Penn Entertainment has appointed former ESPN executive Nate Ravitz as Head of theScore, where he will manage content, advertising sales and growth for the online sportsbook and media brand.
"Thrilled to share that I've joined Penn Entertainment, Inc as Head of theScore. In this new role I am leading the Media business of Penn Interactive, overseeing Content, Ad Sales and Growth," Ravitz said.
"I've long admired what theScore has been able to build and achieve in the incredibly-competitive landscape of mobile sports apps. I couldn't be more honored to join the team and build on that great legacy."
Ravitz will also be reunited with Penn Entertainment CTO Aaron LaBerge, as both worked for ESPN during Ravitz's 17-year tenure with the media network.
The new Head of theScore spoke of his excitement to collaborate with LaBerge, having said, "Also happy to once again be teammates with Aaron LaBerge and several other former colleagues. We're playing to win. Let's go!"
Ravitz most recently served as SVP of Digital Content and Audience Expansion for ESPN, overseeing production and digital editorial for the network's fantasy and sports betting entities.
Penn Entertainment and ESPN officially concluded its US online sports betting agreement on November 6, leaving theScore as the only brand in which Penn Entertainment offers online sports betting.
The platform made its return to the US as a rebranded version of ESPN Bet shortly after the contract was terminated, currently operational in 21 states as well as Ontario, Canada.
Penn Entertainment originally acquired theScore as part of a $2bn acquisition in 2021, having shut down its US operations in favor of collaborations with Barstool Sports and ESPN.
According to CEO Jay Snowden, theScore maintains over four million active monthly users, with nearly 70% of such accounts based in the US.
The AGCO issued a $105,000 penalty to theScore on October 14 for failing to uphold responsible gambling obligations under Ontario's Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming
