As I delve deeper into the world of sports media, I find myself constantly amazed by the evolution of athlete-led ventures like The Players’ Tribune and Cap 2. Derek Jeter, a man who knows a thing or two about winning, is leading this charge with a keen understanding of both the past and present landscape of public perception towards athletes.
Instead of wearing his cleats, New York Yankees legend and Fox Sports commentator, Derek Jeter, will now be using a video camera instead (clapboard).
The retired baseball legend has stealthily established a production company, Cap 2 Productions (a nod to his Yankees number and leadership role on the team), with aspirations that it will capitalize on the growing demand for sports-themed content among television networks and streaming platforms.
Jeter explains to The Hollywood Reporter that Cap 2 isn’t just a company founded on a whim. Instead, it’s an expansion of work that has been developed over the past decade.
Jeter positions Cap 2 as a continuation of the work he started with The Athletes’ Voice, the digital platform he established alongside Jaymee Messler in 2014.
When we initiated TPT, you had a clear idea of its potential, and I believe it’s surpassed expectations, even mine,” Jeter notes. “I am quite certain that ten years from now, we’ll look back and say that Cap 2 has grown similarly beyond what many anticipated.
Under the representation of WME, Cap 2 has discreetly cultivated a collection of projects, several of which revolve around baseball, with various television and streaming platforms.
These encompass documentaries such as ESPN’s “Yankees Win” and an upcoming World Series series on Apple. Additionally, they feature programming like the History Channel’s forthcoming series “History’s Greatest Warriors,” or the recently finished “Icons That Built America.
Jeter expresses that he’s been fascinated by the origins of greatness throughout his life – how people reach significant milestones in their lives and conquer setbacks. The underlying philosophy behind Cap 2’s content so far is this curiosity, as he wants to share these stories to inspire, educate, and motivate.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m jumping into the game alongside some sports legends who’ve set up entertainment companies of their own. Guys like Tom Brady, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and even Serena Williams have got their own ventures going on. It’s like we’re all leveling up together in the world of entrepreneurship!
Peyton Manning’s company, Omaha Productions, has become quite active in the industry, whereas Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media is aggressively expanding its presence, particularly in scripted programs like Peacock’s show titled Mr. Throwback.
It has become a lucrative area for those connected in the sports world, with those connections leading to access that other production companies simply can’t match. And having a star athlete at the helm also, frankly, makes it easier to get meetings in town, something that has taken on added significance with the ongoing content pullback across Hollywood.
For athlete-led production companies like Unanimous Media (headed by Erick Peyton, president of Steph Curry’s venture), it often means prioritizing audience preferences. As Erick explains, his company initially avoided producing too much basketball content, but eventually realized that was the key to gaining initial access – it turned out they needed to focus on what their audience wanted after all.
Once shows click, other opportunities arise.
Jeter emphasizes the importance of creating a family-friendly narrative, be it through documentaries or scripts, for Cap 2. Moreover, he underscores his active participation in all aspects and decisions, promising to maintain this level of involvement throughout the project.
Jeter emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong base for growth right away. He wants people to grasp what Cap 2 stands for and the kind of ventures we’re aiming for and wish to participate in. However, he also acknowledges that predicting where things will be in five or ten years is impossible. The goal is always to make every project significant and impactful.
He further contends that the influence athletes hold in public perception has undergone a significant transformation over the past ten years since he established The Players’ Tribune. Previously, it was an innovative platform for athletes to express their narratives, but now, leading athletes, musicians, and entertainers have become social media giants, boasting millions of followers.
It offers a chance for an athlete-managed media organization to delve deeper and provide viewers with an extended, in-depth look at the athletes’ lives off the field or court.
Jeter reflects, ‘I don’t wish to appear old-fashioned, but it’s been a decade since my retirement. Today, it seems people are eager to know every detail about athletes and entertainers, leaving little room for secrets.’ He adds, ‘Modern athletes and entertainers seem quite open about their lives, which makes conversations about sports more comprehensive. Fans want to learn about an athlete’s history, their origin, and the hurdles they overcame along the way. This interest, Jeter suggests, helps make them relatable, contrasting with the mysterious aura that surrounded public figures in the past. Today, it seems everything is out in the open.’
Jeter mentions that while many people boast a huge following, these are usually brief glimpses. It’s hard to get the full story from such snippets. That’s why he thinks ‘Cap 2’ could be significant as it might provide a more detailed account,” is one way to paraphrase this statement.
Indeed, sports-adjacent content is still in a boomtime despite the larger content pullback.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed that streaming platforms such as Netflix, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video are diving deep into the world of sports, commissioning documentaries and docuseries about athletes and sport teams. Meanwhile, established broadcasters like ESPN are still holding their ground in this space.
Knowledgeable athletes might have an advantage when proposing a program, as they’re familiar with the sport and the participants.
Peyton Manning shares, ‘I enjoy working backstage in this context, aiding in player recruitment and offering ideas.’ His company, Omaha Productions, has recently created shows such as Quarterback, Receiver, and now Starting 5 for Netflix. ‘I may not be the most knowledgeable person here regarding Omaha Productions ideas,’ Manning admits, ‘but I relish listening to the brilliant minds on my Omaha team, or collaborators from NFL Films or Netflix, and sharing any insights that come to me.’
Additionally, there’s an element of needing to provide evidence or proof. Established Hollywood producers can rely on their past achievements, and similarly, athlete-led businesses must also demonstrate their worth in order to endure over time.
According to Curry, it’s crucial to grasp both what the market demands and desires, as well as staying true to ourselves, while also scoring some victories on the journey. This involves maintaining a strong sense of confidence, believing that our methods are correct, and approaching every situation in a way that reflects this belief.
As a gamer, I always strive to prove my authenticity and commitment by consistently showing up and following through on my promises. You can count on me to honor every aspect of our agreement, every step of the way.
I’m confidently venturing into creating content, avoiding unnecessary boasting. And, just like him, Jeter is eager to adopt this strategy too.
Jeter advises starting things gradually and carefully, rather than hurrying through them. He emphasizes that Cap 2’s success won’t come solely from his involvement, but will stem from the quality of the projects we’re engaged in.
This story appeared in the Oct. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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2024-10-09 16:55