ATLANTA — Cam Newton’s sports-and-culture talk show “106 & Sports” has been canceled by BET+ after only eight episodes, the network confirmed Wednesday. The spin-off of the iconic 106 & Park franchise debuted Oct. 15, 2025, and aired its final episode Dec. 3. BET officials said they do not plan additional seasons, though the existing episodes remain available across BET platforms.
The series, co-hosted by Newton and sports analyst Ashley Nicole Moss and produced by LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, aimed to blend mainstream sports debate with culture-forward conversations lasting decades in Black media since the early 1940s but struggled to gain traction.
BET entertainment executives cited programming realignment under new leadership and changing audience habits as key factors in the decision. While the show featured high-profile guests like WNBA star Brittney Griner and boxer Claressa Shields, viewership and engagement lagged behind expectations.
The cancellation underscores how sports commentary from Black perspectives has increasingly moved online. Audiences across generations — from Black fans who grew up with influential voices during the mid-20th century civil rights era — to today’s digital natives — now consume analysis from a range of platforms instead of traditional cable or linear talk shows.
Podcasts like The Right Time with Bomani Jones and Black Diamonds bring culturally grounded sports commentary straight into phones and tablets, often with deeper discussion on race, culture and league dynamics than many mainstream broadcasts.
Platforms such as ESPN’s Andscape provide written essays and interviews exploring the intersections of sports and Black experience, while Black-owned digital outlets and shows on YouTube and streaming services give creators full control of narrative and audience engagement.
Meanwhile, analysts and commentators such as Malika Andrews, Jemele Hill and rising digital voices like YouTuber Kenny Beecham attract tens of thousands of followers by blending expert breakdowns with cultural insight specific to Black fans.
Industry observers say the shift reflects broader changes in how sports content is consumed, with podcasts, TikTok, Instagram clips and livestreams often outpacing traditional TV in reach and immediacy. Black creators in particular are leveraging these platforms to elevate voices and perspectives that have long been underrepresented in mainstream sports coverage.
As the media landscape continues evolving into 2026, fans and commentators alike are watching for new formats and voices to fill the void left by traditional shows and to expand the presence of authentic Black perspectives in sports storytelling.