ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro Gives His “Reflections at the Half”
With 2024 now halfway over, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro took some time to reflect on the first half of the year.
In his “reflections at halftime,” Pitaro highlighted the record ratings for the network’s coverage of the NHL, college football, women’s college basketball, and the WNBA, and key talent signings as just some of the Worldwide Leader in Sport’s accomplishments so far.
![Jimmy Pitaro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Jimmy-Pitaro-Official-e1528321639565-1024x934.jpg)
![Jimmy Pitaro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Jimmy-Pitaro-Official-e1528321639565-1024x934.jpg)
Photo: ESPN Press Room
“Whether it’s been the huge viewership successes across multiple sports and studio shows, the broad array of rights deals we’ve secured, our reach and engagement across digital and social platforms, content milestones like we’ve seen in women’s college and pro basketball, or marquee talent signings like Jason Kelce and Nick Saban.” he wrote.
![Jason Kelce](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jason-Kelce-daughters-091223-3-57a4502c2a624897829a4e502c5780dc-1024x683.jpg)
Photo: People
“I could not be prouder of the team’s performance.”
ESPN’s Key Initiatives
In addition to the success of ESPN’s linear network, Pitaro also discussed the network’s other initiatives.
![ESPN](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-espn-logo.jpg)
![ESPN](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-espn-logo.jpg)
Photo: ESPN
So far, 2024 has “reinforced the effectiveness of our clear, go-forward strategy (including the timing for our Flagship DTC launch and an ESPN tile on Disney+). Initiatives like Venu Sports, the opening of ESPN BET’s first retail sportsbook and our Disney collaboration for NHL Big City Greens Classic 2 were all examples of how we’re smartly navigating a changing landscape,” he added.
Turning his attention to the rest of the year, Pitaro noted that the network would cover Wimbledon, the WNBA finals, the U.S. Open, and the return of college football and the NFL. He also noted the upcoming documentary In the Arena: Serena Williams.
![Serena Williams](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-16-at-16-14-09-Serena-Williams-Biography-Titles-Facts.png)
![Serena Williams](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-16-at-16-14-09-Serena-Williams-Biography-Titles-Facts.png)
Photo: Encyclopedia Britannica
Looking ahead to 2025, Pitaro will have his hands full as ESPN launches its direct-to-consumer product. Backed by strong ratings and continued innovation, the network will look to stick the landing this year before entering uncharted territory.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below. One of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Also, Thanks for reading!