A former ESPN executive is joining Canadian media and online sports betting company theScore to lead it into the future for PENN Entertainment.
PENN has appointed former ESPN SVP of Digital Content and Audience Expansion Nate Ravitz as Head of theScore, the media and online sports wagering platform owned by PENN’s digital business arm. In his new role, Ravitz will oversee theScore’s content, advertising sales and growth efforts as a media business.
PENN owns theScore after acquiring the media and sports betting company in 2021 for approximately $2 billion.
Ravitz has ties to a current PENN executive
Ravitz joins theScore after spending nearly 18 years at ESPN, joining the sports media giant as an editor, then assuming audience and digital content roles before his position as an executive. He should have a smooth transition to theScore, having previously worked with PENN Chief Technology Officer Aaron LaBerge during his time at ESPN.
“Thrilled to share that I’ve joined PENN Entertainment, Inc. as Head of theScore,” said Ravitz in a post on LinkedIn. “In this new role, I am leading the media business of PENN Interactive, overseeing content, ad sales and growth.”
New era for theScore in North America
Ravitz will lead theScore’s newly expanded operations while based in the U.S. despite the company being headquartered in Toronto. The media and gambling brand only operated in Ontario until PENN rebranded its ESPN Bet platform to theScore Bet at the start of this month. The online gaming platform is operational in PENN’s licensed sports wagering markets.
“I’ve long admired what theScore has been able to build and achieve in the incredibly competitive landscape of mobile sports apps,” continued Ravitz. “I couldn’t be more honoured to join the team and build on that great legacy. Also happy to once again be teammates with Aaron LaBerge and several other former colleagues. We’re playing to win.”
As of Dec. 1, theScore offered online sports wagering in 21 U.S. states.
Ravitz takes advantage of an open opportunity at theScore
Ravitz has been hired as Head of theScore after a void was left in the company following the entire Levy family leaving PENN Interactive. Benjie Levy was appointed Head of PENN Interactive and President & COO of theScore in 2022 before leaving the company in April 2024.
John Levy, who served as Executive Chairman of theScore, also relinquished his role around the time of the departure of Benjie, Noah and Aubrey Levy from the company. The departure of the Levys led PENN to open a search for a new Head of Interactive. PENN didn’t fill the role but instead hired LaBerge as CTO to leverage his over 20 years of experience at ESPN.
In recent months, PENN made cutbacks to theScore’s workforce, laying off more than 75 members of the content, editorial and sales teams in June. Last month, it also removed most of the esports team.
