ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro recently shared his thoughts on the sports operation’s achievements in the first half of 2024. In a public memo, he expressed pride in the team’s performance and highlighted several key successes, including Venu Sports, a joint streaming venture with Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as talent signings and record-breaking ratings for telecasts of the NFL, Formula 1, WNBA, and women’s college basketball.
Pitaro has been leading ESPN as president since 2018 and has navigated the division through significant changes in the industry. As one of the internal candidates to replace Disney CEO Bob Iger, he has focused on streaming initiatives and strategies to engage younger viewers. This includes signing YouTube host Pat McAfee and introducing ESPN Bet. 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, and the debut of the documentary In the Arena: Serena Williams. He also noted that Venu Sports will be launching later this year.