Last weekend, Willow TV launched “Game On with Grace” – a weekly video podcast hosted by Australian commentator and TV personality Grace Hayden, daughter of Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden.
“Game On is about pulling back the curtain on the world of sports’ untold stories,” said Hayden. “I grew up in cricket’s front row and have covered its biggest tournaments, but the moments that fascinate me most happen off camera. Partnering with Willow allows me to share those raw, funny, and inspiring conversations with athletes, artists, and anyone chasing greatness. I can’t wait to bring these stories to fans each week on the Willow app and wherever they listen to podcasts.”
Following up on the success of MLC Talk
Earlier this summer, Willow launched its first foray into original programming with “MLC Talk” – a 9-episode talk show running alongside the Major League Cricket season.
Hosted by MLC commentator Aaman Patel, Emerging Cricket writer Nate Hays, and cricexec founder Zee Zaidi, “MLC Talk” featured analysis, commentary and interviews
“MLC Talk” featured multiple high profile guest interviews over the course of the season. MLC players appearing on the show included Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Matthew Short, Rachin Ravindra and Liam Plunkett among others.
Beyond MLC players, the show featured appearances by “Moneyball” and sports business icon Billy Beane during MLC’s Oakland Coliseum leg, MLC’s CEO Johnny Grave and COO Justin Geale, and Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist.
“MLC Talk” was distributed on the Willow app and website, Willow Sports and all of its distribution partners, and Willow TV’s YouTube and social channels.
Hayden’s show follows similar model
Hayden, 23, brings on-camera experience from the IPL, Cricket World Cup, GT20 Canada and Channel 7 Australia, along with a social media following of more than 300,000 fans and connections into the cricket world.
In fact, Gilchrist also appeared on the first episode of Hayden’s show.
According to Willow’s COO Todd Myers, the show “is an important step in expanding how we serve and grow the cricket community. Grace’s knowledge of the game, combined with a confident on-screen presence, makes her a uniquely powerful and authentic voice as the host of Game On with Grace. This podcast will bring authenticity, energy, and a fresh voice that will resonate with both longtime cricket fans and newcomers alike.”
New episodes of “Game on With Grace” will debut every other Sunday night across all Willow platforms including Willow TV, Willow Sports and the Willow App, and major podcast platforms.
