Don’t blame Cumulus, iHeart, and Audacy for the financial challenges in our industry. There is a common theme among radio veterans — blame the big company of your choice for seemingly bad decisions. Cumulus has filed a pre-packaged bankruptcy, and they are not the guilty ones.
Let us take the stigma out of bankruptcy. Whether personal or business, bankruptcy is legal protection from creditors. It is a lawful instrument to reset a financial situation. I have not personally filed for bankruptcy as Cumulus did for a second time, but I certainly know people who have had to file for various reasons.
Our industry’s woes with innovation can certainly be pinned on the financial burdens that many companies took on some 30 years ago. When the feeding frenzy of Wall Street’s influence on our industry’s consolidation came to an end, very capable radio executives asked, “What now?” Publicly traded companies are expected to grow each year. There used to be a rule of annual growth of 10%.
Well, if that revenue growth is tied to acquisitions and nothing else can be purchased or created, this is a problem. Unlike a Trader Joe’s, radio stations cannot build new locations. We are a government-regulated industry and are now seeing contractions, with radio stations shutting down in some places.
As social media became a thing, radio gave up the mantle of connecting with our communities. I guess it is easy to look back and think that radio should have seen this coming. But we didn’t. Part of it was arrogance and a corporate focus on making sales goals and watching expenses. Radio also worked as free promotion for our competitors in the social media landscape.
Content creation was once exclusive to movies, books, radio, TV, theater, and music. It was a controlled environment determining who could create and distribute that product. Now, anyone can create content — anyone. That ability has provided so many more choices. The other issue is that radio and television have not adjusted to the on-demand world. Radio largely just repurposes what it does on the air and calls it a day. Joe Rogan would not work on radio, and your radio show as a podcast rehash doesn’t work either.
So, the masters of the universe at the Wall Street hedge funds are realizing that they have this huge debt and very little chance of seeing that money back. The hedge fund people who made these decisions 30 years ago are likely retired or dead. Wall Street is cleaning it up.
Alpha’s debt was sold to another hedge fund, and the radio stations are being operated by Connoisseur Media. Jeff Warshaw and his team will hopefully be very successful. My observation is that if the hedge funds could make a similar deal to sell off the debt to another Wall Street interest, they would do so immediately.
With all the challenges our industry faces, the good news is that over 80% of people listen to the radio each week. If you look at the Nielsen data, those people are most likely in the car or at work. Home listening is not what it used to be. Businesses are still being built by advertising on radio stations, and you are likely familiar with the successes experienced by your cluster’s clients.
Radio’s self-inflicted damage was not a failure of the medium, but of overwhelming debt.
I once thought it would be better for the industry if the number of owners multiplied from just the likes of Audacy, Cumulus, and iHeartMedia. I am convinced that radio closer to its communities — in ownership, management, and personalities — is much more effective.
Look at WABC. John Catsimatidis purchased WABC and made it a personal passion project. That station went from irrelevance to ninth place in Nielsen’s most recent monthly ratings. Catsimatidis made that station New York again. It’s a great model. Investment, patience, and innovation have led to this great radio story.
There is no entity on Earth that can operate under smothering debt. One of our other challenges is getting teenagers and Gen Z focused on radio again. How many music stations are nostalgia-focused? Nostalgia formats have built-in advantages, but the local businesspeople buying advertising are generally a little older, and they may not be interested in advertising on a format they personally don’t listen to or much less understand.
Cumulus eliminated $600 million in debt. Does this make them profitable? Will it help revitalize the industry with energy and innovation? Or is this just a band-aid? The future of radio is in our hands. We didn’t create this predicament, but we do have the opportunity to build that future.
Just because something failed in Bangor, Maine in 1980 doesn’t mean it was necessarily a bad idea. The experiment may have been executed by a less-than-motivated staff. The program director may have felt a format thrust upon them, much like the world was mandated to watch Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl.
Think of Netflix. People would have DVDs delivered to their homes, then return them after viewing. Netflix transitioned to the streaming model and has become a dominating force. What is next for radio? It is really up to the imagination, tenacity, and patience of our executives. It is tough to be innovative when short-term ROI is handcuffing us.
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Brian Thomas was never supposed to be on the radio.
For 16 years, the 55KRC morning host practiced law. He had a career, a path, and a plan — none of which included a microphone. But sometimes the best things in life come from the paths we never intended to walk, and for Thomas, the road to Cincinnati talk radio was paved with a father’s, Jerry Thomas, retirement, an unexpected phone call, and a conscious decision to ignore the advice of the one man who knew the industry better than anyone.
His father spent 46 years in radio. When the elder Thomas finally hung it up, the station came calling for his son. The offer caught Brian completely off guard.
“I had no intention of being on radio by way of background,” said Thomas. “When my dad retired, they called me up and offered me the job, which came as a complete shock. I struggled with it for a while — and my dad tried to convince me not to do it.”
It’s a curious thing — a man who gave his life to radio actively discouraging his son from entering the business. But the reasoning, Thomas explained, made perfect sense once you understood where his father was coming from.
“He lived through the heyday when it used to be fun to work for a radio station — the 50s, the 60s, the 70s,” the 55KRC host said. “Then along came corporate ownership, politically correct rules, and the whole nature of the industry changed. He’d had it up to his eyeballs by the time he retired, and I think that was his problem.”
Thomas listened to the warning. He considered it carefully. And then he did what any self-respecting litigator would do — he argued the other side.
“Dad, I’ve always worked for assholes,” Thomas said he told his father. “I’ve never had it any other way. I practiced law for 16 years, after all.”
The other argument Thomas made — to himself — came from a more philosophical place. He leaned on Mark Twain, or at least the wisdom attributed to him: that we regret the things we didn’t do far more than the things we did. How often, Thomas reasoned, does an opportunity like this land in front of you? So he took the leap, kept his law license as a safety net, and gave it a shot.
Come December, it will be 20 years.
That decision has since earned Thomas recognition far beyond the Queen City. He recently landed 10th on the Barrett Media Top 20 Mid-Market News/Talk Radio Morning Shows list — an honor that left him, in his own words, stunned.
“It’s quite frankly pretty unbelievable. I didn’t expect it. I’m quite humbled by it, and honestly, a sense of disbelief that I’m there,” Thomas stated. “I’m humbled that anybody even listens to my program, to be quite frank with you.”
That kind of self-deprecation is genuine, not performative. Thomas describes himself in exactly one word: self-deprecating. He has no social media presence — by choice — and bristles at anything that smacks of celebrity. He is, in many ways, the anti-influencer who built an audience by simply refusing to play by modern media’s rules.
