Locked On Podcast Network Celebrates Ten Years of Innovation and Growth

The sports podcast landscape is highly competitive, with numerous newcomers entering a market that many believe is oversaturated. Standing out requires a deep understanding of the audience, unique content creation, and the ability to adapt to the shifting dynamics of media distribution. Over the past decade, the Locked On Podcast Network has successfully navigated these challenges, establishing itself as a leader in the industry.

Recently, Locked On marked its tenth anniversary, a milestone that reflects the vision of founder David Locke, who initially aimed to fund his children's ski academy through this venture. "The initial conversation with my wife about this included two rules when I started Locked On. One, I couldn’t do anything that would harm us financially. Two, I had to admit it when it wasn’t working and stop working on it," Locke shared, emphasizing the pragmatic approach that guided the network's early days. What began as a single podcast dedicated to the Utah Jazz has blossomed into a vast network featuring 275 daily shows covering nearly every professional sports team.

Locked On achieved impressive numbers last year, recording 515 million listens and views, and is projected to surpass one billion interactions by 2026. "It’s local passion on a national scale," Locke remarked, highlighting the critical connection local hosts have with their respective fanbases, making sports content resonate deeply with listeners.

The foundation of Locked On's success can be traced back to Locke's collaboration with Carl Weinstein, who now holds the position of COO. Weinstein's earlier experiences with SeasonTicket.com inspired Locke's vision. Their partnership solidified when Weinstein joined Locked On shortly after its inception. "I was at a point in my career where I wanted to get my hands dirty again... Podcasts were the next thing," Weinstein explained, underscoring the alignment of their goals in the ever-evolving media landscape.

One of Locked On's distinguishing features is its commitment to creating a talent-friendly environment. The network prioritizes hiring hosts who are passionate about their teams while ensuring they maintain an objective stance. In return, Locked On invests in its talent through resources, training, and technology, fostering loyalty among its hosts and a strong connection with audiences. "We get to tell that story because we’ve been fortunate and smart. Nonstop growth for ten years, that’s a great story to tell," Weinstein noted.

As Locked On looks towards the future, it remains dedicated to enriching the local sports experience by providing consistent, trustworthy content. Locke emphasized the importance of maintaining objectivity in a space where the lines between creators and influencers often blur. "Our talent are not influencers," he stated. The network's strategic pivot to include video content in 2021 has also proven beneficial, allowing Locked On to reach audiences across multiple platforms. "To us though, it’s all podcast," Weinstein added, highlighting the integrated approach that has contributed to their significant growth.