FanDuel Sports Network hires ex-ESPN VP to lead production and programming
Norby Williamson will join the Main Street Sports Group-operated network on January 13 after nearly 40 years at ESPN
The FanDuel Sports Network has appointed Norby Williamson as the company’s new president of production and programming.
Williamson will assume his new role from January 13, and he will be tasked with overseeing the network’s live productions for more than 3,000 NBA, NHL, and MLB events.
He will also be responsible for producing original content for FanDuel Sports Network’s 16 regional channels.
His remit will include pre-game, in-game, and post-game strategy and innovation, in addition to managing operations and content across linear and digital platforms.
Williamson will report into David Preschlack, CEO of FanDuel Sports Network’s parent company Main Street Sports Group.
Prior to joining the FanDuel Sports Network, Williamson previously spent nearly 40 years working for ESPN, where he eventually held the title of executive vice president of content and executive editor.
There, he spearheaded ESPN’s editorial direction, strategy, investigative reporting, and newsgathering across all platforms.
Speaking about Williamson’s appointment, Preschlack said: “Adding an esteemed producer of Norby’s caliber strengthens our ability to seize on the opportunities ahead as we begin this transformative new chapter for Main Street Sports.
“With decades of experience and a stellar track record overseeing live sports events and iconic studio programs, Norby’s expertise and vision will be key to innovating our production capabilities and delivering exceptional experiences for fans.
“Having worked alongside Norby for 20 years at ESPN, I am confident that he will enhance our ability to drive success and push the boundaries of what Main Street Sports can achieve.”
Williamson added: “I could not be more excited to join FanDuel Sports Network. The platform’s unique combination of valuable local sports rights with powerful, forward-looking content and distribution partnerships provides an incredible foundation that I am eager to build on.
“I look forward to collaborating with the talented Main Street Sports team to drive excellence in our productions and find new ways to deliver high quality content that resonates with fans across platforms.”
FanDuel took over the title rights to the 16 RSNs from Bally’s last October.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.