Patrick Whitesell’s New Media Company Takes Minority Stake in Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions

Former Endeavor executive chairman Patrick Whitesell’s new media company has taken a minority stake in Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.

The funds from Whitesell’s company will be used to grow Omaha’s existing lines of business, expand into new areas and invest in companies with similar values that could benefit from its production and marketing. It recently announced an investment in the creator-led golf and lifestyle company Good Good Golf.

“Omaha’s strong track record of creating engaging content puts them in a strong position to capitalize on new opportunities across entertainment and sports,” Whitesell said in a Thursday statement. “Partnering with Peyton, Jamie [Horowitz] and the Omaha team is such a clear choice as the first investment for our new venture, given their impressive track record, the strength of the business and commitment to applying the same energy to continuing the company’s growth.”

The Silver Lake-backed platform’s first investment comes after the private equity firm closed a $25 billion deal to take Endeavor Group Holdings private. When excluding TKO, Silver Lake estimates that Endeavor is valued at $13 billion.

Endeavor previously revealed that Whitesell’s new media company would be funded with $250 million in seed equity from Silver Lake and would focus on investing in sports and media-related ventures.

“In just four years, Peyton, Jamie and the hardworking, ambitious team at Omaha have built a dynamic business across multiple high-end content verticals,” Silver Lake CEO Egon Durban added. “They’ve executed with discipline while staying true to their core vision. After getting to know Peyton and the leadership team, it’s clear they have the authenticity, drive and creative instincts to push into new frontiers in a highly dynamic, rapidly evolving media industry. We’re excited to partner with them and help fuel their next phase of growth.”

Financial terms of Whitesell and Silver Lake’s stake were not disclosed.

Founded by Manning and Horowitz in December 2020, Omaha has produced and sold over 30 television shows and movies — scripted and unscripted — to major networks and streaming platforms, spanning genres from sports to lifestyle to comedy.

Notable projects include ESPN’s “Monday Night Football With Peyton and Eli,” ESPN+’s “Places” franchise and Netflix’s “Quarterback” and “Receiver.”

The company has also created campaigns for over 36 brands and has an audio division that has collaborated with ESPN talent such as Scott Van Pelt and Mina Kimes. Other Omaha media partners include NBCUniversal, Prime Video, Paramount, A+E Networks and Vice.

In addition to Whitesell and Silver Lake, Peter Chernin’s North Road made a minority investment in Omaha back in May 2023 and serves as a strategic partner. North Road, which will remain a minority investor, has collaborated with Omaha on a variety of series through its Words + Pictures production company.

“Peyton and Jamie have built an exceptional media business, grounded in Peyton’s humor, heart and authenticity,” Chernin said. “They have coupled that with a clear, bold and diversified strategic vision that sets Omaha Productions apart. We’re proud to be investors through North Road, and I can’t think of better partners than Patrick and Egon to join us as we continue working together to drive the company into its next phase of growth.”

“All of us at Omaha are excited to get to work with Patrick and Egon as our new teammates to grow the business and create new opportunities for fans,” Manning agreed. “Peter Chernin and his team have been great partners over the past two years and have helped us build a strong foundation. I’m very excited for all of us to work together to continue to build Omaha.”

The post Patrick Whitesell’s New Media Company Takes Minority Stake in Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions appeared first on TheWrap.