That independence extends to the show itself. While crosstown competitor 700 WLW runs a tightly formatted clock — weather and traffic on the ones, rigid segment breaks, hard stops — Thomas operates in a different universe entirely. At 55KRC, if a guest is compelling, the conversation goes where it needs to go.
“I don’t even pay attention to the clock, quite honestly,” Thomas said. “If I get a great guest on and I only have them for one segment, I am going way past quarter after — all the way into 20, 21, 22. And he’ll just pack the commercials in at the end. I’d rather have the content, the flow, the back and forth. That’s the luxury that I get that they don’t.”
It’s a philosophy rooted in something deeper than format preference. Thomas credits his litigation background — deposing everyone from garbage collectors to corporate CEOs — with giving him the ability to extract compelling conversation from virtually anyone on virtually any subject. He approaches each interview the way he once approached a jury: assume they know nothing, boil it down, and let curiosity drive the questioning.
“I try to put myself in the position of the listener,” he said. “If they could ask a question, what would it probably be? You pretend that nobody has any information on the subject matter, and you can get a lot out of somebody when you start from that premise.”
It works. After two decades, Thomas looks back at the roster of authors, politicians, and public figures he’s interviewed and calls it, simply, “an amazing variety show of guests.” That, he says, is the best part of the job — better than the solo segments, better than the caller calls, better than anything else the business has to offer.
“I have been blessed with being able to speak with so many prominent people,” Thomas stated. “I look back at 20 years and the people I got to talk to — it’s just been an amazing experience.”
His father warned him about the industry. He wasn’t wrong about a lot of it. But for Brian Thomas, the gamble paid off in ways neither of them could have predicted — and somewhere, surely, the old man must be smiling about that.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
When Piers Morgan announced he’d hired former MSNBC president Rashida Jones as CEO of his Uncensored media brand, the easy reaction was to raise an eyebrow.
It’s a fair instinct. If you’re running what amounts to a YouTube show licensed out by the UK’s Channel 5, why exactly do you need a CEO? More to the point, why do you need one who’ll likely command the kind of salary that comes with Jones’s pedigree?
The skeptic’s argument writes itself. It feels like corporate window dressing — a move designed to make the operation look more legitimate than it actually is. Slap an executive title on someone prominent and suddenly you’re a media company instead of a guy with a camera and a grudge. That’s the cynical read, and it’s not entirely without merit.
But it’s probably the wrong read.
Look at the full picture, and something more intentional starts to emerge. Piers Morgan didn’t just hire a high-profile executive. He did it after securing more than $30 million in funding to back his venture. You don’t raise that kind of capital and then hire a former network president because you want your YouTube channel to look impressive. You do it because you’re actually trying to build something. Put those two moves together and the message is hard to misread: Piers Morgan has ambitions that extend well beyond an interview and panel show.
The question then shifts from “why does he need a CEO” to “what exactly is he building?” Jones isn’t a content hire. She’s an infrastructure hire. Her background is in running organizations, managing talent, and scaling operations. That’s not the profile you seek out if your ceiling is a niche digital talk show. It’s the profile you seek out when you’re trying to construct a media brand with multiple revenue streams, a real staff, and a long-term strategy.
There’s also a broader context worth acknowledging here. Morgan’s move isn’t just about his own ego — though there’s certainly some of that baked in. It reflects something that’s genuinely changed about the media landscape.
The democratization of content has made this kind of play possible in a way it simply wasn’t a decade ago. He doesn’t need a cable news contract. He doesn’t need a network executive greenlighting his projects. And he can take his content directly to consumers, build his own audience, and find a path to both relevance and profitability without anyone’s permission.
That’s a significant shift. For years, figures like Morgan needed traditional media infrastructure to remain viable. Now they don’t. The tools to distribute, monetize, and scale are accessible in ways they never were before. Some personalities have used that freedom to build genuine enterprises. Morgan appears to be betting he can be one of them.
Whether he succeeds is a different question entirely. Digital media is littered with well-funded ventures that never found their footing. Having money and a recognizable name isn’t a business model — it’s a starting point. Jones will need to translate Morgan’s notoriety into something sustainable, and that’s genuinely hard work regardless of how much capital is sitting in the bank.
Still, it’d be a mistake to dismiss this as vanity. The Morgan-Jones pairing is either the beginning of something real or a very expensive lesson in the limits of brand-building. Given the funding, the executive hire, and Morgan’s obvious hunger to remain a major media figure, it at least deserves to be taken seriously. He’s not just making a show. He’s trying to build an empire — and for the first time, he’s got the pieces in place to actually try.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
Sports analysis in the United States is evolving quickly. Traditional commentary still relies on box scores, advanced metrics, and insider reporting, but a new layer now shapes the conversation in real time. Prediction markets have emerged as powerful indicators of how fans and informed participants assess teams, players, and outcomes before and during games.
Unlike opinion-based analysis, these markets convert beliefs into probabilities. Each price shift reflects new information, changing sentiment, or a reassessment of risk. For media, analysts, and fans, this creates a dynamic feedback loop between performance and perception. As participation and visibility grow, prediction markets are becoming an increasingly influential force in sports narratives.
The Rise of Prediction Markets in Sports
Prediction markets differ from traditional sports betting in both structure and purpose. While sportsbooks set odds and manage exposure, prediction platforms operate more like exchanges, letting participants trade contracts tied to specific outcomes. Prices fluctuate with collective demand, creating real-time probability estimates that reflect aggregated opinion.
Several major platforms now drive this shift, attracting casual fans, data analysts, and financially minded participants. The growth of regulated digital wagering in the U.S. has increased liquidity and visibility across high-profile leagues such as the NFL and NBA. FanDuel Predicts availability signals how prediction-based products are expanding into mainstream coverage, evolving from niche tools into analytical instruments that complement traditional reporting and help fans interpret upcoming events.
How Prediction Markets Generate Smarter Data
The appeal of prediction markets rests on the principle often called the “wisdom of the crowd.” When diverse participants evaluate an outcome and commit capital based on their assessment, the resulting price reflects a broad synthesis of information. That aggregation can capture nuances that static models or singular expert opinions overlook.
Real-time market movements often respond to subtle developments. Injury whispers, lineup changes, weather forecasts, and coaching decisions can all trigger immediate price shifts. Unlike television analysts who may hesitate to revise a take mid-broadcast, markets adjust without delay.
