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Bleav

Full company profile

uuid0009hnq

Namestring
Bleav
Legal namestring
Bleav Entertainment LLC
Websiteurl
bleav.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2019
Descriptiontext

Bleav Entertainment LLC is a Los Angeles-based media company operating a sports and lifestyle podcast network of over 500 shows distributed globally across all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, TuneIn), YouTube, social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X), regional sports television networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV. Founded in 2019, the company employs 101-250 people and has accumulated over 500 million downloads across its catalog. The network spans team-specific shows for NFL (Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Packers, Rams, Giants, Chargers, Vikings, Seahawks, Commanders), NBA (Golden State Warriors), MLB (New York Yankees), NHL, and NCAA programs (Wisconsin, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Syracuse), alongside sports analysis shows, lifestyle content, and verticals including automotive, children's, paranormal, political, and business programming. The core technology consists of RSS feed infrastructure, content management tools, and multi-platform distribution, with hosts typically being former professional athletes, coaches, or credentialed journalists (e.g., Phil Simms, Ahman Green, Solomon Wilcots, Glover Quin, Paul Rieckhoff).

The company's business model is primarily advertising-driven, monetizing its engaged sports and lifestyle audiences through podcast advertising sold via a quote-based enterprise sales motion handled by Directors of Partnerships. Secondary revenue streams include a direct brand partnership model (with FanDuel named as a cross-portfolio sponsor), e-commerce through Bleav Shop, and RSS hosting/distribution services for content creators seeking network affiliation. Bleav operates a hybrid go-to-market combining sales-led brand partnerships with community-led host recruitment, and its distribution footprint includes a strategic partnership with TuneIn for 24/7 Bleav Football Radio and Bleav Radio streaming stations. The company is privately held with no disclosed venture funding, and as of April 2026 was actively investing in commercial team buildout to convert its audience scale into branded advertiser revenue.

Short descriptiontext

Bleav is a Los Angeles-based sports and lifestyle podcast network operating 500+ shows with 500M+ downloads, distributed across all major podcast, video, social, and FAST TV platforms, monetizing engaged audiences primarily through brand advertising and direct partnerships.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
101–250
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
HQ citystring
Los Angeles
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
sports podcast network, audio video content, podcast advertising, content distribution platform, multi-platform streaming
Industry3 codes
1Podcast Networks & Studio Platforms
CodeMPAIADACPrimaryYes
2Podcast Hosting, Distribution & Listening Platforms
CodeBPAMAJADPrimaryNo
3Audio Production & Podcasting
CodeBPAFAIAEPrimaryNo
NAICS code3 codes
  • Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers51621
  • Radio Broadcasting Stations51611
  • Sound Recording Studios51224
SIC code2 codes
  • Radio Broadcasting Stations4832
  • Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production7812
Product category
Podcast Network and Digital Audio Content
GTM motion2 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model2 records
1Podcast Advertising
TypeAdvertising
Description

Bleav generates revenue primarily through podcast advertising, offering brands opportunities to connect with dedicated sports and lifestyle audiences. The network serves brands and agencies seeking access to engaged audiences across audio, video, and social platforms.

ppc.land
2Host/Content Creator Services
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

Bleav monetizes content through its network of 500+ shows by providing podcast hosting, RSS upload services, and distribution tools for content creators to reach millions of listeners.

bleav.com
Marketing channels3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations
GTM typeB2B and B2C
B2B and B2C
Offering typeDigital Commerce or Conte…
Digital Commerce or Content
Core offering1 text field

Bleav operates a sports and lifestyle podcast network producing, distributing, and monetizing over 500 shows across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV. The company provides podcast hosting, RSS upload, and distribution services to content creators while selling advertising on its 500-million-download network to brands and agencies seeking access to engaged sports and lifestyle audiences.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 3 values shown
  • 500 million downloads
+2 more records
Product overview1 text field

Bleav is a premier audio and video network that operates as a platform-plus-distribution model, producing, distributing, and selling over 500 sports and lifestyle podcast shows. The core product is the Bleav Podcast Network featuring team-specific shows (Bleav in Bengals, Bleav in Cowboys, Bleav in Rams, etc.), sports analysis shows (NFL Stock Exchange, The PFF NFL Podcast, Simms Complete), and lifestyle content (CarCast, Independent Americans, Your Brand Amplified). Supporting services include podcast hosting and RSS distribution for creators, the Bleav Ad Network (500M+ downloads) for brand advertising, and Bleav + TuneIn Radio partnership for 24/7 streaming. The platform reaches audiences across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming services, and FAST TV.

