The Press Box 25 for 25: Jimmy Pitaro on ESPN's NFL and WWE Deals, Pat McAfee, and the State of the Company in 2025
Aug 11, 2025
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, shares insights into his leadership role, including the launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app. He discusses massive new deals with the NFL and WWE, emphasizing how these partnerships are set to boost revenue and viewer engagement. Pitaro also addresses the balance between hiring talent and developing it within the company. The conversation dives into ESPN's preparations for its first Super Bowl and the innovative strategies being implemented to adapt to the evolving landscape of sports media.
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ESPN As A Multi-Platform Digital Leader
- Jimmy Pitaro defines ESPN as a multi-platform company that leads in digital reach and engagement.
- He says the ESPN app out-reaches competitors by a large margin and underpins their streaming strategy.
Launch Is The First Inning, Not A Movie Opening
- The August 21 release is an enhanced, iterative launch of the existing ESPN app rather than a one-off new product.
- Pitaro calls it "the first inning" and promises ongoing weekly and monthly updates to improve the experience.
Direct Access Targets Sideline Fans
- ESPN is targeting sports fans who currently sit on the sidelines rather than trying to immediately pull subscribers off cable.
- Direct-to access gives ESPN richer data for personalization, enabling features like a personalized SportsCenter.