Pat XO Documentary: ESPN Nine for IX Film About Pat Summitt

Pat XO is one of the most widely watched documentaries about Pat Summitt. Produced as part of ESPN's Nine for IX series, it honors the 40th anniversary of Title IX by telling women's stories in sports. Pat Summitt's film stands as one of the series' signature entries—and for many viewers, it remains the definitive introduction to who she was beyond the box scores.

Whether you search for "Pat XO documentary," "Pat Summitt documentary," or "Pat Summit documentary" (a common misspelling), this page covers what the film offers and where to find it.

Pat XO focuses on Pat Summitt's leadership, the way she built the Tennessee Lady Vols into a national powerhouse, and the relationships she formed with her players and staff. The documentary blends archival footage, interviews with those who knew her best, and storytelling that goes beyond championships.

Rather than only revisiting wins and titles, Pat XO spends time on how she held people accountable, how she communicated, and how she believed in her players even when she was demanding more from them. It shows the discipline and standards that defined her approach—and the human side of a coach who shaped generations of athletes and leaders.

The film is part of ESPN's Nine for IX series, which highlights women's stories in sports. Each entry in the series tells a different story; Pat Summitt's is one of the most requested and frequently discussed.

Pat XO is distributed through ESPN and ESPN+. Availability can change with licensing, but the film has historically been available on ESPN+ and through ESPN programming. Check ESPN's schedule and streaming platform for current options.

ESPN often features Nine for IX documentaries during Women's History Month, around Title IX anniversaries, and during college basketball season. If you're looking for Pat Summitt documentaries on ESPN, Pat XO is typically one of the first to appear.

Pat Summitt finished her career with 1,098 wins and eight national championships. But the real story—and what Pat XO captures well—is how she built a culture of discipline, accountability, and high standards. She demanded that people show up prepared, tell the truth, and compete with intensity every day.

The documentary is useful for anyone who wants to understand how great leaders communicate, hold people accountable, and build trust while maintaining high expectations. Her approach to preparation, feedback, and team culture offers lessons that extend far beyond basketball.