Berson Finalizes Skydance Sports Leadership Amid Post-Merger Restructuring

Key points

• David Berson, chairman of Skydance’s Global Sports Group, announced the new leadership team via an internal memo on October 29, 2026.
• Jeff Gerttula was appointed Executive Vice President and Managing Director, overseeing digital, international strategy, and business development for sports.
• Craig Barry was named Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, responsible for all production, including live events, studio operations, and editorial content.
• The appointments follow the closure of the $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which created the new Skydance entity.
• Several senior executives from CBS Sports and TNT Sports, including Nate Smeltz and Harold Bryant, have exited the company as part of the restructuring.

Background

The restructuring follows the October 2026 merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which formed Skydance. Earlier in the month, David Berson was elevated to lead the new Global Sports Group, replacing Luis Silberwasser, who departed as the deal closed. The new structure consolidates major sports rights, including the NFL, MLB, NHL, and March Madness, under a single leadership framework. This move aligns with broader corporate efforts to streamline operations and achieve cost savings across the combined entity.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and Sports Business Journal reported the appointments first, confirming the new roles for Gerttula and Barry. Yahoo and Front Office Sports highlighted the broader context of the merger and the departures of several senior executives. All sources agree on the core appointments but differ in emphasis: Deadline and Sports Business Journal focus on the specific roles and responsibilities of the new leaders, while Yahoo and Front Office Sports emphasize the broader restructuring and the exits of key figures from CBS and TNT Sports. Front Office Sports noted that Skydance and the outlet share RedBird Capital as an investor, which may influence the coverage.

Why it matters

The finalization of the Skydance Global Sports Group leadership marks a significant step in the consolidation of major sports media operations following the $110 billion merger. The appointments of Gerttula and Barry signal a shift toward a unified strategy for digital, international, and content production, while the departures of several senior executives reflect the ongoing restructuring efforts to achieve cost savings and streamline operations across the new entity.

What to watch

Skydance is targeting more than $6 billion in cost savings, which will include an unspecified number of layoffs. The company has introduced a Voluntary Buyout Program for eligible employees, offering them the option to leave with a one-time offer. Further restructuring and role adjustments are expected as the company continues to integrate its operations and finalize its international structure.