Omaha Productions’ Meteoric Rise: How a 2020 Startup Became Sports Media’s Most Dynamic Force
From its inception in 2020, Omaha Productions has transformed from an ambitious startup into a sports media juggernaut. Founded by Peyton Manning following his NFL retirement and co-led by Jamie Horowitz, the company’s rapid ascent began with a bold pitch from Horowitz and WME agent Josh Pyatt to create a media production company that would reflect Manning’s values and unite audiences through compelling content.
The company’s first breakthrough came with ManningCast, a revolutionary approach to Monday Night Football commentary featuring Peyton and Eli Manning. The show’s success, evidenced by multiple Sports Emmy awards, including Eli’s recent second Emmy win, established Omaha Productions as an innovator in sports broadcasting. The program’s unique blend of expert analysis, casual conversation, and celebrity guests created a new template for sports commentary.
Omaha Productions’ expansion into documentary storytelling has yielded remarkable results. Their Netflix series Quarterback became the platform’s most-streamed show, reaching number one in 16 countries. This success led to the upcoming Receiver series, an eight-episode documentary following NFL stars demonstrating the company’s growing influence in long-form sports storytelling.
The company’s commitment to diverse sports coverage is evident in Full Court Press, their groundbreaking women’s basketball docuseries. The show’s unprecedented access to stars like Caitlin Clark during the historic 2023-2024 season earned praise as ESPN’s finest sports documentary in years. The immediate green light for a second season, featuring emerging talents like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins, underscores the company’s ability to identify and develop compelling narratives in women’s sports.
Venturing into scripted entertainment, Omaha Productions is breaking new ground with Chad Powers, their upcoming Hulu series. The show, starring Glen Powell and featuring a creative team including Marvel writer Michael Waldron, represents the company’s ambitious expansion beyond traditional sports programming. The series evolved from a viral segment on Eli’s Places, demonstrating Omaha’s ability to recognize and develop potential across multiple formats.
Strategic partnerships have been crucial to Omaha’s success. A landmark nine-year deal with ESPN ensures the company’s position as a significant player in sports media through 2033. Collaborations with streaming giants Netflix and Hulu and a new partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill Farms for NBA content showcase Omaha’s growing influence across the media landscape.
The company’s production pipeline remains robust, with head of production Therese Andrews revealing 8-12 projects in development. These include Receiver, following NFL stars like Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson, and a new documentary series spanning multiple sports. Each project reflects Omaha’s commitment to authentic storytelling and high production values.
Omaha Productions’ success stems from its unique approach to content creation. The company focuses on developing personality-driven narratives that appeal to both dedicated sports fans and general audiences. This strategy has proven effective across formats, from live commentary to documentaries and scripted series.
Omaha Productions’ impact extends beyond traditional sports coverage. Their content has redefined how athletes’ stories are told, combining unprecedented access with compelling narratives. The company’s success with women’s basketball coverage and expansion into scripted entertainment demonstrate its ability to identify and develop underserved markets in sports media.
As Omaha Productions continues to evolve, its influence on sports entertainment grows stronger. The company has established itself as a leading force in sports media through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to authentic storytelling. With a diverse content portfolio and strong industry relationships, Omaha Productions is well-positioned to continue reshaping how sports stories are told and consumed across all platforms.