Product and service6 records
1Bleav Podcast Network
CategoryPodcast Network / Audio-Video Content
Description

The core Bleav audio and video podcast network producing, distributing, and selling over 500 sports and lifestyle podcast shows reaching audiences across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV.

2Podcast Hosting and RSS Distribution Service
CategoryContent Distribution Platform
Description

RSS upload service for podcasters and content creators enabling upload, distribution, and monetization across all major podcast platforms, reaching millions of listeners.

3Bleav Ad Network
CategoryPodcast Advertising Network
Description

500-million-download advertising network offering brand development opportunities across audio, video, and social platforms for sports and lifestyle audiences.

4Bleav Advertising Platform
CategoryPodcast Advertising Platform
Description

Brand advertising solution connecting advertisers with dedicated sports and lifestyle audiences, offering team-specific shows hosted by former players, coaches, and analysts, plus lifestyle content covering health, wellness, fashion, fitness, entertainment, pop culture, and business.

5Bleav + TuneIn Radio
CategoryStreaming Radio Distribution
Description

24/7 radio station partnership with TuneIn bringing nonstop sports content including Bleav Football Radio station and Bleav Radio station accessible via the TuneIn app.

6Bleav Shop
CategoryE-commerce Merchandise
Description

E-commerce store for merchandise and products related to Bleav podcasts and the network.

Scale indicator2 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership2 partners
Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

Bleav has partnered with TuneIn Radio to bring shows to a 24/7 radio station playing nonstop sports content. Two channels are available: Bleav Football Radio (dedicated football content) and Bleav Radio (general sports content). These channels are easily accessible through the TuneIn App by searching for Bleav.

Strategic tierMinorTypeGTM or Marketing Partner
Description

FanDuel is a sponsor for certain Bleav shows including Bleav in Rams and Bleav in Chargers, providing brand integration within podcast content.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1iHeartPodcasts
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Podcast publishing and distribution arm of iHeartMedia, one of the largest US radio broadcasters; comparable as a multi-platform podcast network spanning sports, lifestyle, and news with ad sales across audio, video, and broadcast radio.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Amazon-owned podcast network producing and distributing narrative and entertainment-led shows; comparable as a scaled podcast network with multi-platform distribution and brand sponsorship monetization.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Sports-focused podcast and digital audio network producing original and partner shows for sports fans; directly comparable as a sports-only podcast network monetized through host-read ads and brand partnerships.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Major US radio broadcaster with a significant podcast portfolio (including Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios); comparable as a scaled audio network combining terrestrial radio, podcast distribution, and brand-partnership monetization.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Sports media network offering audio and video content across multiple leagues; comparable as a sports-focused digital network with podcast, video, and FAST TV distribution and ad-supported monetization targeting sports fans.

TypeEmerging player
Description

Subscription sports media outlet (NYT-owned) with a growing podcast portfolio covering NFL, NBA, and college sports; comparable in its sports-first editorial identity and team-specific coverage, though monetized primarily through subscriptions rather than host-read ads.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Spotify-owned sports, pop culture, and technology podcast and digital media network; directly comparable as a multi-show, host-driven audio/video network with sports coverage, lifestyle breadth, and an ad-supported model targeting similar fan and brand audiences.

TypeRegional player
Description

Vox Media-owned network of team-specific sports blogs and podcast content; comparable as a team-by-team sports content franchise with team-specific podcasts and ad sponsorship, overlapping with Bleav's 'Bleav in [Team]' model.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Sports and lifestyle digital media brand with podcast-led content, video, and social distribution; closely comparable to Bleav in audience (sports-obsessed fans), host-driven show model, and brand sponsorship monetization.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Largest global audio streaming platform with owned podcast studios (Gimlet, Spotify Studios, The Ringer); comparable as a distribution platform and podcast network operator with audio, video, and ad-supported monetization.

