The popularity of podcasts continues to mount. The percentage of U.S. population that have listened to an audio podcast in the last month is at 38% in 2022. That’s more than double what was reported in 2015. The Brooklyn Nets want to be a part of that growth.
The NBA team is coming to podcasting. In fact, it’s already here. The franchise has partnered with iHeartMedia to launch a slate of new podcasts. The plan is to create multiple podcasts with a variety of voices to serve their fans.
The Nets announced their first show will be hosted by Chris Carrino, the Nets’ radio play-by-play announcer. Their second will be hosted by Ally Love, the team’s in-arena host.
The first show is Voice of the Nets with Chris Carrino and debuted today (May 31) and will drop new episodes each Tuesday. The show will feature Carrino speaking to guests about the current state of the Nets and the NBA. The first episode features former Nets player Jason Collins, who helped lead the team to back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. Collins later broke barriers as the NBA’s first active openly gay player.
“For over two decades I’ve been telling the story of the Nets through radio play-by-play and Voice of the Nets podcast is a chance to tell that story in long form,” Carrino said in the announcement. “I’m looking forward to sharing these stories and insights in conversations with a variety of guests. In addition to my role with the Nets, I have a somewhat unique life experience and a natural curiosity and while the show will revolve around the team, we will cast a wide net in covering a myriad of topics. I’m so excited to connect with fans in this way and grow a new audience as well.”
The team’s second podcast which will debut in June is titled Courtside Conversation and is hosted by Love. In the show, she will talk to guests about the game of basketball and all things culture – whether fashion, music, food, art, or current events – highlighting important New York moments.
“Courtside Conversation is going to be the place for all our guests to get personal, get inspired, and be inspiring,” Love said. “I regularly say that conversation is the catalyst for change and I’m looking forward to connecting with athletes, artists, and all our favorite people on a platform where we can share strategies and tips for success – our winning game – with others.”
The Brooklyn Nets’ podcast partnership continues the NBA’s commitment to the medium that drove a league-wide deal with the NBA and iHeartMedia announced last July. All Nets shows will be part of the NBA Podcast Network.
