Former Navy Seal's Storytelling Empire Expands with SiriusXM Deal

In a significant move, SiriusXM has announced an exclusive partnership with John Allen, the former Navy Seal who has turned his storytelling of true crime into a thriving media empire. As part of the multiyear agreement, SiriusXM will have exclusive advertising sales rights to Allen's flagship show, The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious, on audio and his YouTube channel.

SiriusXM will also acquire the rights to the entire MrBallen network of shows and work to develop new programming with the creator. This deal comes after the breakup of the Amazon-owned Wondery, where Allen had previously been signed. The MrBallen podcast is currently ranked as the 11th most popular podcast in the U.S., according to Edison Research.

Allen expressed his excitement about joining the SiriusXM family, stating that the partnership will allow him to "take that dream to the next level" and reach even more audiences with his unique brand of storytelling. SiriusXM's president and chief content officer, Scott Greenstein, praised Allen's distinctive approach and said the company is thrilled to help the MrBallen team expand their reach.