Showtime Sports hires Stephen Espinoza as its new Executive Vice President
Stephen Espinoza, who has a JD (Jusicial Doctorate) from UCLA Law School, has been named the new Executive Vice President of Showtime Sports. He will be taking over from Ken Hershman who has moved on to Showtime’s rivals, HBO.
Speaking about his appointment, the Showtime CEO, Matt Blank, said, "Stephen has had a great career that spans sports, entertainment, television and film. His deep experience in a variety of fields and incredible knowledge and contacts within the boxing
and mixed martial arts communities will be an asset to Showtime as we continue to expand our offerings. I am confident that he will be a great leader to our already all-star sports group."
Stephen, who has considerable experience in the sports’ industry, started off his career with the entertainment department of Greenberg, Glusker, Fields, Claman & Machtinger, where he had clients such as the dynamic duo of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. At
his current place, Ziffren Brittenham, he represents high profile personalities such as Eminem, Shakira and Snoop Dogg. He is not a novice at the entertainment business.
However, Stephen will have a tough job at Showtime since it does not match the budget of HBO, or the clout of top promoters such as Bob Arum, the promoter of Manny Pacquaio and Golden Boy. However, the CEO of Golden Boy, Richard Schaefer, had encouraging
words, "I'm very excited for Showtime and very excited for Stephen."
This might be a good omen for Stephen who will be responsible for the strategy and new product development for Showtime Sports and while becoming one of the most powerful men in boxing by taking up this post, Stephen will have around $20 million at his disposal
to attract big-name fights for the channel. He would need to overlook the day to day management of the channel, especially the policy in terms of its pay per view unit while developing good relationships with the stakeholders to ensure that Showtime is able
to provide the best for its customers. Having represented the likes of Mike Tyson and Oscar Del Hoya, it should not be too difficult for him to broadcast live boxing and mixed martial art events.
His prior experience should make it a little easier for him, as he comes into the hot seat, having negotiated distribution, finance, debt and equity for other television networks, while helping out in structuring as well.
Espinoza will be relocating from Los Angeles to New York to work at the Showtime Sports Headquarters. He has a different role to play compared to his previous job, but his extensive experience should allow him to give HBO a run for its money.
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