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat5 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers1 record

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile3 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature1 record

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles3 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Bleav

Podcast Network and Digital Audio Contentbleav.com

Bleav is a Los Angeles-based sports and lifestyle podcast network operating 500+ shows with 500M+ downloads, distributed across all major podcast, video, social, and FAST TV platforms, monetizing engaged audiences primarily through brand advertising and direct partnerships.

What Bleav does

Bleav Entertainment LLC is a Los Angeles-based media company operating a sports and lifestyle podcast network of over 500 shows distributed globally across all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, TuneIn), YouTube, social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X), regional sports television networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV. Founded in 2019, the company employs 101-250 people and has accumulated over 500 million downloads across its catalog. The network spans team-specific shows for NFL (Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Packers, Rams, Giants, Chargers, Vikings, Seahawks, Commanders), NBA (Golden State Warriors), MLB (New York Yankees), NHL, and NCAA programs (Wisconsin, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Syracuse), alongside sports analysis shows, lifestyle content, and verticals including automotive, children's, paranormal, political, and business programming. The core technology consists of RSS feed infrastructure, content management tools, and multi-platform distribution, with hosts typically being former professional athletes, coaches, or credentialed journalists (e.g., Phil Simms, Ahman Green, Solomon Wilcots, Glover Quin, Paul Rieckhoff).

The company's business model is primarily advertising-driven, monetizing its engaged sports and lifestyle audiences through podcast advertising sold via a quote-based enterprise sales motion handled by Directors of Partnerships. Secondary revenue streams include a direct brand partnership model (with FanDuel named as a cross-portfolio sponsor), e-commerce through Bleav Shop, and RSS hosting/distribution services for content creators seeking network affiliation. Bleav operates a hybrid go-to-market combining sales-led brand partnerships with community-led host recruitment, and its distribution footprint includes a strategic partnership with TuneIn for 24/7 Bleav Football Radio and Bleav Radio streaming stations. The company is privately held with no disclosed venture funding, and as of April 2026 was actively investing in commercial team buildout to convert its audience scale into branded advertiser revenue.

Bleav firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Bleav
Legal name
Bleav Entertainment LLC
Website
https://bleav.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
2019
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
101–250 employees
Short description
Bleav is a Los Angeles-based sports and lifestyle podcast network operating 500+ shows with 500M+ downloads, distributed across all major podcast, video, social, and FAST TV platforms, monetizing engaged audiences primarily through brand advertising and direct partnerships.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Bleav industry classification

Industry
Product category
Podcast Network and Digital Audio Content
NAICS
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Sound Recording Studios (51224)
SIC
Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
akta.pro primary industry
Podcast Networks & Studio Platforms (MPAIADAC)
akta.pro secondary industries
Podcast Hosting, Distribution & Listening Platforms (BPAMAJAD), Audio Production & Podcasting (BPAFAIAE)

Keywords

  • Sports podcast network
  • Audio video content
  • Podcast advertising
  • Content distribution platform
  • Multi-platform streaming

Where Bleav is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Los Angeles
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Bleav business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B and B2C
Offering type
Digital Commerce or Content
Cost components
Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

  1. Podcast Advertising: Bleav generates revenue primarily through podcast advertising, offering brands opportunities to connect with dedicated sports and lifestyle audiences. The network serves brands and agencies seeking access to engaged audiences across audio, video, and social platforms.
  2. Host/Content Creator Services: Bleav monetizes content through its network of 500+ shows by providing podcast hosting, RSS upload services, and distribution tools for content creators to reach millions of listeners.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels3 records

Bleav product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Bleav operates a sports and lifestyle podcast network producing, distributing, and monetizing over 500 shows across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV. The company provides podcast hosting, RSS upload, and distribution services to content creators while selling advertising on its 500-million-download network to brands and agencies seeking access to engaged sports and lifestyle audiences.

