Channing Frye

Channing Frye built a distinguished career as an NBA player, but he strategically leveraged his personality, intelligence, and storytelling skills to transition into media while still on the court. While playing, Frye co-created Road Trippin’ with teammate Richard Jefferson, a podcast that offered fans behind-the-scenes access to the NBA through candid conversations, humor, and authentic storytelling. The show’s unique perspective allowed Frye to develop a media presence and cultivate an audience beyond traditional sports coverage, setting the foundation for his post-playing career. Following his retirement, Frye seamlessly moved into mainstream sports media, joining Turner Sports as an analyst and commentator. He now hosts Handles and the Emmy-nominated NBA Twitter Live, continuing to connect with fans in a way only he can. His ability to blend expertise, personality, and relatability demonstrates a model for athletes transitioning into media, proving that building a personal brand and audience before retirement can create a smooth and impactful career pivot.