YES Network President & CEO TRACY DOLGIN is transitioning to a new role as non-exec Chair of the RSN, effective immediately, continuing a marked run of leadership transition within Fox Sports and its various holdings. Dolgin began with YES in ’04, leading the operation to a run as the country’s most-watched RSN in 12 of the last 13 years. Dolgin said the shift was precipitated primarily by deals in which Fox Sports parent 21st Century Fox invested in and then acquired majority control in YES, in turn assuming many key business functions such as distribution and affiliate sales. The move, which carries no end date, also frees up Dolgin to pursue more forward-looking and strategic opportunities on behalf of both YES and Fox Sports. “My role has already been changing from a classic CEO one to bringing [YES] into the broader Fox platform,” Dolgin said. “This new role represents the next stage of that development and really extends that evolution. I see this as the best of all worlds. I’ve been with YES a long time, and Fox a long time, and I get to stay in the family, so to speak, in this value-added role.” Dolgin is believed to have accepted a voluntary buyout from Fox Sports, making him part of the larger 21st Century Fox effort that saw several senior execs within the company depart last month. But Dolgin’s deal is different in that he is remaining with YES in this altered role. Dolgin’s shift also follows recent exec changes at several other Fox Sports RSNs, including FS Southwest, FS San Diego and FS West. “Tracy also had a significant career here at Fox pre-YES, so this is an absolutely great outcome for him to stay on in this fashion,” said Fox Sports Regional Networks President JEFF KROLIK.
