ESPN looks to sports betting future with Joe Fortenbaugh renewal
Disney subsidiary ties betting TV series regular down to new multi-year contract as sportsbook rumours swirl
ESPN has tied on-air personality and Daily Wager pundit Joe Fortenbaugh down to a new multi-year contract amid rumors the broadcaster could make a leap into sports betting.
Former San Francisco radio host Fortenbaugh, who serves as a series regular on the show as well as in other programs and segments across ESPN’s television, radio and digital platforms, will host a new digital show/podcast geared around betting.
Fortenbaugh works from ESPN’s studio at The LINQ Hotel + Experience on The Strip in Las Vegas, which opened in August of 2020 when he joined full-time following a stint as a contributor for the network.
ESPN VP of fantasy & sports betting content Scott Clark welcomed the renewal, highlighting the drive by the broadcaster into the vertical.
“ESPN continues to invest in its sports betting content, and Joe will be a big part of that moving forward,” Clark said.
“We are happy he is remaining with ESPN as we continue to ramp up our efforts around sports betting,” he added.
Speaking about his new contract, Fortenbaugh added: “To be surrounded by this many talented, driven colleagues with a seemingly infinite number of resources at our disposal is a professional dream come true.
“Getting the opportunity to help build ESPN’s sports betting division was one thing. Now I get the chance to help take it to another level. Like I said, I’ve been very fortunate,” he explained.
Earlier this year, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro proposed it would make a concerted move into sports betting, suggesting it would be a “must-have” area of development for the sports betting goliath.
ESPN has existing content-led deals with operators including Caesars Entertainment and DraftKings.
It’s Monday Night Football coverage is fronted by NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, who have an existing sports betting media partnership with Caesars.
ESPN parent company Disney has also talked up a potential pivot into the sports betting arena, leveraging the ESPN brand either through a direct sportsbook launch or through a licensing deal with an existing operator.
ESPN’s current rights include the Pac-12 Network for college sports, the Big-12 Conference, the Southeastern Conference, the Atlantic Conference, and the play-offs.
Disney has a 10-year rights agreement with the NFL and has also signed a five-year deal with the league for the Monday Night Wild Card matchup game.
The broadcaster also has a seven-year rights deal with the NHL, with 75 of the league’s live national games being available exclusively on Disney streaming platforms ESPN+ and Hulu.