David Berson to Take Over Skydance Sports Operations

Key Points:

• David Berson, head of CBS Sports, will lead Skydance's expanded sports operations following its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, while Warner’s top sports executive Luis Silberwasser will depart.
• The merger consolidates major sports rights under one company, including CBS’s NFL and Masters golf, Warner’s NHL and MLB games, and the U.S. rights to the French Open, unifying NCAA March Madness coverage for the first time in years.
• Warner Bros. Discovery had diversified its sports portfolio by investing in emerging sports leagues like Unrivaled and launching innovative formats such as the “Dunkman” league, while also expanding live sports content on HBO Max.
• Berson brings experience from CBS Sports’ streaming efforts on Paramount+ and key talent signings, positioning him to leverage the combined portfolio for greater influence with major sports leagues and organizations.
• Silberwasser highlighted his tenure’s achievements in acquiring new sports properties and partnerships, despite losing NBA rights to competitors, and expressed confidence in the future direction under Berson’s leadership.