Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

February 22, 2021 2021 Power 50

2021 Power 50: 36. James Pitaro

ESPN President James Pitaro
Find out who else is in the 2021 Power 50. 
More Information

ESPN President James Pitaro has had to lead the Bristol-based sports media company through a challenging past year as the  COVID-19 pandemic created significant headwinds.

In November, Pitaro announced that ESPN would lay off about 300 workers and eliminate 200 open positions as professional sports, which ESPN covers and broadcasts, saw major disruptions and cancellations amid the pandemic.

Part of the cost-savings aimed to reserve cash for greater investment in digital initiatives, where ESPN is focusing more of its attention as people increasingly cut the cord on cable subscriptions. ESPN also spent the year adjusting to broadcasting talk shows and sporting events in the age of COVID-19, which included a virtual NFL Draft telecast.
 

Despite the challenging environment, Pitaro has also focused on growth initiatives, including expanding ESPN’s foothold in sports gambling.

In September he announced two separate multi-year deals that will link ESPN’s web, mobile and app users directly to online sports betting sites run by DraftKings Inc. and Caesars Entertainment Inc.’s sportsbook partner, William Hill. 

In October Pitaro also received a promotion, adding the title of chairman of ESPN and sports content. 

As ESPN continues to expand across the U.S. with studios in Los Angeles and New York City, Pitaro has said he remains committed to Bristol, where the company employs thousands of people. 
 

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF