Genius Sports and Chris Paul launch athlete-led media company

Genius Sports, Chris Paul’s Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment and Connor Schell’s Words + Pictures have launched a new athlete-led sports media company combining original programming with official data and AI.

The joint venture will create recurring content franchises built around athletes and creators, with Paul hosting its first programming. A wider talent network will follow across social, digital and other media platforms, with the opening slate scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Words + Pictures will lead production and storytelling under Schell, whose previous work includes The Last Dance and ESPN’s 30 for 30. Genius Sports will provide data, tracking and AI capabilities through GeniusIQ and serve as the venture’s exclusive commercialisation partner.

That role gives Genius responsibility for connecting brands with programming, integrations and the company’s wider media ecosystem. Financial terms and the ownership split between the partners were not announced.

Paul has used Genius Sports performance and analytics technology for more than a decade during his NBA career. The new business converts that relationship from athlete performance into media, using his understanding of the game as the foundation for data-led storytelling.

The venture also broadens Genius Sports beyond supplying leagues, broadcasters and betting operators. It will now participate directly in creating and commercialising intellectual property, combining athlete access, production expertise, official sports data and brand distribution within one company.