Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz joins Ryan Clark’s Pivot25 as strategic partner

Former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz has joined New York-based sports-focused prodco Pivot25 Productions as a strategic partner and investor.

Howard Schultz

Gage Skidmore via CC

Schultz, whose net worth is estimated at around US$3.5bn, will work with Pivot25 co-founders, former NFL player Ryan Clark and producer Alicia Zubikowski, to expand the company’s brand, commercial opportunities and access to funding.

The partners will explore new business opportunities spanning content, brand deals, live experiences and licensing.

Pivot25 launched in 2025 with a focus on “meaningful stories that transcend sport.” It currently coproduces podcast The Pivot Sports with Ryan Clark alongside NFL Films and recently struck a multi-year deal with Netflix to bring episodes of the show to the platform.

Entrepreneur Schultz transformed Starbucks from a small Seattle coffee business into a global brand. He served two stints as chairman and CEO between 1986 and 2017, as well as serving as interim CEO from 2022 to 2023.

A regular fixture on the Forbes Billionaires List, Schultz also has experience in the sports industry, having owned NBA team the Seattle SuperSonics from 2001 to 2006.

Schultz said: “Pivot25 is already much more than a successful sports media platform. It is playing at the level of culture – bringing together sports, leadership, business and entertainment while creating consequential conversations for the next generation.

“I am proud to invest in the company and especially excited to become a partner to Ryan and his team as they build its next chapter.”

Zubikowski added: “We have built Pivot25 from the ground up and we know the people, relationships and trust behind the platform are what make it special.

“Howard understands that better than most. He knows what it means to build a global brand while staying grounded in purpose, people and connection. His experience and perspective will be invaluable as we think bigger about what Pivot25 can become while staying true to the foundation we’ve built.”