Bill Simmons has signed a new HBO deal, with a pact "focused on sports programming" on the heels of his "Andre the Giant" documentary, according to Lacey Rose of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Simmons will continue to be "focused on creating and producing sports-themed content across the portfolio, be it series, films or the kinds of documentary programming with which he had considerable success at his former home, ESPN." His "Andre the Giant" quickly became the "most-watched documentary in HBO Sports history." Simmons said, "Even though we have more entertainment choices than ever right now, HBO still cuts through in an incredibly precise, almost unassailable way -- and they work better with creatives than anyone, period." Simmons’ new deal comes as HBO "looks to up its output under new AT&T ownership." The new deal is "not as broad-sweeping as Simmons’ original, which included a talk show, 'Any Given Wednesday.'" The weekly show launched in June '16 and was "pulled in November of the same year." As part of the initial pact, HBO made a "small investment in The Ringer as well." The Ringer's podcast network has "grown significantly in the years since." At last count, it was "home to 26 podcasts." Looking ahead, Simmons "intends to expand The Ringer into films, having recently launched Ringer Films." Simmons is "repped by Dixon Talent" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 7/24).
