The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland Sarah Tourville: From ESPN to FanDuel—Redefining Sports Partnerships and Media Strategy
On this episode of the Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes Sarah Tourville, a powerhouse in sports media and the Executive Vice President of Team Partnerships at FanDuel Sports Network. With a career spanning over 20 years and leadership roles at ESPN, FOX Sports, the Kansas City Royals, and now FanDuel, Sarah shares the pivotal moments, mentors, and mindset that have defined her rise in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She discusses her passion for people, the impact of her father’s media legacy, and her drive to lead with curiosity and empathy.
Sarah Tourville currently oversees team partnerships across major U.S. markets, including the West, SoCal, Midwest, Kansas City, and Indiana. In her role at FanDuel Sports Network, she’s focused on driving audience growth through strategic sports content and innovation. Previously, she served as EVP and Chief Commercial and Community Impact Officer for the Kansas City Royals, where she led revenue, marketing, and community initiatives. Her earlier career highlights include managing $350M in revenue at ESPN and leading FOX Sports’ Brand Partnership Team on campaigns tied to the NFL and MLB.
This episode dives deep into the future of sports consumption—from digital disruption and regional streaming challenges to the importance of keeping fans connected to their teams. Sarah’s vision for simplifying the viewer experience and her insider perspective on how media is evolving make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, innovation, and the business of sports.