Tech Entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian Teams Up with Producer Alex Baskin for New Reality Sports Docuseries
Joining forces with NWSL star Midge Purce, Alex Baskin and Alexis Ohanian are set to pioneer a captivating reality sports docuseries, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the offseason of professional athletes.
Vanderpump Rules Alex Baskin to Launch Docuseries The Offseason
Alex Baskin. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Vanderpump Rules producer Alex Baskin, along with tech mogul Alexis Ohanian, U.S. Women’s National Team forward Midge Purce, and Box to Box Films, have come together to create a new reality sports docuseries.
The show, titled The Offseason, will showcase the lives of 11 NWSL players, including Purce, as they spend two weeks in Miami training, partying, and living together during their offseason.
The series, funded by Ohanian's Seven Seven Six, is currently being filmed and will include six episodes that are each half an hour long.
Baskin is known for his work on Vanderpump Rules, the Real Housewives shows, and other reality programs, while Ohanian is recognized for his expertise in sports investments. Ohanian and his wife, Serena Williams, are investors in Angel City FC of the NWSL.
Starting an NWSL club in L.A. was a radical idea back in 2019, but by 2023, everyone in Hollywood was saying the same about incubating a production company and unscripted show like The Offseason, according to Ohanian. He believes they are on the right track. All the most successful reality TV shows have featured women, and with Midge's vision and the acclaimed producers' execution, it will become clear that women's sports was the perfect vehicle all along. Someone just had to be the first.
For those curious about what to expect from the series, Purce, who is 28 years old, described it as a blend of Vanderpump Rules and Drive to Survive, the popular Netflix documentary series that follows Formula 1.
A sports franchise is entering new territory by bringing rivals on the pitch together to live in one house. The series will focus on “their personal stories, interpersonal relationships, and on-field journey.”
In a statement, Baskin expressed excitement about the exclusive opportunity presented by Midge to create an original narrative around women’s sports. The story is based on an offseason tradition she established with the NWSL. Baskin believes this unique storyline represents a new direction in programming.
Box to Box cofounder Paul Martin described The Offseason as a unique blend of premium sports documentary and high-end reality show, showcasing some of the most exciting up-and-coming sports stars in the world. He emphasized the collaboration with Alexis, Midge, and Alex to shine a spotlight on these remarkable women, providing global audiences with a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes journey of becoming a sports star.
The series will not only feature Purce but also follow the lives of Michelle Alozie, Lo’eau LaBonta, Paige Nielsen, Ify Onumonu, Maria Sanchez, Taylor Smith, Nikki Stanton, Taryn Torres, and Ally Watt.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming reality sports docuseries "The Offseason" promises an intriguing blend of sports and reality television. The series, inspired by the offseason tradition of NWSL players, will offer a unique perspective on the personal and professional lives of 11 talented female athletes. With its focus on their interpersonal relationships, training regimen, and the challenges they face, "The Offseason" is poised to break new ground in sports programming.
The collaboration between producer Alex Baskin, tech mogul Alexis Ohanian, and US Women's National Team forward Midge Purce brings together expertise from the worlds of reality television, sports, and women's empowerment. Their passion for showcasing the untold stories of these exceptional athletes is evident in the series' premise and its potential to inspire and engage viewers. "The Offseason" serves as a testament to the growing recognition of women's sports and the compelling narratives that can be found within them.
