Expectant Media CEO Michele Ghee has been appointed the first chairwoman of the board of Dallas-based PlayersTV, the first-ever athlete-owned media network and content provider dedicated to lifestyle and culture.

Ghee has three decades of experience in media and entertainment, and her expertise will drive innovation and growth for PlayersTV, the network said. Additionally, the network has welcomed WNBA stars Chiney Ogwumike and Alysha Clark as investor owners, reinforcing the network’s “commitment to diversity and excellence.”

“I’m honored to guide and direct this brilliant team of forward-thinking individuals to accelerate their growth,” Ghee said in a statement. “Deron, Collin, and the 70-plus athlete owners are more than passionate about sports; they’re passionate about the human beings and the stories that transcend the game.”

“I’m excited and ready to hold the marketplace accountable and help them solidify the partnerships they need to grow and thrive while providing significant value to the brands that support us,” Ghee added.

Engaging athlete fans globally

As chairwoman, Ghee will steer the network’s strategic direction, engaging athlete fans globally. Her appointment marks a new era of growth and advancement for PlayersTV, the company said.

Ghee is CEO and co-founder of Expectant Media, which is dedicated to supporting the growth of black-owned media. Her commitment to empowering black voices emphasizes her dedication to diversity and inclusion in the media industry.

Players TV said that Ghee is a transformational leader who has generated over $1 billion in revenue while working for some of the most powerful media companies in the world, including EBONY and Jet, EBONY Studios, WME, CNN, A&E, The History Channel, and BET Networks. While at BET, Ghee created and ran the first and only network for Black women: BETHer.

‘A game-changer in storytelling’

Joining Ghee as investors and owners, Ogwumike and Clark bring distinct perspectives and passion for sports, lifestyle and culture to PlayersTV, the network said.

Ogwumike is a two-time WNBA All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks, a full-time sports broadcaster, and host of “The Chiney Show.” She was recently named to President Biden’s inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States, which seeks to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the United States and Africa by enhancing dialogue between political leaders and members of the African Diaspora.

“Joining PlayersTV as an athlete owner and investor is an exciting opportunity for me,” Ogwumike said. “I’m ready to take the reins of my narrative and leverage my voice to create compelling content that resonates with authenticity, meaning, and impact. This platform empowers me to not just be a player in the game, but a game-changer in storytelling, pushing boundaries, and moving the needle forward.”

“The Chiney Show” is a weekly show delving into the latest developments in basketball and the wider cultural scene. Collaborating with current and former athletes, alongside prominent figures from media and entertainment, Ogwumike hosts engaging discussions and interviews. Her perspective captures the essence of both sports and cultural trends, offering insights that resonate beyond the athletic arena.

The athlete chef

Clark is a three-time WNBA champion and forward for the Las Vegas Aces, a chef, and the host of “Off-Seasoning with Alysha Clark.” Beyond basketball, she’s deeply committed to community work and has a passion for culinary arts, honing her skills as a chef over the years.

“I’m so humbled to be joining PlayersTV as an athlete investor and partner,” Clark said. “To have the opportunity, alongside Chiney, to keep challenging the notion that athletes are one dimensional is so exciting. Finally getting to bring my brand-new show Off-Seasoning to life as the first female athlete on the platform with a cooking show is pretty special. To be quite frank, opportunities like this don’t come around often for players like me, so to know I am helping open the door for future generations while sharing stories on my show that are authentic and leave others feeling inspired is pretty freaking amazing.”

“Off-Seasoning with Alysha Clark” features conversations, music, and cuisine with special guests that Clark welcomes into her kitchen, ranging from athletes to entertainers to loved ones. Drawing from her diverse global playing experiences, Alysha serves up “a fusion of culinary delights” in a laid-back setting. Her show offers a flavorful mix of topics in a relaxed atmosphere. Off-Seasoning will premiere on PlayersTV in May.

“Michele is an absolute industry powerhouse, and we’re so incredibly excited to have her join the PTV family as our chairwoman. Her passion, dedication, and tenacity is the perfect blend needed to help change the sports media industry forever,” PlayerTV co-founder Collin Castellaw said in a statement. “We’re delighted with the addition of Chiney and Alysha, as our newest investors and partners. We’re committed to the elevation of women’s sports, and both of these ladies are incredibly talented both on and off the court.”

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