Tonight marks the beginning of something bold: 106 & Sports premieres on BET at 10 PM ET / 9 PM CT, with streaming access via BET+ the next day. Co-hosted by NFL great Cam Newton and media personality Ashley Nicole Moss, the show promises to fuse sports, culture, and commentary in a way that nods to the past while pushing into new territory.
What makes this debut even more exciting is that LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, in partnership with Fulwell Entertainment, is behind the production. That’s a major signal this isn’t just another sports show; it’s something with ambition, rooted in culture, community, and conversation.
Why “106 & Park” Mattered, And Why Its Brand Still Resonates
Before we dig into what 106 & Sports might become, it’s important to remember what 106 & Park meant, not just for BET, but for Black music, pop culture, and the entertainment industry at large.
When 106 & Park debuted in the early 2000s, it stood as one of the few national, high-profile televised platforms devoted to hip-hop and R&B music and videos. It gave artists a stage, fans a daily ritual, and the culture a meeting place where music videos, interviews, fashion, and dance all converged. The show wasn’t just about playing the hits; it was about creating moments, launching careers, and defining what mainstream Black culture looked like in real time.
For many artists, from up-and-coming acts to chart veterans appearing on 106 & Park was a career milestone. Premiering a video or stopping by to chat could create instant buzz and street cred. The show became an incubator for hype and a cultural barometer for what was hot. Beyond music, 106 & Park influenced fashion, slang, and how aspects of Black culture was represented on television.
Even as the media landscape shifted with the rise of YouTube, streaming, and social media, the impact of 106 & Park never really faded. It represented a time when fans gathered in one space to experience culture together. And now, two decades later, that brand still holds weight. By reviving the “106 &” name, 106 & Sports isn’t just leaning into nostalgia, it’s signaling that it understands the cultural power 106 & Park once had. The mission is clear: channel that same energy, but in the world of sports and culture.
What “106 & Sports” Aims to Be
So what can viewers expect from this new show?
The format remains a countdown show, Newton and Moss will guide audiences through the week’s biggest moments in sports and culture. But the tone is meant to be edgier, more conversational, and anchored in unfiltered athlete perspective. Expect “sharp, fearless commentary” that doesn’t just recap the week, it reacts to it.
The premiere episode sets the tone right away with guests like Claressa Shields, one of boxing’s greatest champions, and Gelo Ball, who brings a unique perspective on the pressures of fame and legacy.
The goal is to show that sports stories are culture stories, and vice versa.
Cam Newton has said, “This isn’t just a show about sports, it’s a show about the culture that makes the game.” Co-host Ashley Nicole Moss adds, “To carry that legacy forward with 106 & Sports is an honor. My hope is for people to feel the same kind of connection with this show that they felt with 106 & Park.”
In short: this is meant to be a place where athletic talk and cultural talk don’t run parallel, they intersect.
The Role of SpringHill, And Why LeBron & His Team Are Investing
That LeBron James’ SpringHill Company is executive producing 106 & Sports is a powerful detail. SpringHill has become a storytelling powerhouse at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and culture. The company has built a reputation for creating content that amplifies diverse voices and gives athletes room to tell their own stories.
Their involvement gives 106 & Sports a major boost, both in credibility and creative resources. It ensures the show isn’t just another recap hour but a space for smart, unapologetic conversations about the game and the people who play it. With SpringHill’s touch, 106 & Sports has the potential to redefine what sports television looks and feels like.
What to Watch For — Challenges and Opportunities
With all this potential, 106 & Sports also enters a crowded space. Sports media is overflowing with podcasts, highlight shows, social feeds, and athlete-led platforms. To stand out, 106 & Sports will need to carve out a unique voice, and keep it crisp.
Its success will depend on a few key things:
- Authenticity – Viewers want hosts who sound like real fans and not polished commentators. Newton and Moss already have that energy.
- Cultural relevance – The show has to connect the dots between what’s happening in sports and what’s happening in the world—music, fashion, social issues, and identity.
- Momentum – The first few episodes need to create buzz and online conversation to make it appointment viewing.
- Consistency – Great guests, bold commentary, and viral moments will determine whether 106 & Sports can build a loyal audience.
If it hits that balance, 106 & Sports could reclaim for sports what 106 & Park once did for music, a cultural hub that feels fresh, inclusive, and must-watch.
Final Thoughts
Tonight isn’t just the debut of a new show, t’s the rebirth of a cultural institution. With Cam Newton and Ashley Nicole Moss at the helm, LeBron James’ SpringHill Company behind the scenes, and the legacy of 106 & Park fueling the brand, 106 & Sports has the right mix of nostalgia, new energy, and ambition to make real noise.
If it delivers on its promise, 106 & Sports could become more than a show. It could be the new home for the conversations that shape sports and culture alike. The countdown is back, and this time, it’s game time.
