Former ESPN Executive Becomes BetMGM COO
Ryan Spoon will help grow the app that already has deals with leagues and teams
Posted On: October 28, 2020 By :BetMGM, the sports betting joint venture between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings, has appointed former ESPN executive Ryan Spoon as its chief operating officer.
Spoon most recently served as senior vice president of social and digital content at ESPN. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of digital product and design. In those roles he helped build, operate and grow digital properties that included ESPN.com; the ESPN app; ESPN Fantasy, including ESPN Fantasy Football, and ESPN social. Before ESPN, Spoon was a venture capitalist at Polaris Venture Partners.
“BetMGM has seen early success in establishing itself as a significant player in the sports betting world through relationships with leagues, teams and partners,” said CEO Adam Greenblatt. “With Ryan’s expertise in developing scaled and engaging digital experiences, BetMGM will leverage those relationships in entirely new ways.”
BetMGM’s platform allows users to customize pregame, live in-play, futures and parlay bets in football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, soccer, tennis and combat sports. The app is currently live in six states with plans to expand as new state legislation gets adopted. The platform has partnerships with the NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, the PGA Tour and NASCAR, as well as team deals with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights. Strategic partners include Yahoo! Sports and Buffalo Wild Wings.
“The opportunity at BetMGM during these early phases was an immediate draw for me,” Spoon said. “With the incredible assets of MGM Resorts, GVC’s industry-leading technology, and the many league, team and platform partners, BetMGM is uniquely positioned in the market and I am excited to help drive future growth.”
Spoon will be based in the BetMGM headquarters in New Jersey.
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