Because participants have financial exposure tied to outcomes, incentives encourage close attention to detail. The result is a constantly updated probability estimate that integrates quantitative data and qualitative insight. While not flawless, prediction markets often serve as a transparent reflection of collective expectations, offering a data stream that complements traditional statistics and scouting analysis.
The Impact on Professional Sports Analysis
Broadcasters and digital outlets increasingly reference market-based probabilities during coverage. Pregame segments now cite implied win percentages derived from trading activity, framing matchups in probabilistic terms rather than binary narratives. This shift subtly alters how audiences interpret underdogs and favorites. Front offices and team analysts also monitor market sentiment. While internal models remain primary decision-making tools, external pricing can reveal how the broader ecosystem perceives roster strength or matchup edges. That awareness adds context when evaluating trades, draft decisions, or public communication strategies.
Journalists, meanwhile, face a changing landscape. Market signals can challenge established narratives, pushing commentators to reconcile statistical projections with probability shifts driven by fan sentiment. As the boundary between quantitative modeling and market intelligence blurs, prediction markets increasingly function as a reference point in the wider sports analysis ecosystem.
Challenges, Limitations, and Manipulation Risks
Despite their influence, prediction markets are not without limitations. Liquidity can vary widely across sports and events. Major NFL games tend to draw heavy participation, while niche competitions or lower-profile matchups may see thinner trading, which can distort probability signals and make some outcomes appear more likely or unlikely than they truly are.
Lower-volume markets are also more vulnerable to manipulation. Aggressive moves by a small group of participants can skew prices, reflecting individual strategy rather than broad consensus. Regulators and platform operators monitor unusual activity to maintain credibility, but bettors should remain aware that thinly traded markets carry higher uncertainty.
Another challenge arises when analysts and markets influence each other. If media outlets highlight market moves as evidence and participants respond to those narratives, circular reasoning can emerge, amplifying perceptions of momentum or risk that may not be fully justified. Platforms like FanDuel Research provide context by tracking historical trends, line movement, and participation levels, helping users interpret probabilities responsibly and see how collective behavior interacts with real-world events.
What the Future Looks Like
The trajectory suggests deeper integration between prediction markets and mainstream sports coverage. Broadcast graphics increasingly display live win probabilities, and digital platforms experiment with real-time overlays during games. As artificial intelligence tools advance, market data may merge with machine learning models to generate even more refined projections.
In-game trading could become a staple of sports media, offering viewers continuously updated probability snapshots as momentum shifts. Analysts may reference market-derived expectations as naturally as they discuss yards per play or shooting percentages.
Long-term prediction markets may influence how performance itself is understood. Instead of asking simply who won or lost, coverage may emphasize how expectations evolved throughout competition. As markets continue to expand, they are positioned to shape not only wagering behavior but the broader language of sports analysis.
A New Lens for Interpreting the Game
Sports discourse thrives on debate, data, and evolving narratives. Prediction markets provide a structured way to quantify collective belief, turning opinions into measurable probabilities. That shift changes how fans, media, and even teams interpret uncertainty before kickoff or tipoff.
Traditional metrics and expert commentary remain central, but market-based signals now add another layer of insight, capturing shifts in perception as quickly as momentum on the field. Used thoughtfully, they complement rather than replace established analytical tools.
As adoption grows and technology advances, prediction markets are becoming part of sports storytelling, showing not just what happened, but how expectations moved in real time alongside the action.
The United States hosts the largest and most active retail proprietary trading market in the world. Estimates indicate that nearly 62% of global prop firms operate a significant base in the US. For American traders, this means access to more opportunities than almost anywhere else — but more choices also make selecting the right firm more complicated. With fierce competition for clients, prop firms often adjust their challenge formats, payout models, and marketing to appeal specifically to US traders. On the surface, many offers may look alike, but the details can make a big difference to your trading results.
This guide reviews nine prop firms open to US residents, comparing their evaluation processes, profit splits, payout terms, and trading rules. By examining each firm’s conditions, you can quickly determine which aligns best with your trading style and financial goals.
OneFunded – Best overall for flexibility and easy to follow trading rules.
TopStep – Best for futures traders and structured education.
The5ers – Best for high scaling and flexible CFD programs.
FTMO – Best for global recognition and multiple platform options.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) – Best for long-term career growth and VIP programs.
FXIFY – Best for customization and fast access to funding.
BrightFunded – Best for loyalty rewards and volume-based perks.
Apex Trader Funding (ATF) – Best for US-based futures trading.
How to Choose the Best Prop Firm
US Trader Eligibility
This must be the first filter. It is crucial because some firms may advertise themselves as accepting US clients but the terms say otherwise. Others do not publish a country list at all, which means you are buying a challenge before you know whether you can receive a payout. So, before you enter any payment details, locate the firm’s Terms and Conditions and search for “United States,” “US residents,” or “restricted countries.” If that language does not exist on the site, contact support and ask in writing.
Evaluation Model
You have learned that different firms have different challenge structures. And that the structure determines how hard you have to work before you see a payout, as well as how much money you spend getting there.
So, the question you ask yourself and ensure you find answers is this: how many phases do I need to complete to get to the funded account, and what does each phase cost?
As a general rule, single phase challenges are faster but typically carry a tighter profit target or a higher fee. And two phase challenges spread the evaluation across two stages and generally allow more room for drawdown. These considerations, and others like whether the firm charges a one-time fee or subscription, should help you get a clearer picture of what firm to select.
Profit Split and What the Base Rate Actually Means
The tax regime in the US is different from many places, and this affects net profitability regardless of the headline split percentage. For example, futures prop firms typically generate Section 1256 contract tax treatment, which adds 60% long-term capital gains rates regardless of holding period. On the other hand, forex/CFD firms generally produce ordinary income taxed at marginal rates up to 37%. So, when comparing an 80% split from a futures firm against a 90% split from a forex firm, calculate the after-tax yield based on your federal bracket.
Rules That Affect Your Specific Strategy
If you are partial to automation, especially expert advisors, you must know their compatibility with US-accessible platforms. For instance, MetaTrader, both 4 and 5, dominates algorithmic trading globally, but most firms do not offer it to their US clients because of CFTC restrictions. So, if your strategy relies on MT5 Expert Advisors, confirm whether the firm offers MT5 specifically to US clients or whether you must rebuild logic for DXtrade, cTrader, or Tradovate.
The Payout Withdrawal Methods
The way the US banking system works creates friction points for prop firm payouts. For example, if a firm offers only international wire transfers, or SWIFT, the transaction may incur $25-$50 intermediary bank fees and multi-day clearing delays. And you’ll find that those using Rise or domestic ACH networks provide faster, lower-cost access to USD.
