ESPN Upfront: ‘SportsCenter’ Future and 3 More Takeaways From Network’s Presentation to Advertisers

Welcome to Day 2 of upfront week, otherwise known as Disney Day. Before ABC presents at Lincoln Center Tuesday afternoon, ESPN led off from Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre, home of “The Lion King.”

ESPN opened its presentation by welcoming its new president Jimmy Pitaro… at least that was what was announced until Kenny Mayne showed up instead, proclaiming “all the money deals go through me now.” (Pitaro did come out eventually.)

ESPN’s upfront presentation to advertisers featured the usual cadre of sports stars (though fewer than in past years) and ESPN personalities, including the new “Monday Night Football” team (with a cameo from Jerry Jones), Kobe Bryant, Alex Rodriguez and Stephen A. Smith.