In a strategic move that deepens its partnership with Disney, Omaha Productions, the media company co-founded by NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and longtime media executive Jamie Horowitz, has inked a first-look deal with 20th Television, one of Disney’s premier content studios. The agreement will see Omaha developing and executive producing a slate of scripted comedies, dramas, adult animation, and limited series, with a particular emphasis on delivering content for Disney Entertainment Television platforms, including Hulu and ABC.
This landmark deal underscores Omaha’s growing presence in the entertainment industry and marks a significant expansion beyond the company’s sports-centric origins. Since its launch in 2020, Omaha Productions has steadily broadened its creative portfolio—from unscripted sports docuseries to live events and now, increasingly, into narrative storytelling. The first-look deal with 20th Television is not just a win for Omaha but also a reflection of Disney’s confidence in the company’s ability to craft compelling, mainstream content that resonates with a wide audience.
One of the first fruits of this partnership is the upcoming Hulu series Chad Powers, starring Glen Powell. The series is based on a comedic sketch originally featured on Eli’s Places, a show co-produced by Omaha Productions and ESPN+. The sketch, which became a viral sensation, follows hotshot quarterback Russ Holliday, whose college career implodes due to bad behavior. In a desperate bid for redemption, he dons a disguise and reinvents himself as the charming and mysterious Chad Powers on a struggling Southern football team. The project is co-created and executive produced by Powell and Michael Waldron, with Omaha’s Jamie Horowitz and Ben Brown among its executive producers.
Karey Burke, President of 20th Television, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “Working with the incredible team at Omaha Productions while developing and filming ‘Chad Powers’ has been pure joy. They have been true partners at every turn and share our commitment to creative excellence and culture-defining storytelling. We are thrilled to keep making magic with Peyton and his entire team.”
Peyton Manning, the two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback turned media entrepreneur, echoed the sentiment. “We are thrilled to expand the partnership with our friends at 20th Television,” he said. “With their help, we hope to create more shows that bring people together across a wide range of genres.” Manning also acknowledged key figures at Disney, including Dana Walden, Eric Schrier, Karey Burke, Carolyn Cassidy, Bob Iger, Jimmy Pitaro, and Burke Magnus, for their support.
Omaha’s relationship with Disney is already one of the most fruitful in the entertainment industry. The company produces Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, an Emmy Award-winning alternate telecast on ESPN, and has developed a variety of programs for Disney platforms. These include Full Court Press, The Breakdown with Peyton and Belichick, and The Buddy Way, as well as the widely beloved PLACES franchise, featuring sports legends like Eli Manning, Ronda Rousey, and David Ortiz.
Beyond sports content, Omaha has produced general entertainment shows such as It’s All Country with Luke Bryan for Hulu, and the physical competition series The Final Straw for ABC. Its creative agency has partnered with Disney on campaigns for major studio releases like Marvel’s Eternals and Pixar’s Turning Red, while the company also plays an executive role in high-profile live events like the NFL Honors, The ESPY Awards, and the CMA Awards.
Omaha Productions’ footprint continues to expand with new ventures. Earlier this year, the company co-produced the inaugural NFL FLAG Championships, a youth football tournament broadcast across Disney platforms. In the audio space, the Omaha Audio Network—created in partnership with ESPN—features daily sports talk content with personalities like Scott Van Pelt, Mina Kimes, and Kenny Beecham.
Backing from major players has further fueled Omaha’s ascent. In 2023, Peter Chernin’s North Road made a minority investment in the company.
In March 2025, Omaha Productions secured a significant minority investment from Patrick Whitesell’s new media venture, backed by private equity firm Silver Lake. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate Omaha’s expansion into scripted content and other entertainment avenues. Whitesell highlighted the synergy, stating, “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.”
Jamie Horowitz, as President of Omaha Productions, has been instrumental in steering the company’s creative and strategic direction. His leadership, alongside Peyton Manning’s, has been pivotal in forging partnerships and expanding Omaha’s content portfolio. Reflecting on the company’s mission, Horowitz emphasized, “We are adding great partners who believe in the vision that we had in December of 2020 and remains the mission today. Find ways to bring people together. Make content that uplifts and unifies. Celebrate what unites us.”
With the infusion of capital from Whitesell’s venture, Horowitz and Manning are poised to lead Omaha Productions into a new phase of growth, focusing on scripted content and broader entertainment ventures. Their combined expertise in content development, strategic partnerships, and cultural storytelling will be crucial in navigating this expansion, ensuring that Omaha continues to deliver compelling and diverse programming to audiences across various platforms.
As Omaha grows its reputation as a leading content studio, Horowitz and Manning’s collaborative leadership stands at the heart of its success. With sharp creative instincts, strategic deal-making, and a shared vision to create content that unites, they continue to shape Omaha’s evolution—from a sports production house to a full-fledged entertainment powerhouse.