Cryptocurrency offers an alternative, but this method creates taxable events upon conversion to fiat. This may trigger exchange reporting obligations that complicate year-end tax preparation. So, prioritize firms that offer USD-denominated payouts to US bank accounts without currency conversion fees, particularly if you are not maintaining offshore crypto holdings.
OneFunded is the best overall prop firm in 2026 because it puts traders first, is very flexible, and uses a modern way to give funding. The firm lets traders use pretend money accounts to trade in real markets, with sizes from $2,000 to $200,000. This lets new and expert traders grow without using their own money. Its clear rules, different types of tests, and pro-level tools make it better than most other firms.
What really makes OneFunded different in 2026 is its many types of tests for different trading styles. Traders can pick from a classic two-step test, an easier one-step test, or a special premium test. All tests have no time limit and clear risk rules. This choice takes away stress and lets traders focus on their trades.
Key Features
Profit Split: 80% default to the trader, upgradable to 90% via paid addon
Account Sizes: $2,000 to $200,000 across four distinct evaluation tracks
Platforms: TradeLocker is available for US traders;
News Trading: Permitted across evaluation and funded phases, but must respect a five-minute “News Volatility Period” restriction around scheduled high-impact releases.
Automation: Expert Advisors (EAs) permitted only if pre-approved; latency arbitrage, data feed exploitation, and high-frequency algorithmic strategies prohibited.
Payout Frequency: Bi-weekly cycle; weekly payouts available via addon purchase
Minimum Payout: $100
Scaling: Available across all challenge tracks
Holding Periods: Overnight and weekend positions permitted, though swap fees may apply.
Markets: Forex, cryptocurrencies, global indices, metals, and US and EU stocks
Challenge Types and Details
OneFunded offers four challenges: Value, Core, Flex, and Flash. Each track is designed to solve a different problem for a different type of trader, says the firm on its website. See the table below for details:
Flash
Core (2-Step)
Value (2-Step)
Flex (2-Step)
Account sizes
$2K – $200K
$5K – $200K
$2K – $50K
$5K – $200K
Entry fee range
$29 – $715
$45 – $650
$16 – $137
$54 – $780
Phases
1
2
2
2
Profit target
10%
8%/5%
6%/6%
7%/4%
Minimum trading days
5
3 per phase
4 per phase
3 per phase
Maximum daily loss
4%
5%
4%
4%
Maximum overall loss
6%
10%
8%
10%
Consistency cap
50%
50%
40%
Off
Trading period
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Inactivity limit
60 days
60 days
60 days
60 days
One rule that applies uniformly across all four tracks and deserves emphasis is that there are no time limits. We should say that this is not a standard feature. Many prop firms impose 30- or 60-day evaluation windows that force traders to either rush their setups or abandon carefully planned strategies.
So, OneFunded’s unlimited trading period shows that a trader who eventually hits the target consistently is more valuable than one who scrambles to hit it by a fixed deadline. This is useful especially for US traders navigating sessions across different time zones. Also, those who trade part-time get an important lift from the absence of pressure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Unlimited evaluation timeframes
Transparent, plain-language documentation of trading rules
Rewards Center that creates compounding value for active traders
Fee refundability on Core and Flash tracks
Entry fees start as low as $16
News trading permitted across both evaluation and funded phases
Cons
The 90% profit split and weekly payouts are not defaults, available with the add-ons
The5ers, operated by Five Percent Online Ltd., is an Israeli prop firm that launched in 2016 and quickly expanded its reach to traders worldwide, including a strong presence in the US. According to the company, it has funded over 260,000 traders globally and holds a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot from more than 20,000 reviews.
The firm uses a simulated trading model and offers three main CFD programs: Hyper Growth, High Stakes, and Bootcamp, each designed to suit different trading styles and goals. Additionally, The5ers provides a dedicated Futures track for traders focusing on futures markets. All CFD accounts run on MT5 Hedge, accessible via desktop, web, and mobile platforms, giving traders flexible options to manage their strategies anywhere.
Key Features
Profit split: 50% to the trader at entry levels on Hyper Growth, which scales to 80% and up to 100% at higher tiers; 80% to 100% on High Stakes; and up to 100% on Bootcamp.
Account sizes: $5K-$20K on Hyper Growth; $2.5K-$100K on High Stakes; $20K, $100K, and $250K on Bootcamp.
Platform: MT5 Hedge
Instruments: Forex, metals, indices, crypto, and oil
News trading: Permitted on Hyper Growth and Bootcamp; restricted on High Stakes
Automation: EAs permitted provided the trader owns the source code
Overnight and weekend holding: Allowed across all programs
Payout frequency: Bi-weekly
Scaling ceiling: $4 million on Hyper Growth and Bootcamp; $500,000 on High Stakes
Educational tools: The5ers Academy, webinars, live events, economic calendar, news sentiment tool, and downloadable indicators
Challenge Types and Details
Hyper Growth
High Stakes
Bootcamp
Evaluation Steps
1
2
3
Account Sizes
$5K, $10K, $20K
$2.5K, $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K
$20K, $100K, $250K
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
8%
6%
Phase 2 Profit Target
—
5%
6%
Phase 3 Profit Target
—
—
6%
Max Daily Loss
3% pause (no hard stop)
5% per phase
N/A (3% pause on funded)
Max Overall Loss
6%
10% per phase
5% per phase
Min. Profitable Days
None
3 per phase
None
Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Leverage
1:30
1:100
1:30
News Trading
Allowed
Restricted
Allowed
Scaling Ceiling
$4,000,000
$500,000
$4,000,000
Profit Share
Up to 100%
Phase 1: $2 reward;Phase 2: Refund
N/A (Up to 100% in funded)
Entry Fee (smallest size)
$260 ($5K)
$22 ($2.5K)
$22 ($20K)
Pros and Cons
Pros
The $4 million scaling ceiling is the highest of any firm on this list
Three distinct CFD programs plus a Futures track offers more structural variety than most competitors.
No time limits across all programs; accounts remain active as long as there is trading activity within any 30-day window.
100% profit split is achievable on Hyper Growth and Bootcamp at higher balance tiers.
Cons
High Stakes prohibits news trading entirely within a two-minute window
All payout methods carry a processing fee of 2%-3%, except hub credits, which cannot be withdrawn.
TopStep is a US-based proprietary trading firm that was founded in 2012 as TopstepTrader and rebranded in 2020. Unlike many prop firms that focus solely on funding, TopStep emphasizes education and skill development, offering a futures-only trading environment. The company supports traders with 13 in-house performance coaches and a wide range of digital learning tools, including TopStepTV and the automated Coach T system, designed to help traders improve their strategies and performance while progressing toward a funded account.
