As chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner oversaw the acquisition of ABC/ESPN. He then started an investment firm, Tornante Company, whose portfolio includes an independent digital video studio, Vuguru. Last year, he purchased Portsmouth FC, an English soccer club.
Through this variety of experiences, Eisner has become immersed in sports broadcasting rights and, in particular, the power of digital video.
“If a team in the third division in English football is being streamed to 166 countries,” Eisner said, “the world is changing.”
Eisner spoke to SportTechie on the red carpet prior to the Sports Business Awards, where he received a lifetime achievement honor.