ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said he has been in “regular and constant contact with league execs” regarding current partnerships and how to proceed given the suspension of most sports. Pitaro, speaking to SBJ's John Ourand during the CAA World Congress Comes To You virtual conference, said ESPN's focus is on “short term issues like replacement programming, innovative content ideas.” He said, “We're talking with commissioners and league executives about getting access to athletes. … Athletes are home. We'd love to be speaking to them and hearing from them.”
Pitaro continued, “We're looking at things right now, like theme nights, potentially offering a different classic game from a different sport each night. And as a part of that we would potentially mix in some Disney sports movies.” He said ESPN is in conversations with lead partners to “offer content and events that we haven't even historically had.” Pitaro: “We really emphasize innovation as an ESPN priority, and we're seeing that coming to bear more so than ever right now.”
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Pitaro said he has been in “regular contact” with his direct reports, talking to lead execs Connor Schell, Burke Magnus, Norby Williamson, Stephanie Druley and Tina Thorton daily. Pitaro: “The culture of this place is incredible. Our North Star is really the safety and wellbeing of our people. ... The speed at which our leadership team implemented work from home procedures was amazing, and we really did not miss a beat.”
Pitaro believes fans’ “passion will remain” through the temporary hiatus and that the industry will come back in good form. Pitaro: “When live sports return, they'll come back strong.” He added, “It's important that we stay calm. That we try to be realistic, but at the same time be optimistic. Again, admittedly it's not an easy task right now, but it's critical.”