Product overview

Bleav is a premier audio and video network that operates as a platform-plus-distribution model, producing, distributing, and selling over 500 sports and lifestyle podcast shows. The core product is the Bleav Podcast Network featuring team-specific shows (Bleav in Bengals, Bleav in Cowboys, Bleav in Rams, etc.), sports analysis shows (NFL Stock Exchange, The PFF NFL Podcast, Simms Complete), and lifestyle content (CarCast, Independent Americans, Your Brand Amplified). Supporting services include podcast hosting and RSS distribution for creators, the Bleav Ad Network (500M+ downloads) for brand advertising, and Bleav + TuneIn Radio partnership for 24/7 streaming. The platform reaches audiences across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming services, and FAST TV.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Bleav Podcast Network The core Bleav audio and video podcast network producing, distributing, and selling over 500 sports and lifestyle podcast shows reaching audiences across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV.
  • Podcast Hosting and RSS Distribution Service RSS upload service for podcasters and content creators enabling upload, distribution, and monetization across all major podcast platforms, reaching millions of listeners.
  • Bleav Ad Network 500-million-download advertising network offering brand development opportunities across audio, video, and social platforms for sports and lifestyle audiences.
  • Bleav Advertising Platform Brand advertising solution connecting advertisers with dedicated sports and lifestyle audiences, offering team-specific shows hosted by former players, coaches, and analysts, plus lifestyle content covering health, wellness, fashion, fitness, entertainment, pop culture, and business.
  • Bleav + TuneIn Radio 24/7 radio station partnership with TuneIn bringing nonstop sports content including Bleav Football Radio station and Bleav Radio station accessible via the TuneIn app.
  • Bleav Shop E-commerce store for merchandise and products related to Bleav podcasts and the network.

Quantifiable outcome

  • 500 million downloads
  • +2 more outcomes

Companies that use Bleav

Customer profile

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Bleav technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Bleav partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

  • TuneIncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBleav has partnered with TuneIn Radio to bring shows to a 24/7 radio station playing nonstop sports content. Two channels are available: Bleav Football Radio (dedicated football content) and Bleav Radio (general sports content). These channels are easily accessible through the TuneIn App by searching for Bleav.
  • FanDuelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFanDuel is a sponsor for certain Bleav shows including Bleav in Rams and Bleav in Chargers, providing brand integration within podcast content.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Bleav competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

  • iHeartPodcasts: Podcast publishing and distribution arm of iHeartMedia, one of the largest US radio broadcasters; comparable as a multi-platform podcast network spanning sports, lifestyle, and news with ad sales across audio, video, and broadcast radio.
  • Wondery (Amazon): Amazon-owned podcast network producing and distributing narrative and entertainment-led shows; comparable as a scaled podcast network with multi-platform distribution and brand sponsorship monetization.
  • Audacy: Major US radio broadcaster with a significant podcast portfolio (including Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios); comparable as a scaled audio network combining terrestrial radio, podcast distribution, and brand-partnership monetization.
  • Spotify (Podcast Studios): Largest global audio streaming platform with owned podcast studios (Gimlet, Spotify Studios, The Ringer); comparable as a distribution platform and podcast network operator with audio, video, and ad-supported monetization.

Direct peers

  • Wave Sports + Entertainment: Sports-focused podcast and digital audio network producing original and partner shows for sports fans; directly comparable as a sports-only podcast network monetized through host-read ads and brand partnerships.
  • Stadium: Sports media network offering audio and video content across multiple leagues; comparable as a sports-focused digital network with podcast, video, and FAST TV distribution and ad-supported monetization targeting sports fans.
  • The Ringer: Spotify-owned sports, pop culture, and technology podcast and digital media network; directly comparable as a multi-show, host-driven audio/video network with sports coverage, lifestyle breadth, and an ad-supported model targeting similar fan and brand audiences.
  • Barstool Sports: Sports and lifestyle digital media brand with podcast-led content, video, and social distribution; closely comparable to Bleav in audience (sports-obsessed fans), host-driven show model, and brand sponsorship monetization.

Emerging players

  • The Athletic: Subscription sports media outlet (NYT-owned) with a growing podcast portfolio covering NFL, NBA, and college sports; comparable in its sports-first editorial identity and team-specific coverage, though monetized primarily through subscriptions rather than host-read ads.

