The Grill Room Jimmy Pitaro’s New ESPN
18 snips
May 20, 2025 
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, leads the charge in the company's digital transformation. He discusses the launch of their D.T.C. product and the ambitious marketing strategy behind it. Pitaro dives into ESPN's rights portfolio, the critical ongoing MLB negotiations, and the integration of sports betting into their platform. He emphasizes the importance of subscriber relationships and the challenges of transitioning from traditional cable. Personal anecdotes unveil his passion for sports and the joy it brings to his family.
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Pitaro's Knicks Game 6 Experience
- Jimmy Pitaro shared his surreal experience attending Knicks Game 6 as a lifelong fan.
- His personal rooting for Knicks coincides with the business benefits of their success for ESPN.
ESPN’s Careful Streaming Shift
- ESPN planned a gradual transition to direct-to-consumer streaming to not disrupt cable revenue abruptly.
- The launch of the full ESPN streaming product is targeted for fall 2025, aligning with football season.
Direct Subscriptions Drive Growth
- ESPN aims to add new subscribers direct-to-consumer rather than cannibalize cable users.
- Direct subscriptions offer personalization and customer data lost in traditional cable models.