Dick’s Sporting Goods Launches Production Company with ESPN Little League Doc and More Original Sports Stories
Dick’s Sporting Goods is stepping up its storytelling game with the launch of its very own production studio, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios. The new banner is kicking things off with an emotional and high-energy documentary, Big Dreams: The Little League World Series 2024, which is set to premiere on ESPN on August 12 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
The 51-minute film dives deep into the drama and heart of the iconic tournament in rural Pennsylvania, showcasing the intense highs and lows that come with chasing a championship at such a young age.
Produced with Imagine Documentaries and MLB Studios, this documentary marks the official debut for the brand’s newest creative venture.
According to Mark Rooks, vice president of creative, sponsorships, and entertainment at Dick’s, this move into original sports programming is something of a no-brainer.
“It’s really about telling great stories, creating more fans of sport and hopefully fans of Dick’s Sporting Goods as a brand,” says Rooks. He sees the studio as a natural extension of the company’s ongoing investment in filmmaking.
Dick’s has quietly built a solid track record over the past decade, producing five feature-length films and 10 short-form and episodic docs. Back in 2014, the company made waves with We Could Be King, which followed two rival high schools merging due to budget cuts. That film earned Dick’s an Emmy, making it one of the first consumer brands to take home the award for best sports documentary.
Fast forward to 2024, and Dick’s scored another Emmy win with the Netflix hit The Turnaround, which told the story of Jon McCann, a Phillies superfan who helped spark a game-changing ovation for Trea Turner.
The upcoming slate doesn’t stop with Little League. The studio is developing a powerful piece about Rachel Foster, a woman who was declared dead after a devastating accident and made an astonishing recovery to become a marathon runner.
Also in the pipeline is a 2026 release focused on the underdog journey of the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team during the World Cup.
So why the name Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios? It’s a nod to the company's roots. Back in 1948, Richard “Dick” Stack launched the business with a $300 loan from his grandmother, who had saved the money in a cookie jar. “We use that inspiration and that story to remind us of who we are and what our North Star is,” Rooks explains.
Between a growing lineup of heartfelt sports stories and a clear passion for the genre, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios could quickly become a name to watch in the world of sports entertainment.
Source: Variety