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When BET announced its bold new series 106 & Sports, it signaled both a revival and a reinvention. Drawing inspiration from the beloved 106 & Park franchise, the show reframes the familiar countdown format through the lens of sports, culture, fashion, and real talk. Rather than focusing exclusively on music videos, 106 & Sports spotlights the week’s top athletic moments, viral plays, locker room highlights, and trending storylines while weaving in commentary, athlete interviews, and cultural context. The result is a hybrid talk show and countdown, tailored for viewers who see sports as inseparable from identity, style, and community.
The show’s origins trace back to BET’s desire to expand beyond music and entertainment coverage, repositioning itself as a cultural platform that bridges sport and lifestyle. The debut was officially unveiled during the 25th anniversary celebration of 106 & Park at the BET Awards when Cam Newton and Ashley Nicole Moss stepped into the spotlight as co-hosts. The production is a collaboration between BET Media Group and SpringHill (LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s studio), and is backed by an executive producer room that includes LeBron, Carter, Jamal Henderson, and BET’s leadership. Filmed in front of a live audience in Atlanta, each episode promises an interactive energy complete with a resident DJ, rotating celebrity guests, audience debates, style breakdowns, and a climactic “Main Event” pick for the week’s top story.
Leading the show are Cam Newton, the exuberant former NFL MVP turned media personality, and Ashley Nicole Moss, a rising sports broadcaster and commentator. Newton is no stranger to blending athletic insight with personality. He has leveraged his post-NFL career into digital media, podcasting, and on-air commentary, bringing that experience to BET’s cultural arena. Moss brings journalistic clout, having worked on CBS sports coverage and podcasting projects. In this space, she positions herself as a vibrant voice bridging media and athletic storytelling. Together, they aim to spark debate, celebrate diverse perspectives, and connect with fans who demand more than box scores. As Cam has said, “It’s about the culture around the game…players, personality, and the fans.”
To celebrate the premiere, BET hosted an exclusive watch party in Atlanta at Illuminarium, an immersive entertainment space renowned for its state-of-the-art cinematic projections and experiential ambiance. Guests walked into a sensory environment where visuals and sound wrapped around the viewing experience, making the debut feel more like an event than a mere screening. The guest list was star-studded, with attendees including Claressa Shields, T.I., K. Michelle, Toya Johnson, Reginae Carter, K Camp, Meghan James, and more. Bow Wow served as moderator to a fireside conversation with Newton and Moss. Attendees mingled, sipped cocktails, sampled gourmet bites, and enjoyed swag bags and immersive visuals tied to the show’s themes. In some corners, fashion-driven “locker room fits” were celebrated, and fans had opportunities for surprise interactions and photo-ops with hosts and guests. The vibe was electric, matching the energy 106 & Sports hopes to bring to its weekly episodes.
The launch party did more than celebrate a new series; it marked a true cultural moment. From the immersive setup to the celebrity guests and stylish decor, every detail highlighted the deep connection between sports and culture. The night had a buzzing vibe that perfectly matched the show’s energy. Below, check out some photos from the Atlanta watch party.
