ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro recently discussed his thoughts on the sports operation’s accomplishments in the first half of 2024. In a public memo, he highlighted several successes, including Venu Sports, a joint streaming venture with Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as key rights extensions, talent signings, and record-breaking ratings for telecasts of the NFL, Formula 1, WNBA, and women’s college basketball.
Pitaro expressed pride in his team’s performance in the first six months of the year and emphasized ESPN’s effective strategy. He also highlighted several initiatives that have been successful so far, such as Venu Sports, ESPN BET’s first retail sportsbook, and collaborations with Disney.
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Pitaro mentioned upcoming coverage of Wimbledon, the WNBA Finals, the U.S. Open, college and NFL football games, and the debut of the documentary In the Arena: Serena Williams. Additionally, he announced that Venu Sports would launch later this year.
Pitaro has been leading ESPN as president since 2018 and has navigated significant changes in the industry during his tenure. As one of Disney CEO Bob Iger’s internal candidates to replace him when he steps down later this year or early next year
