EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd Eyes Sale of The Volume, Show Shrinks, and Retirement
EXCLUSIVE – Colin Cowherd, the influential Fox Sports host and creator of The Volume, has begun to outline plans for the future of his media empire. This week, in an exclusive interview with OutKick, Cowherd shared insights into the potential sale of The Volume, his decision to scale back his three-hour television show, and his gradual move toward retirement. With over five years of growth and a network now generating more than $75 million in annual revenue, Cowherd’s reflections mark a pivotal moment in his career. The Volume, which has become a major player in the sports media landscape, is set to see significant changes as Cowherd balances his ambitions with the realities of age and workload.
Exclusive Insights on Ownership and Strategic Shifts
During the exclusive conversation, Cowherd addressed the possibility of selling The Volume, a move that has sparked speculation in the industry. He drew comparisons to other media moguls like Dave Portnoy and Bill Simmons, who have also transitioned from ownership to new ventures. “We have had people interested,” Cowherd said. “It would have to be the right fit.” He emphasized that the buyer doesn’t necessarily need to be a traditional broadcaster, as his expertise in that domain gives him confidence in managing it independently. “I think I have enough knowledge in broadcasting that I can handle that side. I don’t necessarily need guidance there.”
“The key is ensuring the legacy of The Volume is preserved while aligning with someone who shares our vision,” Cowherd added. This sentiment reflects his focus on maintaining quality and influence as he adjusts the scale of his operations. The discussion also touched on the human impact of these changes, with Cowherd highlighting his responsibility to his 60 employees. “I don’t lose sleep at night if I have a bad show. I lose sleep because I have 60 employees, and they have families,” he said. This highlights his commitment to balancing personal goals with professional obligations.
Retirement and the Evolution of His Media Portfolio
As Cowherd contemplates retirement, he framed it as both a personal and professional journey. In the exclusive interview, he discussed how the absence of a clear purpose can affect one’s quality of life, a concept he explored through his reading and observations. “I’ve read stories about people aging more quickly when they don’t wake up with a mission or a purpose,” he noted. This idea resonates with his own reflections on the need for a structured transition. “Retirement isn’t imminent, but when that seven starts getting close as the first number, when I’m about 70, we’re probably around the corner,” Cowherd explained, signaling a timeline for his eventual exit from daily broadcasting.
Cowherd also mentioned his current age and contracts, which are set to expire in two years. “I’m in my early 60s, and I have two years left on my Fox Sports and iHeart deals,” he said. “I still think I have a fastball, but maybe at some point, instead of a three-hour TV show, I’ll scale it down.” This admission underscores his willingness to adapt as he moves closer to retirement, while still maintaining his presence in the industry. The exclusive interview provided a rare glimpse into his strategic mindset and personal priorities.
Industry Trends and the Role of Legacy
Cowherd’s thoughts extended to the broader sports media landscape, where he observed shifting power dynamics. In the exclusive conversation, he acknowledged that figures like Pat McAfee have emerged as key influencers, challenging the dominance of long-standing personalities. “If you ask most executives and agents in sports media, they’d tell you the three biggest needle-movers are Cowherd, Pat McAfee, and Stephen A. Smith,” he said. “But that doesn’t last forever. Most hang on too long, and few go out on top.” This insight reflects his awareness of his own position within the industry and the importance of timing in maintaining relevance.
“The Volume is unique because it’s built on authenticity and a specific voice,” Cowherd remarked. “If we sell it, we’ll want to ensure it retains that edge.” His comments suggest a careful approach to preserving the network’s identity while exploring new opportunities. The exclusive interview also revealed his desire to step back from the intensity of his three-hour show, which has required significant effort over the years. “Think about this: it’s a half-hour show. Multiply that by six, and I’m doing it mostly solo,” he said. This highlights the challenges of extended production and his intent to streamline his approach as he nears retirement.
