John Levy: Infusing betting and media is a ‘winning combination’

In the latest episode of the SBC Leaders podcast, SBC’s Global Relationships Director Kelly Kehn sits down in conversation with John Levy, CEO of theScore, one of the most consistently disruptive and fast-growing companies in both sports media and sports betting. Levy talks about the early days of mobile tech, and the leap that theScore took from TV to mobile-only, the difficulties of competing against huge entities like ESPN, TSN and Rogers and the similarities between how theScore built their brand on-screen and off. Levy gets into the forthcoming legalisation of sports betting in Canada and tells Kelly how nothing will change in the way that they present and operate their product. Kehn spoke to Levy about his family, his pride related to his sons working for him by choice after forging their own paths elsewhere first, and how theScore runs as a family operation - with or without blood relations. Levy also talks about what leadership qualities he hopes to impart on his own children. Following their recent listing on NASDAQ, Kelly also asked theScore CEO to identify the moments - both good and bad - that defined his career and how he found out the importance of building resilience during difficult times. Levy spoke about the biggest surprises that he’s found since becoming a CEO, similarities between life and business philosophy and regretting that quote on CNBC.Finally, Levy teased what might be next for theScore and tells us how he believes there’s another round of disruption on the way in the way people consume sports media. 00:15 - Intro00:40 - Intro to theScore, why they’re a media-first company rather than sports betting-first03:25 - Mobile technology, how theScore initially disrupted sports media in Canada, their initial moves into mobile technology, taking the plunge to be mobile-only, and not being scared to compete against big players. 11:00 - Legalised sports betting in Canada, how theScore will present their product to the Canadian customer, the legal and lobbying process involved, and the incredible value of the Canadian market16:20 - John’s family, including 3 sons that work for him, how theScore retains family values in the way it operates, what John hopes to impart onto his children in terms of leadership, the importance of showing respect in the workplace22:30 - Moments that defined John’s career, putting on his big boy pants, listing theScore publicly on NASDAQ, painful experiences in business and the importance of learning from them, and building resiliency24:55 - Biggest surprises as a CEO28:10 His interview with CNBC, what’s next from theScore, disruption in sports content consumptionFor more from John, check out SBC Digital North America, this Wednesday and Thursday (06/09 - 06/10). Register for FREE here.