The Action Network expands affiliate business after aggressive hiring spree

The Action Network (TAN) has promoted CCO and former FanDuel VP Ari Borod to COO as it builds out its affiliate and industry partners businesses. The sports media company has recently hired 20 new full-time employees after an aggressive recruitment drive. Among the new hires is ex-William Hill sportsbook operations manager Eric Kaulback, who joined TAN in October as affiliate operations specialist, and former Hills media planner Daniel Rubin.

The firm also poached social media manager Parker Baruh from NBC Sports where he spent more than a year as digital editor. “In my new role I’m responsible for our subscriptions business as well as marketing, as we continue to find ways to get our industry-leading content and product to drive success across our business models,” Borod told EGR North America. “Our audience has grown over 150% YoY for the quarter, and our affiliate business continues to exceed expectations while driving thousands of conversions each month for our sportsbook partners,” he added. “Our thanksgiving promotion for the Action PRO subscription was up 78% compared to 2019 despite being a higher-priced product.” Borod said the firm’s focus remained on growing its operations and serving customers over seeking sportsbook deals and media partnerships. TAN faced difficulties earlier in the year after suspending its subscription service during the professional sports downtime. Borod said the content team continued to engage readers with poker, sports memorabilia and esports coverage.