Embracing the Future of Sports Media: Connection Over Convention
A New Beginning After "Around the Horn"
Last year brought the unexpected news of "Around the Horn's" conclusion, after an impressive run of nearly 23 years and 4,953 episodes on ESPN. For Tony Reali, who hosted the show for 21 of those years, this marked a pivotal moment. It represented his evolution from a young, passionate newcomer to a beloved personality within the network. Following the final episode in May 2025, Reali intentionally stepped back from the public eye, dedicating his time to envisioning his next professional endeavor rather than hastily returning to network television. This period of reflection revealed a burgeoning trend: individual creators increasingly shaping the media landscape, a realization that profoundly influenced his subsequent decisions.
The Genesis of "Real Deal with Tony Reali"
Reali expressed a desire to innovate rather than replicate past successes. Instead of merely creating an "Around the Horn 2.0" or "PTI 2.0," he sought something genuinely distinct. This ambition led to the launch of his own media company, Real Ones Media, and a strategic partnership with iHeartMedia. The culmination of this effort is "Real Deal with Tony Reali," a sports culture podcast. This innovative program centers on exploring significant sports moments, combining elements of a podcast, a game show, exclusive interviews, and engaging "walk-and-talk" segments into a cohesive production. Reali explains that the show's focus on "living in the moments" is a direct reflection of his own content consumption habits, aiming to delve into the emotional connections people have with sports.
Independent Spirit and Strategic Partnerships
Reali's professional philosophy is rooted in fierce independence. Even during his time at ESPN, he only engaged in projects that genuinely captivated him. This approach continued to guide the development of "Real Deal" and his future aspirations. After "Around the Horn" concluded, numerous podcast platforms approached him. However, instead of immediately accepting, Reali dedicated months to studying successful independent media creators, learning about content ownership and the autonomy that comes with building one's own brand. While he initially considered full independence, an opportunity to partner with iHeartMedia emerged, prompting a strategic pivot. Reali viewed iHeartMedia's success in "culture" as a natural fit for his vision of a sports culture podcast, aligning with his long-term strategy for intentional growth.
Navigating the Evolving Media Landscape
Reali revealed that iHeartMedia showed interest almost immediately after his show's cancellation, alongside other companies offering various sports content opportunities. Industry speculation also linked him to FS1 following their lineup changes, and even Netflix was mentioned in rumors. However, no formal offers materialized from these platforms. Despite this, Reali closely observed their strategies, noting FS1's partnership with Barstool Sports and Netflix's agreements with various podcast providers. He recognized a trend where such opportunities were shifting towards digital platforms, leading him to focus on strengthening his own brand and becoming an attractive candidate in this new media environment.
Reflections on "Around the Horn" and Moving Forward
Reali also observed a similar trend at ESPN, where shows like "The Pat McAfee Show" and "The Rich Eisen Show" operate under licensing agreements, granting ESPN distribution without creative control. He recognized this as a growing strategy, preparing him for his next career move. Despite its cancellation, Reali considers "Around the Horn" a resounding success, crediting ESPN for providing a fitting farewell. While he had processed the show's end before its final broadcast, he acknowledged the unique position "Around the Horn" and "Pardon the Interruption" held within ESPN's programming, operating in a different "lunar system" with less communication about alternative opportunities. Although the breakup was "messy," Reali quickly shifted his focus to future endeavors, viewing the experience not as a setback, but as a catalyst for creative growth.
Embracing a New Era of Connection
Reali's primary focus is now on cultivating "Real Deal." Each episode is meticulously crafted, beginning with him entering the studio, pinpointing a memorable sports moment, exploring its impact, engaging with the perfect guest, reliving the experience, and concluding with a "walk-and-talk" segment that brings the narrative full circle. His ambition isn't merely to top podcast charts; instead, he aims for a profound connection with his core audience, prioritizing deep engagement with a loyal following over broad, superficial reach. Reali is leveraging his producing background to shape the format of each project, with plans to expand beyond podcasting into live events and other ventures. He seeks to identify and capture "irresistible" moments that resonate deeply with audiences, creating a diverse portfolio of shows that evoke powerful feelings and foster genuine connections, rather than simply replacing his previous role.
