• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

‘Take time in quiet’: Melinda French Gates says to spend at least 10 minutes a day on self-care

2

'We will not endure' — Top Iranian leaders signal they are running out of time as economy crumbles ahead of Trump's next sanctions onslaught

3

Harry and Meghan's homecoming comes with a multimillion-dollar tax catch—waiting four years could have shielded their $60 million fortune

1

‘Take time in quiet’: Melinda French Gates says to spend at least 10 minutes a day on self-care

2

'We will not endure' — Top Iranian leaders signal they are running out of time as economy crumbles ahead of Trump's next sanctions onslaught

3

Harry and Meghan's homecoming comes with a multimillion-dollar tax catch—waiting four years could have shielded their $60 million fortune
Tech

Facebook Pays Millions for Reality Show About NFL Player Marshawn Lynch

By
Reuters
Reuters
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Reuters
Reuters
Down Arrow Button Icon
September 12, 2017, 10:54 AM ET
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Facebook (FB) is paying Time Warner‘s Bleacher Report millions of dollars for a reality show on NFL player Marshawn Lynch, the sports site told Reuters – a sign that the social media firm is willing to pay top dollar to lure viewers and ads to its Watch video service.

The reality show about the Oakland Raiders running back, called “No Script,” launches at a time when Facebook and other web giants including Amazon.com and Netflix are spending billions on original content in a pitched battle for viewers. Facebook is planning to spend up to $1 billion on original shows, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Facebook did not respond to requests for comment on its spending.

Facebook’s Watch was rolled out to U.S. users last month. The company has initially been paying for a handful of shows to attract viewers to the platform.

It has paid $10,000 to $35,000 for shorter-form shows and up to $250,000 for some longer-scripted shows, sources told Reuters in May.

“We think we have a big hit on our hands,” said Rory Brown, president of Bleacher Report, declining to comment on how many millions Facebook is paying Bleacher Report for the show. “People are going to spend more time on Facebook because of it.”

“No Script” will start streaming this month and consists of eight 10- to 15-minute episodes featuring various antics by Lynch, who is returning to football as a running back for the Raiders.

Lynch, known as “Beast Mode” for his running prowess, has returned to the league this season after retiring in 2015 from the Seattle Seahawks, where he helped win Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos in 2014.

The first episode features Lynch taking racecar driving lessons until he ruins the tires of the car.

In a deal similar to others, Facebook retains exclusive rights to the show for a period of time, Brown said, declining to elaborate on the exclusivity window. After that period Bleacher Report owns the content and can use it.

It was a big priority for Bleacher Report to keep the show authentic, given Lynch’s raw style, Brown said.

For the most part Facebook gave Bleacher Report full creative control, however the social media network does have concerns about offensive language, Brown said.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if that ends up being censored,” he said.

About the Author
By Reuters
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Tech


Most Popular

Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

    Latest in Tech


    Most Popular

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.