Former ESPN writer Bill Simmons joins HBO

Sports and culture writer Bill Simmons has entered a multi-year agreement with HBO programming, it was announced Wednesday.

Starting in October, Simmons will begin working on a talk show set to debut next year as well as podcasts similar to his work at ESPN. He will also work alongside HBO Sports leader Ken Hershman on the development of new shows and documentaries.

According to the agreement, HBO will be Grantland.com founder's exclusive television home; Simmons will also appear on the network's digital platforms like HBO Go and HBO Now.

"It's no secret that HBO is the single best place for creative people in the entire media landscape," Simmons said in a statement. "From the moment I started talking to Michael and Richard [Plepler, HBO CEO], it was hard to imagine being anywhere else."

Simmons started working for ESPN in 2001, soon becoming known as The Sports Guy. He wrote regular columns for the network's magazine and co-founded ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary series. News the famed sports media frontman would be leaving the network broke in May, after his contract was reportedly not renewed.

"It was clear it was time to move on," ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement at the time. "[Our] relationship with Bill has been mutually beneficial -- he has produced great content for us for many years and ESPN has provided him many new opportunities to spread his wings.

"We wish Bill continued success as he plans his next chapter."