Multiple sources pointed to ESPN’s fraying relationship with the NFL as the top priority for new ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro.
Pitaro has already met with league executives despite being on the job for a few days.
The NFL always has had a hard time differentiating between ESPN the promotion arm and ESPN the media outlet.
Former president John Skipper did not engage with the people who matter at the NFL, like Roger Goodell and Brian Rolapp, executive vice president of media, sources said.