CSI Sports is turning to some of the most recognizable names in sports and entertainment media to fuel its next stage of growth. The multimedia sports and entertainment company, founded by brothers Richard and Craig Miele, announce that former ESPN president John Skipper has joined its Board of Directors.
Skipper will also serve as Senior Executive Advisor to the Miele brothers, adding a high-profile presence to the company’s leadership structure.
In addition to Skipper, CSI Sports appointed longtime HBO Sports executive Mark Taffet as Head of Global Live Events, reality television producer Brian Robinson as Senior Supervising Producer of Reality Programming, and former Showtime Networks communications executive Chris DeBlasio as Head of Global Communications.
Skipper, who rose to prominence as president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, has remained a central figure in the sports media business. After leaving ESPN, he became executive chairman at DAZN before co-founding Meadowlark Media with Dan Le Batard.
His return to the front lines of sports media signals CSI Sports’ ambitions to compete in a rapidly changing industry. Where live rights, streaming, and original programming dominate the conversation.
“I have known Richard and Craig professionally and personally for many years and continue to admire their vision and determination to deliver innovative programming and distribution solutions that capture a concurrent worldwide audience,” Skipper said in a statement. “They have built a compelling global sports media business and continue to build a formidable executive team at CSI Sports. I am proud to join them, and I am also excited for some big announcements coming soon.”
Skipper stepped down from his position with Meadowlark Media in May.
For the Miele brothers, the additions mark an evolution of the company best known for its global FIGHT SPORTS brand. CSI Sports controls worldwide rights to thousands of hours of fight content. These include HBO World Championship Boxing, and owns the legacy series USA Tuesday Night Fights, which it acquired from Comcast/NBC Universal.
Richard and Craig Miele praised the new leadership team. Calling it one of the most powerful collections of executives in the sports media space.
“John Skipper remains one of the most accomplished, creative, and well-connected global leaders in the history of sports business and we are privileged to have him on our team,” the Mieles said. “Mark is a pioneer in sports television, has architected many of the biggest events in boxing history and launched HBO PPV that generated revenues exceeding $5 billion. Mark, Brian and Chris’ decades of experience and success across sports, media, communications and reality underscores our commitment to building on CSI Sports’ legacy and driving the company into its next phase of innovation and global reach.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
