Former Fox News analyst Rodriguez named co-host of Bloomberg podcast

The following was sent out from The Hollywood Reporter:

Former MLB all-star and Fox Sports analyst Alex Rodriguez is adding Bloomberg to his media résumé.

Rodriguez (often referred to by his nickname “A-Rod”) will co-host a new podcast and video series for Bloomberg Originals, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Called The Deal, Rodriguez will co-host the program with Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly. The series will “explore the stories, strategies, and challenges behind some of the biggest business moves made by athletes, entertainers, and executives across industries,” per Bloomberg. Each podcast episode will have a video companion, which will run on Bloomberg Originals and on Bloomberg TV.

“Dealmaking in sports, media and entertainment requires a strategic vision and nuanced execution to compete in such a crowded space,” Rodriguez says. “Jason brings his experience as a seasoned journalist and I share what I’ve learned from the best in sports and business. Our show will welcome iconic figures to provide insights that you won’t hear anywhere else.”

The Deal will comprise 12 episodes, and is set to launch in early 2024. Endeavor and TKO president and COO Mark Shapiro is expected to be one of the first guests.

The series marks an expansion into sports content for Bloomberg, which already has the series Next in Sports and Power Players, and is planning a sports business newsletter and a dedicated sports section of its website.

Rodriguez — known as a savvy business executive off the field and outside the studio — also brings a major name to Bloomberg’s roster, joining the likes of Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who also hosts a Bloomberg Originals program.

Rodriguez currently serves as an MLB analyst for Fox Sports, and as the host of ESPN’s KayRodcast, an alternate broadcast of Sunday Night Baseball. THR exclusively reported in July that Rodriguez is signing a new long-term deal with Fox, and is expected to depart ESPN after the season is over.