The twists in Connor Schell’s rise: ESPN, an Oscar, Bill Simmons, ‘Saban’ & ‘no regrets’

Marchand Sports Media · Oct 1, 2026 · 2m

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.andrewmarchand.com

Connor Schell has been one of the most important sports media executives of his generation. In a 46-minute podcast, the former ESPN head of content details the twists and turns of his rise to the top. His road took him from not knowing sports could be a job to Harvard to being the head of ESPN’s content. He explains the choices that led to an Oscar, his best and worst decisions, Bill Simmons’ important influence and why he left ESPN.

It led him to starting his own company, Words+Pictures, which has its new…