LeBron James is stepping back into podcasting with a new voice by his side. His show, Mind The Game, will return for new episodes with former NBA MVP Steve Nash as his co-host. The show’s return follows a nine-month hiatus after James’s previous co-host, JJ Redick, took over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick’s appointment led to speculation about the podcast’s future. James confirmed the return this week, announcing that Mind The Game will be available on the Wondery network starting April 1.
Mind The Game Pod Joins Wondery Network After Steve Nash News
In a teaser clip, Nash and James discussed whether an NBA team can win a championship after making a blockbuster mid-season trade. This question directly relates to James’s current situation. The Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić in February and are now the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
A New Platform for Mind The Game
Mind The Game originally launched in March 2024, featuring deep basketball discussions between James and Redick. The podcast quickly gained attention for its focus on the game’s technical aspects rather than the usual debate-style sports content. However, it abruptly ended when Redick became the Lakers’ head coach.
This time, Mind The Game will take a new approach. Instead of releasing episodes directly to YouTube, the podcast will now be distributed through Wondery, Amazon’s podcast network. This shift aligns with Amazon’s growing investment in sports media.
Amazon has aggressively expanded its sports programming. In July, the company secured an 11-year, $1.8 billion streaming agreement with the NBA. Amazon’s Wondery also signed New Heights, the popular podcast hosted by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, in a deal reportedly worth $100 million.
The Future of Sports Podcasting on Wondery
Wondery’s partnership with Mind The Game is part of a larger trend in sports media. More tech companies, including Netflix and Google, are investing in sports content to challenge traditional networks.
Other podcasting networks are also expanding their sports offerings. SiriusXM launched Casuals, a sports comedy podcast, while Vox Media added Served With Andy Roddick. iHeartMedia introduced eight new sports podcasts, including one featuring retired soccer star Ashlyn Harris.
Wondery is taking a unique approach by integrating its sports podcasts into Amazon’s broader media ecosystem. The company plans to feature video podcasts on Prime Video, which has over 200 million monthly users. This strategy sets Wondery apart from other networks that primarily focus on YouTube.
Steve Nash Enters the Podcasting World
Nash has maintained a low profile since coaching the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2022. He now lives in Phoenix, where he played most of his Hall of Fame career.
In a recent interview, Nash acknowledged the challenges of hosting a podcast. “I recognize there’s a skill and talent to doing a podcast that I don’t take lightly,” he said. Despite his inexperience in media, Nash believes his years of striving for perfection in basketball will help him provide valuable insights.
James, meanwhile, sees Mind The Game as a direct connection to fans. He has long used media to control his own narrative. From The Decision in 2010 to The Shop, James has consistently found ways to bypass mainstream sports media.
A New Chapter for Mind The Game
The podcast’s revival comes at an exciting time for James and the Lakers. Redick has led the team to a 44-28 record, their best regular season since 2019-20. Meanwhile, Dončić and James have built strong chemistry, keeping the Lakers competitive despite trading Davis.
With Nash as co-host and Wondery as its new home, Mind The Game is set to reach a broader audience than ever before. The show will continue its in-depth basketball discussions, offering fans a fresh perspective on the game.
James and Nash’s debut episode drops April 1, and all eyes will be on how this new partnership shapes the future of basketball podcasting.
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