Regional players

  • SB Nation: Vox Media-owned network of team-specific sports blogs and podcast content; comparable as a team-by-team sports content franchise with team-specific podcasts and ad sponsorship, overlapping with Bleav's 'Bleav in [Team]' model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Bleav social profiles

Digital presence

Bleav financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Bleav leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Bleav funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Bleav M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bleav

What does Bleav do?

Bleav operates a sports and lifestyle podcast network producing, distributing, and monetizing over 500 shows across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, social media, regional sports TV networks, streaming video services, and FAST TV. The company provides podcast hosting, RSS upload, and distribution services to content creators while selling advertising on its 500-million-download network to brands and agencies seeking access to engaged sports and lifestyle audiences.

Is Bleav a public or private company?

Bleav is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.

When was Bleav founded?

Bleav was founded in 2019. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is Bleav based?

Bleav is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.

How does Bleav make money?

Two revenue lines are on record. Podcast Advertising is the primary driver. The others are host/Content Creator Services.

Who are Bleav's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are iHeartPodcasts, Wondery (Amazon), Audacy and Spotify (Podcast Studios). Direct peers are Wave Sports + Entertainment, Stadium, The Ringer and Barstool Sports. The Athletic is listed as an emerging player. SB Nation is listed as a regional player.

Does Bleav have an API?

No public API is recorded for Bleav.

What industry is Bleav in?

Bleav's product category is Podcast Network and Digital Audio Content. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIADAC, Podcast Networks & Studio Platforms, with a secondary code of BPAMAJAD, Podcast Hosting, Distribution & Listening Platforms. Its NAICS code is 51621 and its SIC code is 4832.

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Live signals
New York PostEx-ESPN star Linda Cohn is back — with hotter takes than you’ve ever heard beforeLinda Cohn, former ESPN anchor, launched an independent YouTube show after retiring in June. She has over 36,000 subscribers and signed a deal with Bleav podcast network. Her outspoken takes on WNBA and ESPN layoffs have drawn both praise and criticism.YahooLinda Cohn takes podcast to Bleav months after ESPN retirementLinda Cohn, who retired from ESPN in June, premiered her independent podcast on July 20 and joined Bleav's podcast network. The show, which has 36,400 subscribers, will air Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays on YouTube. Cohn plans to grow the show with Bleav's support.Front Office SportsLinda Cohn Brings Podcast to BleavLinda Cohn is bringing her eponymous podcast to the Bleav network, expanding it to audio formats like Apple and Spotify. She has amassed over 36,000 subscribers on YouTube in just over two months. Cohn plans to grow the show further with Bleav's network.Sports Business JournalSports Business Daily: Executive Transactions - April 22, 2026Executive transactions for April 22, 2026 include Northeast Conference Commissioner Noreen Morris stepping down after 16 years, West Ham United Vice-Chair Karen Brady leaving after 16 years, and NBC Olympics Coordinating Director Mike Sheehan departing at the end of April. Charlie Dammeyer and Kaare Numme will take over his responsibilities, and other appointments include Maryann Alvarez and Gretchen Waller at Bleav and Ilya Kovalchuk as president of the Shanghai Dragons.PPC LandBleav hires two directors of partnerships to grow its 500M-download ad networkBleav, a Los Angeles-based sports and lifestyle podcast network, announced on April 21, 2026 the appointment of Maryann Alvarez and Gretchen Waller as Directors of Partnerships, building out a commercial team to serve brands and agencies seeking access to engaged sports and lifestyle audiences across audio, video, and social platforms. The hires reflect Bleav's effort to move beyond passive inventory distribution toward active brand development, with Alvarez bringing agency experience from CNN Audio and New York Public Radio, while Waller brings podcast ad operations expertise from REALM and True Native Media. The announcement arrives amid rising podcast advertising investment, with spending climbing 32% year-over-year in Q4 2025 and sports podcasts remaining the most popular genre for new brand entrants for two consecutive quarters.GlobeNewswireBleav Joins the Cumulus Podcast NetworkBleav joined the Cumulus Podcast Network, with Cumulus distributing, marketing, and monetizing over 300 Bleav shows. The network covers NFL, MLB, NBA, and other sports, reaching more than 50 million followers. Bleav will host shows featuring current or former players from every American professional and major college team.