports streaming makes fans pay for access and convenience
As leagues chase global audiences and media revenue, fragmented rights deals are making it harder for local fans to follow their teams.
Sep 22, 2026 · 1h 9m
Fearless with Jason Whitlock
NFL’s physical revival challenges quarterback-first thinking
The episode uses football’s renewed emphasis on running games and defense to question how media narratives and hiring policies shape the sport.
Sep 15, 2026 · 1h 2m
Fearless with Jason Whitlock
Whitlock questions Stephen A. Smith’s pursuit of approval
The discussion uses Smith’s interview to examine how public figures balance loyalty, authenticity, professional credit, and popularity.
Sep 8, 2026 · 49 min
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Bill Simmons and Sal turn Week 1 into a futures market
Their picks reveal how early-season uncertainty, quarterback questions, travel, and last year’s surprises shape NFL betting decisions.
Sep 7, 2026 · 2h 21m
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Sports ownership turns scarcity into billionaire power
The episode connects protected league economics, opaque financing, NBA history, and the WNBA’s struggle to convert attention into durable fandom.
Aug 21, 2026 · 1h 42m
Fearless with Jason Whitlock
NFL and ESPN Recalculate Their Power Play
The episode connects changing television measurement to a broader struggle over the NFL’s cultural authority, ESPN’s talent strategy, and sports franchises’ obligations to stars.
Aug 20, 2026 · 56 min
Fearless with Jason Whitlock
Whitlock panel tests star power against statistical impact
The episode weighs media narratives around Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark against performance data, then extends its scrutiny to quarterback development and sports-media standards.
Aug 17, 2026 · 1h 2m