MSNBC has officially confirmed the return of its highly anticipated all-day live event, set to take place on October 11, 2025, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. Titled MSNBCLIVE ’25: This Is Who We Are, the gathering is much more than just a reunion of network heavyweights — it represents a turning point in the network’s evolution. For the first time in MSNBC’s history, the event unfolds not only as a showcase of journalism and audience engagement, but as a symbolic declaration of the network’s independence. In a move that has sent ripples through the media industry, this year’s event comes as MSNBC prepares to operate as a standalone news entity, no longer under the wing of Comcast or NBC News.
This year’s lineup of on-air personalities is a veritable who’s who of progressive political commentary and journalistic insight. Attendees can expect to see familiar faces such as Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Jen Psaki, Ari Melber, Lawrence O’Donnell, Stephanie Ruhle, Chris Hayes, Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Jacob Soboroff, and Katy Tur. The program will be split into two live sessions — one in the morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, and an evening session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET. Each session will feature panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the network’s coverage is shaped and delivered.
The day will also include two Capstone events: a lunch conversation featuring Nicolle Wallace and Mika Brzezinski focused on “Know Your Value” — a theme closely tied to Brzezinski’s long-standing empowerment initiative — and a conversation between Jacob Soboroff and Katy Tur. The Capstone Dinner, an evening feature, will include in-depth discussions with Maddow, Psaki, Ruhle, and others, giving attendees an intimate view of the minds shaping MSNBC’s editorial direction.
What sets this year’s event apart, however, is the context in which it unfolds. MSNBC is preparing for a spinoff from its parent company, Comcast, and its long-standing affiliation with NBC News will officially end. The network is forging a new path as part of Versant, a collection of former Comcast cable networks restructured under a new corporate entity. This realignment signals a shift not only in ownership but also in editorial autonomy and strategic direction.
To steer this bold transformation, MSNBC has brought in Marcus Mabry as senior vice president of content strategy. Mabry, a veteran journalist and executive, will oversee the broader direction of MSNBC Live, while Luke Russert serves as creative director and Lauren Peikoff steps into the role of executive producer of events. Together, this leadership team is tasked with reshaping how MSNBC connects with its viewers — both on-screen and in person.
Last year’s inaugural MSNBCLIVE event drew more than 4,000 attendees and over one million viewers when it aired on the network. It was lauded for its candid conversations, audience engagement, and for offering a tangible way for the network to reinforce its values and mission. Building on that success, this year’s edition comes with elevated expectations — and a deeper sense of purpose.
Tickets for MSNBCLIVE ’25 start at $100, a price point that reflects not only the caliber of the event but also MSNBC’s new focus on generating direct-to-consumer revenue. As the traditional cable model continues to evolve, events like this one offer a promising path forward for media brands seeking to cultivate loyal audiences and new monetization opportunities outside of advertising.
In many ways, MSNBCLIVE ’25 serves as a live manifesto — a way for MSNBC to declare who it is now, and who it aims to be in a post-network era. For the journalists and analysts on stage, it’s a chance to double down on their commitment to truth and accountability. For the audience, both in-person and at home, it’s an invitation to be part of a media future defined by transparency, engagement, and independence.
As October approaches, one thing is clear: this is not just an event — it’s a milestone. With its signature personalities, redefined mission, and bold departure from its legacy infrastructure, MSNBC is poised to make history not only in how it reports the news, but in how it becomes the news itself.
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