Key Features
Profit split: 90% to the trader across both Express Funded and Live Funded accounts.
Account sizes: $50K, $100K, and $150K
Trading platform: TopStepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower, ATAS, and additional Rithmic-compatible options (16 total, five free in funded accounts traders).
Asset class: Futures only
News trading: Permitted
Automation: EAs and automated systems are permitted, but subject to the firm’s Prohibited Conduct policy around exploiting the simulated environment.
Payout frequency: Weekly (Wednesdays) during Express Funded phase; daily withdrawals available after 30 qualifying days in Live Funded accounts.
Payout cap per request: Up to $5,000 per payout under the Standard path; up to $6,000 under the Consistency XFA path.
Performance bonuses: Live Funded traders can earn over $250,000 in cumulative performance bonuses, stacked across monthly milestones.
Back2Funded: A reactivation mechanism that allows traders who lose their Express Funded Account before a first payout to reactivate it up to two times, without restarting the Trading Combine.
Challenge Types and Details
TopStep, like ATF before it, runs a single-phase evaluation, which it calls the Trading Combine. Once you pass the Combine you move to an Express Funded Account (XFA). The table below summarizes the available account sizes and their key features:
$50K Combine
$100K Combine
$150K Combine
Monthly Fee (Standard path)
$49
$99
$149
Monthly fee (No activation fee path)
$109
$159
$209
Profit Target
$3,000
$6,000
$9,000
Max Position Size
5 contracts
10 contracts
15 contracts
Max Loss Limit
$2,000
$3,000
$4,500
Daily Loss Limit
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Activation Fee (Express Funded)
$149
$149
$149
It’s important to note that the TopStep XFA (Express Funded Account) begins at a $0 balance rather than the full Combine size. The maximum loss limit is calculated based on the Combine you passed (for example, $2,000 for a $50K Combine), and your account balance can temporarily go below zero to accommodate trades within that limit. If the account reaches the loss limit floor, it is closed. The Daily Loss Limit applies to all supported platforms except TopStepX, which uses built-in risk management tools to handle it differently.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Established operational history since 2012
TopStepX, a proprietary trading platform purpose-built for the firm’s risk structure
Comprehensive educational infrastructure
Payouts can be requested within three to five days of earning funding
No time limit on the Trading Combine
Back2Funded provides a buffer against losing a funded account before a first payout
Performance bonuses in the Live Funded Account can add over $250,000 in cumulative earnings on top of standard payouts
Cons
Futures-only
Monthly subscription model
Three account sizes only
4. FTMO
FTMO is a Prague-based prop firm that has earned a strong reputation in the trading world since its founding in 2015. The company operates on a simulated trading model, where traders pay a one-time evaluation fee and complete a structured challenge. Once the challenge is successfully passed, they gain access to a funded account, known as an FTMO Account, with real capital to trade.
The firm fully accepts US traders and offers access to a wide range of instruments familiar to them, including major and minor forex pairs, global indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. FTMO’s rules and guidelines are written in clear, plain English, ensuring transparency and reducing confusion for traders at every stage of the evaluation and funding process. This combination of global accessibility, straightforward requirements, and diverse trading options has helped FTMO become a trusted choice for traders aiming to grow their capital without risking personal funds.
Key Features
Profit split: 80% allocation to the trader, and is upgradable to 90% through the Scaling Plan.
Account sizes: $10,000 to $200,000 across both 2-Step and 1-Step challenge tracks.
Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade
News trading: Permitted, but positions opened or closed within two minutes of a high-impact news release are restricted.
Automation: EAs permitted, but subject to a server request cap of 2,000 per day
Payout frequency: Bi-weekly; average processing time is 8 hours
Fee refund: On the 2-Step challenge, your entry fee is refunded in full with your first reward withdrawal. The 1-Step fee is not refundable.
Free Trial: Unlimited free trial accounts available before committing to a paid challenge.
Scaling: Account balances can be scaled up to $2 million
Tools: FTMO Academy, Account MetriX, Economic Calendar, Trading Journal, Equity Simulator, and a News Indicator are included with every FTMO Account
Challenge Types and Details
FTMO recently added a 1-Step track to the standard 2-Step route. Both run on unlimited timeframes with no trading-day deadlines. The table below shows the details:
2-Step
1-Step
Account Sizes
$10K-$200K
$10K-$200K
Phase 1 Target
10%
10%
Phase 2 Target
5%
N/A
Maximum Daily Loss
5%
3%
Maximum Loss
10%
10%
Minimum Trading Days
4 per phase
5
Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Fee Refund
Yes (on first payout)
No
Pros and Cons
Pros
Over a decade of operational history
Four trading platform options that provide more flexibility than most competitors
Fee fully refunded on first 2-Step payout
Scaling Plan takes accounts up to $2,000,000
Extensive built-in tools
Cons
All fees are in euros
The 1-Step fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome
The minimum four trading days per phase in the 2-Step track creates friction for traders who achieve targets quickly but must continue trading to satisfy the requirement.
5. City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium is the business name for CTI FZCO, a Dubai, UAE-registered company. The firm is widely known as CTI and has been funding traders since 2018. It is also one of the few prop firms in this list that bring together the traditional challenge-based evaluation system and instant funding pathways under one roof. CTI also offers a comprehensive trader development academy and a tiered VIP program. The firm states on its website that it targets traders who want a long-term career. That explains the VIP Gold tier that offers a fixed 12-month salary independent of trading performance.
Key Features
Profit Split: Up to 100% profit share, which increases through the VIP tier system
Account Sizes: $2,500 to $100,000 for challenges; $2,500 to $80,000 for instant funding.
Platforms: MetaTrader 5 for non-US traders, Match-Trader for US traders
Asset Classes: Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies
News Trading: Fully permitted across all programs including high-impact events
Automation: EAs and algorithmic strategies permitted; copy trading allowed with disclosure.
Scaling to $4 million: 50% balance increase on Challenge; 100% balance doubling at every 10% profit milestone on Instant Funding.
Payout Frequency: Monthly for challenge-funded accounts; bi-weekly for instant funding; weekly at VIP Bronze; on-demand at VIP Silver and Gold.
CTI VIP Program: Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers that unlock progressively better terms as traders perform consistently
Fee Refund: Evaluation fees refunded upon first successful payout for challenge programs.
Overnight/Weekend Holding: Permitted across all programs without restriction.
