Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox Hire Pete Distad as CEO for Upcoming Sports Streaming Service
ICARO Media Group
In a bold move to revolutionize the sports streaming industry, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox have announced the hiring of Pete Distad as the CEO for their joint venture. The name of the streaming service is yet to be revealed, but the companies are aiming for a launch later this year, according to the official press release.
Distad, a seasoned professional with experience at Apple and Hulu, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to build and grow a unique product catering to dedicated sports fans in the United States. With a focus on serving customers outside of the traditional pay TV bundle, Distad plans to leverage the industry-leading sports content portfolios of the three companies to deliver an exceptional service.
Having previously held key positions at Apple, where he led business, operations, and global distribution for Video, Sports, and Apple TV+, and at Hulu, where he contributed to the original launch team and eventually became the Senior VP of marketing and distribution, Distad brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experience also includes working at McKinsey.
While the companies acknowledge that there is no final definitive agreement on the service yet, they anticipate that Distad will report to the joint venture's board of directors "upon establishment," suggesting that progress is being made towards finalizing the details.
The streaming service, announced last month as a surprise development, promises to provide a slim bundle of channels including ESPN, TNT, TBS, and Fox, with an exclusive focus on sports. The name, pricing, and other specifics of the service are still to be determined, highlighting the swift nature in which the venture came together.
A joint statement from the corporate owners praised Distad as an accomplished innovator and leader with a track record of launching and growing new video services. The companies have full confidence in Distad and his team to create a compelling, fan-centric product that will cater to their target market.
As anticipation grows, sports fans eagerly await the unveiling of this new streaming service, which has the potential to reshape the way sports are consumed in the United States. With Distad at the helm, the industry can expect an exciting and groundbreaking addition to the world of sports streaming.