In a significant leadership shift within the sports broadcasting world, Mark Silverman has announced he will be stepping down from his role as the president and chief operating officer of Fox Sports. The move, confirmed on Tuesday, will see Silverman transition into a consulting position for the network.
A Decade of Leadership and Key Contributions
Mark Silverman, who originally joined Fox Sports in 2018 as the president of national networks, was promoted to his top role in 2022. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing a wide array of operations including live event and studio programming, production, marketing, and digital content for Fox, FS1, and FS2.
His impact on the network's programming was profound, with his most notable contribution being the revamp of Fox Sports' college football coverage. This strategic overhaul included the successful launch of popular shows like "Big Noon Kickoff" and "Big Noon Saturday" back in 2018. Silverman brought deep experience to the role, having previously served as the president of the Big Ten Network from its inception in 2007 until he moved to Fox Sports eleven years later.
The Successor: Brad Zager's Long Journey
Stepping into the leadership vacuum will be Brad Zager, Fox Sports' current president of production & operations and executive producer. According to a source familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Zager is the expected successor. The source requested anonymity as the promotion has not been formally announced.
Zager's history with Fox Sports runs deep, marking a classic story of rising through the ranks. He began his career at the company as an intern at Fox Sports West in 1996, back when the network was primarily focused on regional sports broadcasting. His decades-long journey from intern to president highlights a deep institutional knowledge of the network's operations and culture.
Statements and the Road Ahead
In an official statement, Mark Silverman reflected on his time with the network. "I am immensely proud of all that we have been able to accomplish at Fox Sports and the 11 prior years at (Big Ten Network)," he said. "It has been an incredibly rewarding experience working with all the talented people at Fox and creating memories that will last a lifetime. While bittersweet, I look forward to embarking on my next chapter."
Eric Shanks, the CEO and executive producer of Fox Sports, praised Silverman's contributions. "Mark has been an amazing partner through this incredible period of growth at Fox Sports," Shanks stated. "His contributions go way beyond the bottom line. Mark’s contributions to the culture here and the relationship with our partners is something we can all be proud of. Always a fun and inspirational friend, I’ll miss him around the office every day, but we will continue to press forward and work on projects that keep Fox Sports on top."
This leadership change signals a new phase for Fox Sports as it navigates the competitive landscape of sports media. With Brad Zager's extensive operational experience, the network aims to maintain its strong position in the market while building on the foundation laid during Silverman's impactful tenure.
