Sage Steele poses on the red carpet.(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele left the network after settling a lawsuit in 2023.

The prominent ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor, who sparked controversy over her comments about vaccine mandates, female sports reporters, and former President Barack Obama’s racial identity, has now landed another job.

Sage Steele made her official return to media on Wednesday with The Sage Steele Show, the first podcast on Bill Maher’s newly launched Club Random Studios.

“I’m thrilled to finally announce ‘The Sage Steele Show!’ Allowing others to share their stories and speak their truth has been a priority for me throughout my career. So, to have a platform that encourages candid, vulnerable conversations with people whose refusal to be silenced empowers others is truly a dream come true. I’m beyond excited to team up with Bill and the Club Random team!” Steele said in a press release.

On this weekly show, Steele will have conversations with guests covering a wide variety of topics. The Club Random Studios network will seek to host podcasts built on an idea of “freedom of expression,” the late-night host told The Hollywood Reporter.

Steele further told The Hollywood Reporter that she is planning her program around “conversations, not interviews,” and will host athletes, executives, actors, comedians, politicians, and other guests.

Sage spent 16 years with ESPN.

Sage Steele Gets In Trouble Following Comments On Jay Cutler’s Podcast

Sage Steele announced her departure from ESPN in August 2023 following the settlement of her lawsuit against the company. She walked away nearly two years after an appearance on former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler’s podcast caused a major stir.

Sage Steele was taken off of ESPN Airways for nearly two weeks in 2021 after she gave her opinion on COVID-19 vaccine mandates at ESPN, calling former President Barack Obama’s decision to identify as Black on the census “fascinating” and discussing female reporters and how they need to take responsibility for how they present themselves.

Steele sued ESPN in April 2022, claiming the network breached her contract. Despite the lawsuit, ESPN maintained Steele was never suspended as a result of her comments. The network said she was recovering from the coronavirus at the time.

In August 2023, she announced on social media that a settlement had been reached and her time with the network had come to an end.