This Week’s Movers in Sports Media & Marketing

This week in the sports media and marketing ecosystem, Kelly Stewart is joining Bleacher Report’s sports betting coverage, 2 Chainz is now involved with the Atlanta Hawks, and James Shapiro has been appointed as EVP of multiple FOX RSNs.

For job openings and more on who’s moving where, check out the Hashtag Sports Weekly roundup.

B/R Expands on Betting Coverage Team
Kelly Stewart, better known as “Kelly in Vegas”, is joining Bleacher Report’s newly launched Las Vegas-based studio show focused on sports betting. Earlier this year, the sports media powerhouse announced a deal with Caesars to develop a sports-betting studio shows inside one of its Las Vegas casinos. Stewart has previously worked with major networks including both NBA on TNT and WagerTalk.  

Rap Star Purchases Stake in New G League Team
The Atlanta Hawks recently announced that award-winning recording rapper 2 Chainz has agreed to join the ownership team of the Hawks’ new NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. The Hawks and the rap artist have collaborated multiple times in the past with 2 Chainz performing as part of the popular Hawks in-game concert series twice, first in March 2015 and then again in December 2016. “Nobody represents College Park better or is more invested in that community than him…he will be a great ambassador for the Skyhawks,” Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said.

Longtime Sports Industry Vet Returns to the NBA
John Vidalin is rejoining the Miami Heat as the team’s Chief Commercial Officer following a brief stint with the Baltimore Orioles. Vidalin’s hiring comes after Kim Stone’s departure, who left in April to take on the role as general manager of the Golden State Warriors’ new arena. Prior to his work with the Orioles, Vidalin previously served as the Heat’s Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer.  

Washington Justice Taps Former Monumental Sports & Entertainment Director
In a recent LinkedIn post, Grant Paranjape announced he is joining D.C.’s Overwatch League franchise, the Washington Justice, as Vice President. Paranjape left his most recent role as Director of Esports Business with Monumental Sports & Entertainment last month. Prior to working in Esports, Paranjape worked with Splyce Inc. as Head of Business Development right after graduating with his MBA from Tulane University in 2016.  

FOX Sports Appoints EVP of Multiple Regional Networks
James Shapiro has been named Executive Producer for FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Southeast, FOX Sports Carolinas, and FOX Sports Tennessee networks. In his new role, Shapiro will oversee live event and studio production, along with original content for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Nashville Predators, and select Atlantic Coast Conference telecasts. Shapiro previously worked as a supervising producer with FOX Sports Chicago and as a sports producer at WAMI-TV in Miami.

Endeavor Announces SVP of Brand Marketing
Justina Omokhua has been brought on by Endeavor as the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing. In her new role, Omokhua will be tasked with driving marketing efforts across the Endeavor network. Prior to Endeavor, Omokhua worked at multiple agencies including both Carat and Erwin Penland, where her clients comprised of brands such as Pepsi, Nokia and L’Oreal.

Former Dish TV Exec Joins FuboTV
FuboTV has tapped Chris Flatley to serve as the streaming video provider’s Vice President of Ad Sales. In his new role, Flatley will spearhead the company’s growing programmatic, sponsorship and direct sales ad business. Flatley previously worked with Dish’s Sling TV where he worked as an Account Executive and lead the company’s direct and programmatic ad sales efforts.

Longtime Sky Staffer Promoted to CEO of Future Sport
Barney Francis has been promoted within Sky, the British telecommunications company, to the new role of Chief Executive Officer of Future Sport. In his new role, Francis will work with colleagues across both Sky and NBCUniversal to look at growth opportunities for Comcast, as Sky was acquired by Comcast last year. Francis has worked with Sky for the last ten years as Managing Director prior to the promotion.  

COPA90 Names VP of Marketing
Scott Fenton has been named Vice President of Marketing of COPA90. Prior to his hiring, Fenton worked as Head of Marketing and Communications of Eleven Sports UK. Fenton has also previously held multiple marketing roles with both the NBA and ESPN.    

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