The Players’ Tribune is producing a 12-episode series for Snapchat, Best of TPT, featuring pro athletes weighing in on sports debates and participating in esports challenges.
The show premiered on Sept. 3 on Snapchat’s Discover page, and all previously aired episodes will be accessible via search. The first three productions include current and former NFL players discussing “Best NFL Player of All Time?” “Which Professional Athlete Would Make It in the NFL?” and “Craziest Thing a Fan Has Shouted at You?” The following two programs will star a current NFL player and pro gamer playing video games together.
The program will highlight NFL and NBA players. Only the participation of football players has been announced to date, including Damon “Snacks” Harrison (New York Giants), Keith Smith (Oakland Raiders), Isaac Yiadom (Denver Broncos), Rashaan Evans (Tennessee Titans), DeMarco Murray (retired), Miles Austin (retired), Isaac Whitney (Oakland Raiders), Marcus Maye (New York Jets) and Cam Jordan (New Orleans Saints).
TPT has already created similar content for other platforms, such as Twitter or YouTube.
“We are excited to partner with Snap Inc. and create entertaining content for their platform,” said Raphael Poplock, EVP of partnerships and business development at The Players’ Tribune, in a news release. “Best of TPT is an ambitious new series for us, and this partnership is the latest example of a strategic partner seeing value in our premium, athlete-driven content.”
SportTechie Takeaway
Pro athletes have been flooding social media for years as a way to reach fans directly. The NFL has its own direct Snapchat partnership, but TPT caters to player voices, rather than the league’s. Best of TPT can leverage the editorial experience of The Players’ Tribune to refine its messaging and add additional production value.