Challenge Types and Details
1-Step Challenge
2-Step Challenge
Instant Funding
Instant Funding Pro
Account Sizes
$2.5K-$100K
$2.5-$100K
$2.5K-$80K
$5K-$80K
Fully Funded Balance
As purchased
As purchased
2x starting balance
2x starting balance
Profit Target to Scale
10%
10%/5%
10%
10%
Max Daily Drawdown
None
5% per phase
None
None
Max Drawdown
5% (balance-based)
10% per phase
6% (static)
6% (static)
Min Profitable Days
3
3 per phase
N/A
N/A
Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Profit Share
80%-100%
80%-100%
50% to 100% (by level)
50% to 100% (by level)
News Trading
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Weekend Holding
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
EAs
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Scaling Cap
$4,000,000
$4,000,000
$4,000,000
$4,000,000
Entry Price (from)
$27
$34
$62
$263
CTI VIP Program
This program operates in a tiered system, where it rewards traders who are consistent over time. It improves account conditions without requiring any additional purchases in the following ways:
Gold: Monthly salary for one year, institutional trading conditions, custom funding terms, all Silver benefits.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exclusive VIP Gold tier that offers one year salary
Unlimited time constraints across all evaluation phases
Extensive educational resources, including the CTI Academy
News trading permitted without restriction across all programs including high-impact economic releases.
Expert Advisors, copy trading, and martingale strategies permitted with disclosure
Scaling to $4 million is among the highest caps available anywhere in the industry
Cons:
Instant Funding profit share starts at just 50% on the first level
1-Step Challenge requires 3 minimum profitable days, which introduces a consistency element even without a daily drawdown rule.
US traders restricted to Match-Trader
6. FXIFY
FXIFY is a forex-focused proprietary trading firm registered in Labuan, Malaysia, and operated by FXIFY Solutions Limited, based in London, UK. Functioning as a broker-backed firm, FXIFY leverages FXPIG for execution, giving it direct control over liquidity, spreads, and overall trading conditions.
The firm emphasizes customization and fast access to funding rather than a one-size-fits-all evaluation approach. Traders can choose from five distinct program pathways, ranging from traditional multi-phase assessments to instant funding accounts, allowing flexibility based on experience and trading style.
For US-based traders, FXIFY supports DXtrade as the primary platform, since MetaTrader 4 and 5 are restricted by regulations. DXtrade also integrates TradingView, providing a modern, intuitive interface that simplifies charting and trade management for both beginner and advanced traders.
Key Features
Profit Split: 80% base allocation, upgradable to 90% via add-on.
Account Sizes: $1,000 to $400,000 for forex/CFD evaluations; up to $450,000 for futures programs.
Platforms: DXtrade for US traders; MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 for non-US clients.
Asset Classes: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, cryptocurrencies, and stocks.
News Trading: Permitted on One Phase, Two Phase, and Three Phase programs; restricted to 10-minute windows on Instant Funding and Lightning accounts.
Automation: EAs permitted on MT4, MT5 and DXtrade for evaluation accounts; prohibited on Instant Funding and Lightning.
Payout Frequency: On-demand for first payout; bi-weekly or monthly thereafter; bi-weekly is available via addon.
Fee Refund: 100% of evaluation fee refunded upon first payout. This is applicable to 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step programs.
Overnight/Weekend Holding: Permitted on evaluation programs and most funded accounts; restricted on Instant Funding.
Leverage (for CFDs): Up to 1:50 via addon, 1:30 is standard
Maximum Allocation: Up to $4 million combined across multiple accounts.
Challenge Types and Details
FXIFY structures its offerings into five program categories. The table below provides the key details of each account type:
One Phase
Two Phase
Three Phase
Lightning
Instant Funding
Evaluation Process
1 step
2 steps
3 steps
Single phase (accelerated)
None (immediate funding)
Account Sizes
$5K-$400K
$5K-$100K
$5K-$400K
$10K-$100K
$1K-$100K
Profit Target
10%
Phase 1: 5% Phase 2: 10%
5% per phase
5%
None
Daily Loss Limit
3%
4%
5%
3%
8%
Maximum Drawdown
6% trailing
10% trailing
5% static
4% trailing
8% trailing
Minimum Trading Days
5
4 per phase
5 per phase
3
None
Maximum Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
5 days
N/A
News Trading
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
10-min restriction
10-min restriction
Weekend Holding
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Not allowed
EA Usage
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Not allowed
Not allowed
Fee Refund
100%
N/A
100%
N/A
No
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wide range of challenge structures to suit different trading personalities and risk tolerances.
First payout on demand
Fully customizable accounts at checkout
100% fee refund on One Phase and Three Phase programs
EAs, weekend holds, and news trading are all permitted for evaluation without restrictions
Broker-backed infrastructure
Clean, modern trading dashboard
Cons:
Higher entry costs for Instant Funding
Restrictions on EAs and news trading for Instant Funding and Lightning accounts
US traders restricted to DXtrade platform
7. BrightFunded
BrightFunded, operating under Bright Global FZCO, is a Dubai-registered prop firm with additional offices in Warsaw, Poland, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Launched in 2022, the firm has already distributed over $9.5 million in payouts. BrightFunded uses a two-phase evaluation system — comprising a Challenge phase followed by Verification—and emphasizes quick payouts, straightforward trading rules, and a loyalty program that rewards active traders.
Key Features
Profit Split: 80% default allocation, which can increase to 90% then 100% through the scaling plan.
Account Sizes: $5,000 to $200,000 initial allocation
Platforms: cTrader, DXtrade, and MetaTrader 5
Asset Classes: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies
News Trading: Fully permitted during evaluation phases; restricted to 10-minute windows around high-impact events on funded “Star” accounts.
Automation: EAs permitted across all phases, provided they comply with fair trading guidelines
Payout Frequency: First payout available 30 days after first funded trade; subsequent payouts bi-weekly; weekly option available via addon.
Fee Refund: 100% of evaluation fee refunded upon first successful payout
Overnight/Weekend Holding: Permitted across all phases without restriction.
Leverage: Up to 1:100 (forex), 1:40 (gold/commodities), 1:20 (indices), 1:5 (crypto).
Trade2Earn Program: Loyalty tokens awarded based on trading volume, redeemable for free evaluation accounts, profit split upgrades, and merchandise.
