Ilan Ben-Hanan
A proven sports media executive known for deep strategic scheduling expertise, major rights negotiations leadership, and a relentless focus on advocating for what’s best — for partners, leagues, teams, networks, and most importantly, fans.
About
Ilan Ben-Hanan is a senior sports media executive who has built his career on strong relationships, deep strategic scheduling expertise, a passionate and relentless focus on fearlessly advocating for what's best, and exemplifying strong team culture and camaraderie.
He has led programming strategy, multi-billion dollar rights acquisitions, and launched and led multiple networks.
Highlights
A career defined by upward momentum, major rights negotiations, multiplatform content strategy, and team leadership.
Programming Leadership
Led content strategy and scheduling across all domestic ESPN linear networks and digital platforms, including all sports content on ABC.
Rights Acquisitions, Partnership Management, and Network Leadership
- Major college conferences
- College Football Playoff
- NCAA Championships
- National Hockey League
Helped launch ESPNU, and had leadership and P&L responsibility for SEC Network, ACC Network, and Longhorn Network.
Industry Recognition and Achievements
A 3-time cancer survivor, he conceptualized, pitched, and led the creation of Jimmy V Week, which has raised over $100M for cancer research since its inception.
Named to Sports Business Journal's prestigious Forty Under 40 list.