What Chaos! Podcast Moved to The Ringer Network
The NHL-focused podcast has joined The Ringer as part of the outlet's expansion into professional hockey content.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Hockey
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The popular hockey podcast What Chaos!, hosted by DJ Bean and Pete Blackburn, has officially moved to The Ringer network. The program will serve as the network's first dedicated NHL-focused series when it debuts this upcoming season.
Why it matters
The Ringer sought to broaden its sports coverage by incorporating professional hockey analysis for the first time. The network pursued the show due to the established brand identity developed by Bean and Blackburn during their previous network tenures.
The podcast hosts engaged in a 45-minute contract negotiation call to finalize the move. The Ringer enters this partnership as it marks its 10-year anniversary since being founded by Bill Simmons in 2016.
The players
DJ Bean
He is a veteran hockey journalist and podcast host who serves as one of the two primary voices for the What Chaos! program.
Pete Blackburn
He is a professional sports writer and podcast host who co-leads the What Chaos! show alongside DJ Bean.
Bill Simmons
He is a prominent sportswriter and media executive who founded The Ringer in 2016 and currently serves as its head.
The Ringer
This sports and pop culture media company is owned by Spotify and maintains a large network of podcasts and editorial content.
Shawn DePaz
He serves as the producer for the What Chaos! podcast and manages the show's day-to-day operations.
The details
Bill Simmons personally initiated contact with DJ Bean following the 2026 Winter Olympics to discuss the transition. The deal follows a period of negotiation that was initially delayed by existing contract obligations at the Nation Network.
Timeline
November 2023: The podcast launched on the AllCity network.
February 2026: Bill Simmons initiated interest in the podcast during the Winter Olympics.
August 2026: Bill Simmons contacted DJ Bean to finalize the deal.
September 2026: The partnership with The Ringer was publicly announced.
Upcoming NHL season: The show debuts on its new network.
Season Trajectory
This move signals a major shift in the hockey media landscape as The Ringer formalizes its entry into the sport's podcasting ecosystem. By securing established talent, the network shifts the competitive balance among sports-focused digital media outlets covering the NHL.
Listeners can expect the debut of the podcast on The Ringer's platform to coincide with the start of the upcoming NHL regular season. The transition confirms that the show will continue to provide consistent analysis under its new parent network.
The takeaway
The Ringer is diversifying its sports content portfolio to include professional hockey for the first time. Fans of the show should look for updates on the network's official social media channels to confirm the specific launch date for the new season.
Further reading
For more analysis on current league developments, visit the Hockey section.
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