Scripps appoints VP, network sports and client partnerships to connect advertisers with sports portfolio
Rhea-AI Summary
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) named Oliver Gray vice president, network sports and client partnerships, effective Feb 18, 2026. He will connect national advertisers with Scripps’ sports and entertainment platforms, report to Brian Norris, and be based in New York.
Gray brings 15+ years in sports sponsorship and national media advertising, with prior roles at Overtime, Amazon (NFL partnership), CNN, Discovery, and TV Guide Network, plus experience securing national brand clients and community engagement through Project Come Up and iMentor.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SSP was down 1.44% pre-announcement while momentum names like UONE and BBGI were up 7.94% and 6.78% respectively. With mixed moves among listed peers (e.g., SGA up 0.09%, IHRT down 2.01%), trading appeared more stock-specific than a unified sector trend.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | Transformation plan | Positive | -4.0% | Announced multi-year plan targeting EBITDA improvement by 2028. |
| Feb 09 | Asset sale | Positive | +6.8% | Agreed to sell Court TV to refocus and strengthen balance sheet. |
| Jan 29 | Award recognition | Positive | +3.0% | Local station won prestigious duPont-Columbia Award for investigation. |
| Jan 29 | Education initiative | Positive | +3.0% | Participation in National News Literacy Week focused on AI-era trust. |
| Jan 16 | M&A proposal | Positive | -2.4% | Sinclair disclosed proposal with large premium; Scripps stayed standalone. |
Recent news shows mixed reactions: operational and strategic positives sometimes met with selling, while branding and asset-sale news have seen buying.
Over recent months, SSP has issued a series of strategic and corporate updates. A Feb. 11 transformation plan targeting $125–$150 million in annualized EBITDA improvement by 2028 saw a -3.96% move, while the Feb. 9 Court TV sale aligned with a +6.78% reaction. Awards and education initiatives on Jan. 29 coincided with gains of 2.98%. By contrast, Sinclair’s proposed premium-rich combination on Jan. 16 drew a -2.44% response. Today’s executive appointment fits into this ongoing standalone, sports- and content-focused strategy.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement adds a senior leader to monetize SSP’s expanding sports and entertainment portfolio, tying into its stated strategy of driving revenue growth across television, digital and streaming. Against a backdrop of a transformation plan targeting $125–$150 million in annualized EBITDA improvement and recent asset sales like Court TV, the hire underscores emphasis on advertiser relationships. Investors may watch how national brand partnerships, sports rights, and upcoming earnings updates translate this strategy into tangible financial progress.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
CINCINNATI, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has named Oliver Gray vice president, network sports and client partnerships, effective immediately, adding a proven sports sponsorship and advertising leader to fuel growth across its expanding sports and entertainment platforms.
Gray will lead efforts to connect national advertisers with Scripps’ platforms – including its rapidly growing sports portfolio – and will work closely across Scripps’ network sales and Scripps Sports teams to develop integrated brand partnerships that deepen client relationships and drive revenue. He reports to Brian Norris, Scripps executive vice president and chief revenue officer, and is based in New York.
“Oliver brings a strong track record of driving revenue growth across television and digital, with deep expertise across sports and streaming,” said Norris. “His vision for translating fandom into meaningful business results will help advertisers tap into Scripps’ premium sports and entertainment portfolio in powerful new ways.”
Gray brings more than 15 years of success in sports sponsorship and national media advertising sales. Most recently, as head of East Coast sales and partnerships at digital sports media company Overtime, he led a sales team to exceed revenue goals, securing new business from national brands including Dunkin, Hershey, Delta, DraftKings, Coca-Cola and The Home Depot.
Previously, Gray helped lead Amazon’s sales and marketing partnership with the National Football League (NFL) for “Thursday Night Football.” His career spans digital sales and marketing leadership positions with CNN, Discovery Communications and TV Guide Network. He also served as The Slate Group’s dedicated representative for Magna, Mediavest, Starcom and other agencies.
Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University. He is also engaged in community service as founder of Project Come Up and as a volunteer with iMentor.
Media contact: Becca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 410-2425, rebecca.mccarter@scripps.com
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76777d55-06fd-492f-aae9-3ff04b637ebb
FAQ
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