I can say without hesitation that Im sitting in my dream job, he said.
Asked if Disneys succession process was altering his leadership style at ESPN, he replied, Absolutely not.
It has not changed anything.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy PitaroChip Somodevilla/Getty Images
I feel just fortunate to be here.
We are at a really important time at ESPN right now.
Igers current contract runs through the end of 2026 and he has repeatedly pledged to exit as planned.
It will have a number of enhanced features for fantasysportsand betting.
We know that it cant just be as simple as flipping a switch, he said.
We know that our product needs to be enhanced.
To that end, he added, its all hands on deck.
After operating ESPN+ over the past six years, Pitaro said, We are ready for the next step.
One element of the flagship service will be regional sports and local games.
We very much believe that Flagship should be part of the solution, Pitaro said.
ESPN has looked to extend its capabilities as a potential solution, Pitaro said.
It doesnt necessarily have to be in connection with Flagship.
It can be an upsell as part of Flagship.
We can make these games available in the ESPN app.
The exec also extolled the virtues of AI.
We see this as nothing but positive for a sports fan and for the business, he said.
