The red carpet premiere of “Full Court Press” Season 2 at Manhattan’s Hudson Square Theater on April 23, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Jamie Horowitz’s methodical reinvention of sports media narratives. As Hannah Hidalgo, Flau’jae Johnson, and Kiki Iriafen walked the carpet, their stories represented the latest evolution in Horowitz’s quarter-century journey from debate-show architect to documentary visionary.
Data-Driven Beginnings
Horowitz first made his mark at ESPN during the early 2010s, where he transformed the morning show First Take. His approach wasn’t based on instinct but exhaustive audience research. His focus groups revealed that viewers engaged most deeply with debate segments, particularly those featuring Skip Bayless.
This observation led Horowitz to a formula that would eventually reshape sports television: prioritize personality-driven debate over conventional formats. “Research showed that debate was the perfect complement to highlights and analysis fans were also consuming on morning offerings,” Horowitz told ESPN’s corporate blog. “Debate would no longer be the best part of the show, it would be the entire show.”
The data-focused approach paid dividends. First Take’s ratings surged, establishing Horowitz as a programming innovator who understood what viewers wanted. This success propelled him through a series of increasingly prominent roles at ESPN, briefly at NBC, then as President of Fox Sports National Networks.
Throughout his career, Horowitz maintained his commitment to research-driven content development. “I continue to believe the most underrated part of finding new ideas is endless research,” he noted in a 2024 interview. This dedication to understanding audience preferences would eventually inform his approach at Omaha Productions.
The Pivot to Athlete-Centered Storytelling
Horowitz’s positions at DAZN and WWE expanded his creative toolkit beyond debate programming. His work on documentary projects like “One Night: Joshua vs. Ruiz” with Sylvester Stallone demonstrated his versatility and growing interest in narrative-driven content that could reach broader audiences.
When Horowitz and NFL legend Peyton Manning co-founded Omaha Productions in December 2020, they envisioned a company that would create meaningful, authentic content. Manning brought star power and sports credibility; Horowitz contributed programming expertise and a methodical approach to content development.
Their first major success, ManningCast, offered an alternative to traditional broadcast commentary. The show embraced authenticity and casual conversation, winning Emmy Awards in each of its first three seasons. This philosophy extended to Omaha’s documentary series on Netflix, including “Quarterback” and “Starting Five,” which prioritized player-driven storytelling.
Full Court Press: A New Chapter in Sports Documentary
“Full Court Press” exemplifies Horowitz’s sophisticated approach to sports content. The series showcases the multi-dimensional lives of women’s basketball stars, providing viewers with unprecedented access to both on-court competition and personal journeys.
The series recently premiered its second season, following Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), and Kiki Iriafen (USC) through their 2024-25 season. The red carpet event demonstrated the show’s appeal beyond traditional sports audiences, with Johnson noting she was “fangirling” over meeting Manning.
“Peyton and I are huge fans of women’s college basketball,” said Horowitz about the series. “We’re thrilled to continue the legacy of Full Court Press with a new season, and I’m immensely proud to continue supporting women’s basketball by showcasing the players whose talent and dedication elevate the sport to new heights”.
Building a Media Powerhouse
Omaha Productions has grown rapidly under Horowitz’s leadership as President. In March 2025, the company received a strategic investment from Patrick Whitesell’s Silver Lake-backed venture, validating its approach and positioning it for continued expansion. This was followed by a first-look deal with 20th Television to develop scripted content for Disney platforms.
“Partnering with Peyton, Jamie, and the Omaha team is such a clear choice as the first investment for our new venture, given their impressive track record, the strength of the business, and commitment to applying the same energy to continuing the company’s growth,” Whitesell said in his announcement.
Under Horowitz’s guidance, Omaha has expanded its portfolio to include the “Places” franchise and collaborations with WWE, maintaining a consistent focus on authentic storytelling across genres. The company’s success reflects Horowitz’s ability to adapt to changing media consumption habits while staying true to his research-driven approach.
As “Full Court Press” Season 2 streams across ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+, it stands as testament to Horowitz’s journey from pioneering debate formats to elevating women’s basketball through premium documentary storytelling. His career demonstrates remarkable adaptability and creative growth in an ever-changing media landscape.
