Yahoo Sports, an arm of the web services and digital media company, has appointed Ryan Spoon as its new president.
He will be responsible for “leading the growth and innovation of the sports property while positioning it for a new generation of sports fans.”
Spoon will report directly to Yahoo chief executive Jim Lanzone.
He most recently spent a year as chief operating officer (COO) of Sorare having joined the blockchain-based fantasy platform in October 2021. He has been an advisor to the company since.
Spoon was credited with playing a key role in Sorare's expansion into the US market, fostering the growth of the global soccer game, and launching Sorare: NBA and Sorare: MLB.
Prior to that, he was COO at BetMGM, the sport betting joint venture between MGM Resorts International and gambling firm GVC Holdings, for 11 months.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataHe also previously worked at ESPN, the major international sports broadcaster, holding various roles over a period of eight years, including as senior vice president of digital and social.
Spoon is the founder of beRecruited, a recruiting platform that was acquired by The Raine Group in 2012. He is also a venture capitalist at Polaris Venture Partners, focusing on early-stage technology and consumer investments.
Lanzone said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan, a true product leader across all aspects of the digital sports experience, and whose expertise in building social sports communities and scaling engagement is perfect for leading Yahoo Sports into the future.
“That future truly just got more exciting with Ryan’s arrival and I cannot wait to see what we can do together.”
Spoon added: “I look forward to joining Yahoo at such an exciting time of growth and expansion. Yahoo Sports has been a consistent and important mainstay in the lives of millions of sports fans for over 20 years.
“With its fantasy and product experiences, Yahoo Sports has shaped the way millions of fans engage with each other and their favorite teams. I look forward to creating new growth opportunities that take our product and content offerings to the next level.”