NBA star Draymond Green launching his own media company and podcast—exemplifying athletes’ shift to controlling their own narratives.
The New Media Athlete
In September 2022, Draymond Green launched “The Draymond Green Show” podcast and media company while still playing for the Golden State Warriors. The move represented athletes bypassing traditional media to control their narratives. Green interviewed fellow players, provided insider NBA analysis, and commented on games—sometimes his own—in real time.
Controversy and Access
Green’s podcast created unique situations: commenting on his own team’s games, criticizing teammates publicly, and breaking news about himself. When he punched teammate Jordan Poole in practice (October 2022), Green addressed it on his podcast first—not through team or traditional media. The access was unprecedented and sometimes problematic.
Athlete Media Trend
Green joined LeBron James (“Mind the Game”), Kevin Durant, JJ Redick, and others in the athlete-podcaster wave. They offered insider perspectives traditional media couldn’t—but also blurred lines between player and pundit. By 2023, athlete-led media was established norm, challenging sports journalism’s traditional gatekeeping role.
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