DAVID NATHANSON is leaving Fox Sports next month after an 18-year run with the company. He most recently was Head of Business Operations, where he has been working on the network’s World Cup deals and started re-negotiating its UFC deal. “We are grateful for his commitment to the Fox Sports brand and the enduring relationships he forged with league partners all over the world,” Fox Sports President ERIC SHANKS said via an emailed statement. “David has left an indelible mark on that will be felt for many years to come and has positioned us for significant growth in the future. We wish him the best of luck on his next venture.” Nathanson, who reports to Shanks, was offered a new contract to stay with Fox for three more years, but opted to look for new opportunities in the media business. He has held many positions at Fox since starting as News Corp Marketing Dir for New Media in ’99. Nathanson, who had been GM & COO of FS1 and FS2, made his biggest splash in the soccer world, where he had been GM & Exec VP of Fox Soccer and was a key player in helping Fox win World Cup rights. His last day with Fox is Oct. 2. Nathanson also had a stint as TVG President from '05-09, ultimately leading the horse racing channel's sale to Betfair Group in '09.