Challenge Types and Details
Phase 1 (Challenge)
Phase 2 (Verification)
Funded Star Account
Account Sizes
$5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K
Same as Phase 1
Same as Phase 1
Profit Target
8%
5%
None
Maximum Daily Loss
5% of initial balance
5% of initial balance
5% of initial balance
Maximum Overall Loss
10% of initial balance (static)
10% of initial balance
10% of initial balance
Minimum Trading Days
5
5
None
Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Indefinite
Entry Fee
€55, €95, €195, €295, €495, €975
Free
Free
Profit Split
N/A
N/A
80% then 90% then 100%
Pros and Cons
Pros:
No consistency rules
Trade2Earn loyalty program rewards volume-based engagement independent of profitability.
No monthly fees on funded accounts
100% profit split achievable after three scaling milestones
News trading permitted during evaluation phases without restriction
Cons:
First payout delayed 30 days from first funded trade
News trading restrictions on funded accounts
Higher entry fees at upper tiers
8. Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding, or ATF, operates from Austin, Texas. This makes it one of the few domestically headquartered prop firms serving US traders. It was founded in 2021 and its infrastructure is built exclusively around futures markets, specifically CME Group products, CBOT Treasury instruments, NYMEX energy contracts, and select EUREX indices.
Key Features
Profit split: 100% of the first $25,000 earned per funded account; 90% beyond that, with no cap on maximum payout.
Account sizes: $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $250K, and $300K (Full accounts); $100K Static also available
Platforms: Rithmic (with NinjaTrader license included), Tradovate, and WealthCharts
Asset class: Futures only
News trading: Permitted for normal day-to-day strategies; prohibited specifically for “windfall” exploitation.
Automation: EAs and automated systems permitted
Payout frequency: Every 8 days
Multiple accounts: Up to 20 funded, or performance accounts (PAs), simultaneously
Challenge Types and Details
Apex runs a single-step evaluation model across all account tiers. It is, however, important to note that the firm offers two distinct drawdown approaches. That is, there are “Full” accounts with trailing thresholds, and the “Static” account with fixed drawdown limits.
The Full accounts are the standard offering. They use a live trailing threshold, which means the drawdown limit moves upward as your account equity rises. Once you stop making new highs, the threshold stops moving. The Static account is a different structure entirely. It is available only at the $100K level and uses a fixed maximum drawdown of $625 rather than a trailing threshold.
But ATF also organizes its evaluations based on the platform choice. You can choose either the Rithmic, Tradovate, or WealthCharts plan, although all options provide access to the same account and profit targets. They only differ in reset costs, ongoing fees, and tooling.
The table below shows how the account sizes compare:
$25K Full
$50K Full
$100K Full
$150K Full
$250K Full
$300K Full
$100K Static
Contract Limit
4 (40 micros)
10 (100 micros)
14 (140 micros)
17 (170 micros)
27 (270 micros)
35 (350 micros)
2 (20 micros)
Profit Target
$1,500
$3,000
$6,000
$9,000
$15,000
$20,000
$2,000
Max Loss Mechanism
$1,500 trailing EOD
$2,500 trailing EOD
$3,000 trailing EOD
$5,000 trailing EOD
$6,500 trailing EOD
$7,500 trailing EOD
$625 static
Daily Loss Limit
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
Minimum Trading Days
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Time Limit
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
And this one compares the plans:
Platform Tier
Reset Fee
Monthly PA Fee
Key Inclusions
Execution Environment
Rithmic
$80
$85
NinjaTrader license ($75 value), real-time data ($55 value), Rithmic RTrader Pro
Tradovate license (browser/mobile/Mac native), TradingView integration, NinjaTrader license, real-time data
Web-based with mobile apps; cloud execution; broad device compatibility
WealthCharts
$80
$85
Proprietary web-based platform, real-time data ($55 value)
Standalone browser platform; no external platform connections permitted
Pros and Cons
Pros
US-domiciled and US-focused
No daily drawdown rule
100% of the first $25,000 earned per funded account goes to the trader
Payouts every 8 days
Up to 20 simultaneous funded accounts
Cons
Futures only
Monthly subscription model for both evaluation and funded accounts
The requirement to close all positions by 4:59 PM ET prohibits overnight swing trading.
Conclusion
The US prop trading market offers the widest range of options, but more choices also make selecting the right firm challenging. This guide reviewed nine leading prop firms available to US traders, comparing their evaluation models, account sizes, profit splits, payout terms, and trading rules. Each firm has strengths tailored to different trading styles: OneFunded for flexibility, CTI for career growth, FTMO for global reputation, The5ers for scaling, FXIFY for customization, TopStep for futures education, BrightFunded for loyalty rewards, and ATF for US-based futures accounts. By understanding these differences, traders can match a firm to their strategy, risk tolerance, and financial goals to maximize their chances of long-term success.
Sid Rosenberg has been in the news following harsh criticism of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, which some labeled as racist and Islamophobic. He now says he’s considering going after outlets like TMZ and The New York Times for linking his comments to actions outside Gracie Mansion over the weekend when an IED was thrown at protestors.
The NYPD has confirmed that two improvised explosive devices were recovered following protests outside Graice Mansion on Saturday. A third “suspicious device” was found in a vehicle as the investigation is ongoing.
Following the situation, TMZ noted that Sid Rosenberg had subjected Mamdani to prejudiced comments after the 77 WABC morning host called the mayor an “America hating, Jew hating, radical Islam cockroach.” Rosenberg subsequently apologized for his remarks after receiving backlash.
The New York Times, City and State New York, also mentioned Rosenberg’s comments in their stories following the situation.
On Monday morning’s edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid Rosenberg shared that he’s considering legal action against the outlets.
“I want an apology,” Rosenberg stated. “I may sue ’em. I’m talking to (attorney Joe) Tacopina and a few other attorneys today. If I can do that, I don’t know. I mean, they just included something which I did say, I did say that. But the implication in all these articles is that somehow I was involved in this. So at the very least, The New York Times, TMZ, that stupid City and State owe me an apology. If not, I may sue ’em. I don’t know.”
Sid Rosenberg responds to TMZ and The New York Times after they blamed him for what happened outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday. @sidrosenberg19pic.twitter.com/DEuTifRL3K
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has taken another step toward strengthening its direct relationship with fans worldwide by launching a new digital destination built to house live programming, exclusive content, and future fan engagement tools in one centralized location.
The promotion announced Monday that it has partnered with streaming technology company Kiswe to introduce MyAEW, a new global platform designed to expand how audiences outside North America watch and interact with AEW programming.
Through the new platform, international fans will gain access to live and on-demand AEW events outside the United States and Canada. The service will also feature a dedicated FAST channel. It will provide ad-supported viewing options for fans around the world.
