History of The Ringer (website) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 12, 2025

The Ringer is a website and podcast network focusing on sports and pop culture. Founded in 2016 by Bill Simmons, it quickly gained popularity for its in-depth analysis and diverse content. In 2020, Spotify acquired The Ringer, integrating it into its growing audio empire. The site continues to produce written articles, podcasts, and video content covering a wide range of topics, maintaining its signature blend of insightful commentary and cultural relevance.

2011: Bill Simmons Operated Grantland

In 2011, Bill Simmons operated Grantland, an ESPN-owned blog.

2015: Bill Simmons Ended Grantland

In 2015, Bill Simmons ended Grantland.

March 2016: The Ringer Launched

In March 2016, The Ringer was launched by Bill Simmons with a staff of 43, focusing on sports and pop culture.

2016: The Ringer Founded

In 2016, The Ringer, a sports and pop culture website and podcast network, was founded by sportswriter Bill Simmons.

May 2017: The Ringer Partners with Vox Media

In May 2017, The Ringer partnered with Vox Media for advertising and technology.

2017: The Ringer begins Talk the Thrones

In 2017, The Ringer began the video podcast series Talk the Thrones, an aftershow for Game of Thrones hosted by The Ringer staff writers and live streamed on Twitter.

2017: The Ringer Premiered Binge Mode

In 2017, The Ringer premiered Binge Mode, a podcast that recapped Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter series.

May 2018: The Ringer Publishes Story on Bryan Colangelo

In May 2018, The Ringer published a story by Ben Detrick about Bryan Colangelo's alleged use of Twitter accounts.

June 7, 2018: Bryan Colangelo Resigns

On June 7, 2018, Bryan Colangelo resigned after The Ringer published a story about him in May.

August 2019: The Ringer's Staff Unionizes

In August 2019, The Ringer's editorial staff voted to unionize with the Writers Guild of America, East, and was recognized by management four days later.

February 5, 2020: Spotify Acquires The Ringer

On February 5, 2020, Spotify announced its acquisition of The Ringer for an estimated $195 million plus incentives.

2020: The Ringer Debut Higher Learning podcast

In 2020, The Ringer marked the debut of the Higher Learning podcast with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay, covering topics including Black culture, politics, sports, and current events.

2020: The Ringer acquired by Spotify

In 2020, The Ringer was acquired by Spotify.

April 2021: The Ringer Ratifies Collective Agreement

In April 2021, writers and producers at The Ringer ratified their first collective agreement with Gimlet Media lasting 3 years, with a minimum base salary of $57,000.