Earlier this week, we went From the Archives to tell the story of how FloSports was born out of a borrowed pickup truck, a handheld camera, and a bold mission: serve the sports fans nobody else would.
Now we catch up with the guy helping lead the next chapter.
In our latest podcast, Phil Wendler — EVP of Global Rights Acquisition & Subscription at FloSports — joins Kirby for a wide-ranging conversation on everything from streaming infrastructure and rights strategy to Beastie Boys inspiration and yes… the power of asking someone how their heart is.
With over 40,000 live events streamed last year and 23 million viewers reached, FloSports has scaled its way into a unique lane in the sports streaming wars. Phil shares how the company has achieved profitability while staying focused on niche sports, strong partnerships, and a product experience that builds community—not just viewership.
“We’re not chasing tier-one leagues. Those guys are fine. We’re focused on building a sustainable model around the sports that need a real media partner—not just another distributor.” – Phil Wendler
Phil also opens up about what it means to operate “in the zone,” how leadership is about showing up with heart, and what gets him excited to wake up each day. (Spoiler: it’s part strategy, part soundtrack—and part parenting playbook.)
🎧 Listen to the full episode here or watch below:
The Streaming Wars is intentionally ad-free
We don’t run display ads. Not because we can’t, but because we don’t believe in them.
They interrupt the reading experience. They cheapen the work. And they burn advertisers’ money on impressions nobody actually wants.
So we chose a different model.
We say the things people in this industry are already thinking but don’t say out loud. We connect the dots beyond the headline and focus on explaining why things matter to the people working in this business.
If you believe industry coverage can exist without clutter and interruption, you can support it here → SUPPORT TSW.
Support is optional. But it directly funds research and continued coverage — and helps prove this model can work.
Support TSW →





