Former Apple executive who heads the sports streaming service
Since a trio of media titans announced a new sports-focused streaming service last month, key details of the project have been shrouded in mystery. How much would it cost? Where would it be located? And who would run the new company?
Now some details are starting to become clear.
On Friday, the companies behind the service – Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. – said. Discovery – that it would be led by Pete Distad, a former Apple executive responsible for distributing the tech giant’s Apple TV+ streaming service. Mr. Distad, 50, will be responsible for the strategy, distribution, marketing and sales of the new company once it is formally established and operates from Los Angeles.
In selecting Mr. Distad, an executive with a mix of technology and media experience, the companies behind the service signaled that the new service needs a leader who understands the old-fashioned economics of cable television and the promise of the rapidly unfolding streaming business. Before joining Apple, Mr. Distad helped found Hulu, the last major streaming joint venture.
In a statement, Mr. Distad said he looks forward to bringing together “leading sports content portfolios” from the three companies.
“This is an incredible opportunity to build and grow a differentiated product that will serve passionate sports fans in the US beyond the traditional pay TV bundle,” said Mr. Distad.
While at Apple, Mr. Distad helped drive the tech giant’s expansion into the realm of live sports. During his tenure, Apple signed deals to stream Major League Soccer games and Major League Baseball games, joining the growing list of tech companies, like Amazon, that now offer their customers access to live sports.
In a statement, the companies behind the service called Mr. Distad “an accomplished innovator and leader” with “extensive experience launching and growing new video services.”
“We are confident that he and his team will build an extremely compelling, fan-centric product for our target market,” the companies said.