Howard Schultz invests in Ryan Clark's media company after ESPN exit

Two months after his ESPN dismissal, former NFL analyst Ryan Clark has landed investment from former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz for Pivot25Productions.

Former ESPN analyst Ryan Clark has secured an investment from former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz for his media company, Pivot25Productions, according to Front Office Sports. The deal comes roughly two months after Clark was let go by ESPN in July as part of broader cuts at the network.

Clark, 46, was a regular presence on ESPN's NFL coverage before his departure. He had already built a large following through 'The Pivot' podcast, which became his primary focus after the exit. He co-founded Pivot25Productions with producer Alicia Zubikowski.

Schultz, 73, has prior ties to sports ownership, having owned the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics — a franchise that also included the WNBA's Seattle Storm — before selling it. The investment marks his return to sports-related business dealings.

Clark confirmed the news on X, writing that building a relationship with Schultz had already taught him a great deal about business and that he looked forward to growing with him as a partner. His channel has 1.5 million subscribers, and his show recently announced a partnership with Netflix.