Spotify has inked an extension with podcast host Bill Simmons for a reported minimum of two years. As part of the agreement, Simmons will continue to host The Bill Simmons Podcast while also maintaining his role with Spotify as the head of talk strategy.
According to a report by Bloomberg, there was speculation that Simmons might have considered leaving after his current agreement expired. However, due to his strong push to add new programs to the platform and expand into more video content, the company ultimately decided to extend his contract.
“I’ve been in enough work situations at this point that you just kinda know when you’re in the right spot,” Simmons said in a statement to Bloomberg. “I think all of us are motivated to do something pretty special in the talk and video space.”
In August 2024, a report from Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post stated that Simmons was actively working to determine his future with Spotify. Previously, it had been reported that Simmons engaged in “exploratory conversations with other companies about the possibility of launching a new platform.” At the time, however, a Simmons spokesperson denied those claims.
Simmons first joined Spotify in 2020 when the streaming giant purchased The Ringer for approximately $250 million. At the time, CEO Daniel Ek sought to expand the company’s portfolio beyond music and establish a stronger presence in the podcasting space.
With the acquisition of The Ringer, Spotify gained a well-established brand with a loyal audience—one that Simmons had built over many years, dating back to his tenure at ESPN and his founding of The Ringer in 2016.
Beyond Simmons’ own podcast, Spotify has continued to invest heavily in exclusive content, securing deals for major titles such as The Joe Rogan Experience and Call Her Daddy.
Looking ahead, The Ringer will continue to expand its podcast lineup while integrating more video-based content into its programming. Simmons, meanwhile, reports directly to Roman Wadenmüller, who currently oversees Spotify Technology SA’s podcast division.
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