SiriusXM Lands 'Giggly Squad' Podcast in $160 Million Deal After Competitive Bidding War

Fans of the "Giggly Squad" podcast will now find their twice-weekly episodes backed by the distribution muscle of SiriusXM, following a four-year, $160 million acquisition that fundamentally shifts the balance of power in the creator economy. The deal, which officially took effect on September 17, 2026, grants the audio giant exclusive global advertising and distribution rights across both audio and video formats, while keeping the show free for its fiercely loyal listeners.[1][2]

The agreement marks a staggering financial milestone for hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, who launched the project as a casual Instagram Live series during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. What began as two friends dissecting pop culture, bad dates, and the everyday chaos of their lives from their respective apartments has evolved into a top-ten comedy podcast, a New York Times bestselling book, and a touring juggernaut that recently sold out two consecutive nights at Radio City Music Hall.[1][4]

The final price tag reflects a highly competitive bidding war behind the scenes, proving that independent digital talent can now command valuations previously reserved for legacy media institutions. According to industry reports, SiriusXM beat out Amazon and the show's previous host, Acast, with offers reportedly reaching the $140 million to $160 million range. The winning bid breaks down to roughly $35 million to $40 million annually over the four-year term, cementing Berner and DeSorbo among the highest-paid talent in the audio space.[3][5]

For SiriusXM, the acquisition is a calculated play for a highly engaged, younger demographic. The company has been aggressively expanding its podcast network to offset subscriber losses in its traditional satellite radio business. By bringing "Giggly Squad" in-house, SiriusXM secures a direct pipeline to millions of dedicated fans—affectionately known as "Gigglers"—who consistently drive the show to the number one spot in America's TV and film podcast rankings.[1][4]

"We're so excited for this next chapter with SiriusXM," Berner and DeSorbo shared in a joint statement following the announcement. "Giggly Squad has grown beyond anything we could have imagined and getting to experience that growth with the Gigglers has made it even more special. We can't wait for what's next and to keep giggling together."[1][2]

The transition will not alter the fundamental accessibility of the show, a crucial detail for a fandom built on parasocial intimacy. New episodes will continue to drop every Tuesday and Friday across all major podcast platforms and YouTube. However, the SiriusXM partnership introduces a premium tier: subscribers to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts can now access the episodes entirely ad-free.[1][4]

Berner and DeSorbo leveraged their initial reality television exposure on Bravo's "Summer House" into a standalone empire, utilizing their undeniable chemistry and observational humor to build a brand that outgrew its origins. It is a rare feat in the reality-to-influencer pipeline, where many attempt the pivot but few secure nine-figure exits.[2][3][5]

Looking ahead, the partnership promises to expand the "Giggly Squad" universe beyond its current twice-weekly schedule. The contract includes provisions for a slate of new, exclusive programming expected to roll out in 2027. While specific details remain under wraps, the move signals SiriusXM's intent to build a broader content ecosystem around the duo's proven comedic sensibilities.[1][5]