Former Endeavor executive chairman Patrick Whitesell and private equity giant Silver Lake have made an investment in Omaha Productions, the busy content banner headed by NFL great [Peyton Manning](https://www.sportico.com/t/peyton-manning/), _Variety_ [reports](https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/peyton-manning-omaha-productions-patrick-whitesell-invest-1236349579/).
The deal gives Whitesell and Silver Lake a minority stake in the company that produces ESPN2’s alternative _Monday Night Football_ live telecast during the regular NFL season that features Manning and his brother Eli Manning, a fellow former star NFL quarterback, commenting on the game with celebrity guests and other entertaining elements. Omaha has also produced a slew of sports documentary content (including Netflix’s _Quarterback_ and _Receiver_ series) since the company was founded by Manning and veteran TV producer Jamie Horowitz in 2020.
Whitesell earlier this month formally exited Endeavor and WME after nearly 25 years, following the completion of Endeavor’s transaction with its majority owner Silver Lake to go private again after four years as a publicly traded entity. Whitesell is stepping down as executive chairman but he will remain close to WME as he launches an investment and content-focused venture that will be generously funded by Silver Lake. Egon Durban, the private equity firm’s CEO, is a key player in Whitesell’s strategic investment in Omaha.
Whitesell’s decision to get into business with Peyton Manning is a sign of one area where he will focus his energy in the fledgling (and still unnamed) venture. Unscripted docuseries and sports-related content is fast growing as one of TV’s most reliable and evergreen programming genres. Omaha is also developed scripted series and streaming movies with sports themes for Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Its audio division works with such stars as ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt and commentator Mina Kimes.
“Omaha’s strong track record of creating engaging content puts them in a strong position to capitalize on new opportunities across entertainment and sports,” Whitesell said. “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.”
The influx from Whitesell and Silver Lake will allow Omaha to expand the scope of its TV and audio activity and move into new areas. Omaha also intends to “invest in companies with similar values that benefit from Omaha’s production and marketing.” To that end, it recently did invested in golf lifestyle brand Good Good Golf. Omaha also has its Creative Agency branded content division that has created custom campaigns for more than 30 major brands.
Omaha’s existing investors include Peter Chernin’s North Road Co., which has a growing collection of production banners in its portfolio. With their deal-making connections, Whitesell and Silver Lake are a good fit with North Road’s production capabilities in the U.S. and Europe.
“All of us at Omaha are excited to get to work with Patrick and Egon as our new teammates to grow the business and create new opportunities for fans,” Manning said. “Peter Chernin and his team have been great partners over the past two years and have helped us build a strong foundation. I’m very excited for all of us to work together to continue to build Omaha.”
Companies under North Road’s roof include Kinetic Content (_Love Is Blind_), Words + Pictures (_30 for 30_) and 44 Blue Prods. (_L.A. Fire & Rescue_). Omaha has already collaborated with Words + Pictures, which produces a number of shows for ESPN.
“Peyton and Jamie have built an exceptional media business, grounded in Peyton’s humor, heart and authenticity,” Chernin said. “They have coupled that with a clear, bold and diversified strategic vision that sets Omaha Productions apart. We’re proud to be investors through North Road, and I can’t think of better partners than Patrick and Egon to join us as we continue working together to drive the company into its next phase of growth.”