If you’re a celebrity or influencer stepping into the world of content creation, there’s one major trap you need to avoid — and Gilbert Arenas is making sure you hear it loud and clear. The former NBA star, who has successfully made a name for himself in the podcasting space, recently dropped some serious wisdom that could be a game-changer for anyone starting their journey. What’s the key lesson he shared? It’s something that may have spared Michael Beasley from signing one of the worst deals of his life.

During a livestream conversation with Brandon Jennings and Josiah Johnson, Arenas raised a red flag about the way some production companies operate in the podcast space. According to him, the setup can sometimes look alarmingly similar to the way record labels used to lock in young rappers with highly unfavorable contracts. If you know anything about early music industry deals, you know that’s not a good thing.

“Build a channel for you… I keep my own independence… Don’t go in here signing, bad deals… I remember who hit me? Someone sent him a deal offer. It was Michael Beasley. I told him, ‘I don’t want to know who sent it. Just send me the deal.’ And I said… ‘If you sign it, this is prison… You don’t own your show. You just get a flat rate of $10,000 a month… Four episodes a month,” Arenas shared, breaking down the harsh reality of the offer. Even Josiah Jameson, who initially questioned whether all the effort was worth it, was taken aback by the terms, calling the deal “nasty.” Arenas, however, didn’t stop there.

He went on to explain that the show wouldn’t even have belonged to Michael Beasley if he’d signed the contract. “You’re under a, three and a half year deal. Three and a half. And then and then it was off of. They get their money back.” So what’s the takeaway here? Don’t let your popularity be your downfall. No matter how big your name is, signing away your independence for short-term gain can cost you long-term control.

If Gilbert Arenas’ experience is anything to go by, creators—especially those just getting started—should prioritize ownership and think twice before jumping into any deal that seems too easy. Let his story with Beasley be a wake-up call: in content creation, freedom is everything. And given the fact, Gil has grown in the space, anyone could definitely take the pointers.

A Closer Look at the growth of Gilbert Arenas’ podcast

When Gil’s Arena hit the airwaves in early 2023, few could’ve predicted just how quickly it would take off. What started as a niche basketball talk show hosted by former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has become a digital juggernaut in the sports media world. Backed by Underdog Fantasy, the show has rocketed past one million subscribers on YouTube and amassed over 814 million video views as of May 2025.

Even more impressive? Each episode now draws an average of 275,000 live viewers—right up there with heavyweights like ESPN’s First Take. At the heart of this rise is Arenas himself. He doesn’t just sit in front of a mic—he shapes every part of the show. Known for his raw, unfiltered takes and deep knowledge of the game, Arenas delivers the kind of commentary fans crave. His clips are everywhere on Instagram and TikTok, often going viral and generating billions of social impressions.

Now, with a long-term deal from Underdog and audio listenership on the rise, Gil’s Arena is more than just a hit—it’s a masterclass in brand control. Arenas continues to urge athletes to protect their platforms. He emphasizes the power of authenticity and staying true to one’s voice in an era where personal branding can define careers. His journey is proof: building your media empire, your way, works.