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4w ago

Howard Schultz Invests in Ryan Clark’s Pivot25 to Scale Creator‑Led Media

Schultz will supply strategic counsel, network access, capital, further professionalizing Pivot25’s podcast and video distribution.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 23: ESPN broadcaster and former NFL player Ryan Clark looks on prior to a game between the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A man in a suit speaking at a microphone with a Starbucks cup next to him, Image 2 shows Man speaking into a microphone

Overview

  • Pivot25 announced Tuesday that former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has joined the company as a strategic partner and investor to help grow the operation.
  • Pivot25 said Schultz will provide strategic counsel, commercial relationships, networking expertise and access to capital to help commercialize the business.
  • The company was co‑founded in 2025 by Ryan Clark and producer Alicia Zubikowski and runs The Pivot Sports with Ryan Clark, a podcast produced with NFL Films that has a large YouTube audience.
  • Pivot25 already expanded distribution beyond YouTube with a recent multi‑year streaming arrangement with Netflix, a step Schultz’s involvement aims to amplify.
  • Clark left ESPN in July after 11 years and has framed this partnership as the next phase of his post‑ESPN career; Schultz’s corporate experience could speed deals for sponsorships, licensing and new programming.