Free agent Bill Simmons opted for HBO as his next television stop, with the channel announcing that the pair entered into an exclusive multi-year, multi-platform agreement that will include a new weekly series coming next year. HBO will serve as Simmons’ sole television home, leaving his digital services up for grabs. The agreement launches in October and will also see Simmons with a production deal to produce content and assets for the network and its digital platforms, delivering video podcasts and features. In addition, Simmons will be consulting with HBO Sports, working closely with HBO Sports president Ken Hershman on non-boxing-related programming, including the development of shows and documentary films for the network.

“We have been fans of Bill Simmons and his work for a very long time,” said Michael Lombardo, President, HBO Programming. “His intelligence, talent and insights are without precedent in the areas he covers. We could not be more thrilled for him to bring those talents to HBO and to become a signature voice at the network, spanning the sports and pop culture landscapes.”