It’s sure been a tough run for the FS1’s Undisputed viewers; initially with Shanon Sharpe’s exit and now Skip Bayless spar with his co-hosts coming to an end. But all is not dull. Fox has already lined up a new show called The Facility, featuring Emmanuel Acho. Yet, just as the excitement could gather for the fresh lineup, a member of Gilbert Arenas’ podcast team has everyone talking about potential rivalries with a cryptic message.

Recently, The Facility’s official X page hyped up the show’s debut with a poster announcing the first episode. Featuring former NFL stars Emmanuel Acho, LeSean McCoy, James Jones, and Chase Daniel, the post teased viewers with the caption: “From the athlete’s perspective… September 3rd on @FS1.” However, the buzz didn’t stop there.

Rashad McCants, who frequently appears on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast Gil’s Arena, re-shared the post, adding a cryptic message of his own: “I know y’all made a mistake… but there is already a ‘Gil’s Arena’ lol good luck!”

McCants might be hinting at the similarities the two shows carry, with a possible upper hand, having been launched in 2023 and fairly established so.

Gil’s Arena has aimed to provide fans with insights from a former player’s perspective by ‘breaking down hot topics and telling their own stories based on experience in the league’. Interestingly, The Facility promises a similar approach, focusing on discussions from an athlete’s perspective or as Fox Sports puts it, “take on sports from all angles” alongside ‘sports discussions and expert analysis’.

As for Skip Bayless, according to Glasspiegel, he’s set to record the last episode of Undisputed later this summer. While Bayless hasn’t publicly shared why he’s leaving, rumors suggest the show’s declining ratings and programming shifts around Undisputed may have influenced his decision. The departure of Shannon Sharpe last year already shook the show’s foundation, and the new format hasn’t managed to capture the same audience.

Now, all eyes are on Gilbert Arenas’ potential new rival: The Facility.

Who is this Gilbert Arenas’ new podcast rivals ?

Though Emmanuel Acho’s The Facility might share a similar mission and format with Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, the banter from Rashad McCants felt more playful than serious. Interestingly, the real comparison Acho faces isn’t with Wizards legend’s podcast but rather with Stephen A. Smith’s First Take.

In fact, Acho didn’t shy away from addressing it directly. “Let me make one thing abundantly clear,” Acho stated. “The objective is not to beat First Take; Stephen A. Smith is the best in the game. First Take is the highest-rated sports show on daily television. The objective is to offer you a beautiful alternative.”

The Facility is also going to bring in exclusive interviews and Acho attests the show might be something to look forward to.“Sept. 3, we debuting. 10 a.m. Eastern. Lock in. It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fun, and hopefully it’s going to be something you enjoy,” #1 New York Times Bestselling author added. He will anchor alongside three more football stars with 36 combined seasons. Another distinction?

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.