Officials say the long-term goal is to build MyAEW into a digital hub for wrestling fans. There, they can watch matches, explore behind-the-scenes material, and discover exclusive content tied to the company’s expanding programming slate.
The launch arrives just ahead of AEW Revolution, one of the company’s flagship pay-per-view events. The show regularly showcases many of the promotion’s top stars. According to company leadership, the platform’s debut represents the early stage of a broader digital strategy. The effort hopes to deepen engagement with the promotion’s rapidly growing international audience.
“We are excited to partner with Kiswe for the launch of the new MyAEW platform,” said Tony Khan, who serves as CEO, general manager, and head of creative for All Elite Wrestling. “Kiswe has set the standard for digital content across all forms of sports and entertainment, and we are proud to have AEW alongside other leaders in this space as we continue to evolve the platform and best serve fans around the world.”
The companies plan to continue expanding the platform’s capabilities over the coming year. Additional features are expected to roll out as the service matures.
Executives at Kiswe emphasized that the company’s streaming infrastructure allows media brands to deliver live events and subscription offerings. It also supports advertising-backed programming through customized experiences tailored by region or audience.
“AEW has an incredible vision for the future of their fan experience, and Kiswe is proud to be the technology partner powering it,” Kiswe CEO Glenn Booth said in a statement. “MyAEW was built to become the central hub for the AEW community. It directly connects one of sports and entertainment’s most passionate fanbases to the content they love. The platform provides unprecedented access to the ring and beyond.”
Fans interested in the new platform can now visit MyAEW.com to create an account ahead of future programming announcements. AEW officials say additional details about features, programming, and access options will surface in the coming months. The company continues building out the platform.
🚨 AEW fans! Introducing MyAEW! 🚨
Stream the past with the free, global "Watch AEW" and select international archives. Live in the present with exclusive international PPV bundles and more. And experience a whole new future!
Today, we’re excited to announce that Kiswe is partnering with @AEW to launch MyAEW, the new digital home for the global AEW community!
Powered by Kiswe’s industry-leading streaming technology, MyAEW offers fans live and on-demand events, access to select archived pay-per-views,… pic.twitter.com/l85yiNesA5
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Curtis Sliwa had his debut on 710 WOR this morning alongside co-host Larry Mendte. He couldn’t help but marvel at the talent at the iHeartMedia New York offices.
To begin Curtis Sliwa and Larry Mendte in the Morning on Monday, Sliwa remarked about how impactful the assembled voices at the cluster have been in the radio industry.
“What a welcome I’ve been given here by the iHeartRadio family. First Tom Cuddy, and he made the match between me and (Larry Mendte). And I’ve known (Larry) for years,” Sliwa said. “And who lets me in this morning? Jim Kerr, 52 years, a legend at WAXQ, who remembers me from back in the 70’s interviewing when I started the Guardian Angels.”
Curtis Sliwa then continued by noting that there are plenty of others who might not have the longevity in the market that Kerr does, but are also superstars in their own right.
“And then on Friday when I came here so I can be introduced to the staff, who’s meeting me in the hallway? Charlemagne Tha God, The Breakfast Club guy at Power 105, Elvis Duran from Z100, Hollywood Hamilton at WKTU. And then of course the veteran of all veterans, Mark Simone. This is a Hall of Fame.”
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Beasley Media Group has announced the appointment of Amy Leimbach to the role of Vice President and Market Manager for the company’s Las Vegas cluster.
Leimbach has more than 25 years of leadership in the broadcast, digital, and integrated sales spaces. She most recently served as the Dallas Region President for iHeartMedia. She also held senior roles for the company in Austin, Phoenix, and San Antonio.
Before her tenure with iHeartMedia, Leimbach worked for both Alpha Media and CBS Radio in Portland.
“I’m honored to join Beasley Media Group and excited for the opportunity to work alongside the talented team in Las Vegas,” Leimbach said. “Beasley has a strong reputation for local impact and innovation, and I look forward to building on that foundation while continuing to deliver exceptional results for our audiences, clients, and partners.”
Tom Humm, who has been serving as the Market Manager of the cluster in an interim capacity, will now transition to the role of Senior Adviser t othe Market Manager and New Business Development Manager.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amy to the Beasley Media Group family,” said Beasley Media Group Vice President AJ Lurie. “Her extensive leadership experience, proven ability to grow revenue, and passion for developing strong teams make her the ideal person to lead our Las Vegas cluster into its next phase of growth.”
Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas stations include 96.3 KKLZ, 102.7 Coyote Country, 105.7 Maxima, X 107.5, and 107.9 KVGS,
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Speculation surrounding a possible presidential run by Stephen A. Smith in 2028 took another turn this week, but the outspoken television personality made it clear that his interest in politics stops well short of mounting a campaign for the White House.
During a conversation with Sean Hannity on the Hang Out with Sean Hannity podcast, Smith dismissed lingering chatter about a potential bid and explained that the financial realities attached to running for office make the idea unrealistic for him.
Smith framed the decision bluntly while discussing the restrictions candidates face during a presidential campaign, telling Hannity that the personal sacrifices required would clash with the lucrative media career he has spent decades building.
“I don’t think I’m running either because I’ve got to give up my money,” Smith said during the interview, before doubling down on the idea that stepping away from his earning power would make little sense.
He then made his position even clearer by adding, “Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening.”
Although Smith has repeatedly kept speculation about a potential run and entering politics during television appearances and interviews over the past year, his comments on Hannity’s program represent one of the most direct efforts yet to shut down speculation that he could eventually pursue the presidency.
The full conversation with Hannity and Smith will be released Tuesday.
The remarks build off recent comments Smith made as a guest on a recent appearance on the Netflix podcast The White House, he made clear that any presidential curiosity must contend with a far more immediate calculation: his existing contract with ESPN.
“Barack Obama respectfully, because I do revere that man was a community organizer who became an elected official who didn’t have money. I have money. So there’s a difference,” Smith said on The White House podcast. “To have the money and have to forfeit it. Just do the math. I’m not confirming nor denying my dollars, because I don’t do that. But just do the math based on the reports. ‘This is what you’re making a year, and with three years left on your deal you’ll have to give up this money in order to run for office.’ Do I look like a person that’s interested in doing that? Hell no.”
The longtime personality at ESPN has built a reputation as one of the most visible and opinionated figures in sports media, regularly delivering strong takes on politics and cultural issues alongside his sports commentary.
For now, the veteran broadcaster appears content staying exactly where his audience knows him best, debating sports, culture and politics across television, radio and digital platforms while continuing to expand his media presence.
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