(9 July 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The National Basketball Association (NBA) in the US has announced that Bryan Perez has been named to the newly created position of senior VP, GM for NBA Digital.

The announcement was made by Turner Sports president David Levy and NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Adam Silver.

Earlier this year, Turner and the NBA announced an expansion of their long-running partnership, through which the companies will jointly manage a portfolio of the NBA’s digital businesses that Turner will operate out of its Atlanta production facility.

In his new role, Perez will oversee all day-to-day operations for NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour digital television network, NBA.com, WNBA.com, NBADLeague.com, NBA League Pass, as well as the league’s broadband and wireless businesses. He will provide leadership for all aspects of the business, including programming, operations, editorial, ecommerce and marketing.

Perez, who will assume his new role in mid-July, will be based in Atlanta and report directly to Levy and Silver.

Levy says, "Bryan’s professional credentials are extensive, diverse and impressive and he will bring great creative energy and smart business sense to his new role.

"Bryan’s impressive track record of experience and leadership has helped build the growth of several sports and entertainment organizations. He brings vast experience within the digital arena and I am confident with Bryan as its head we will successfully grow NBA Digital among our key constituents."

Silver says, "Bryan’s experience and proven track record make him the perfect leader for our new venture. With our full suite of digital and television assets combined with the scale, expertise and resources of Turner Broadcasting, NBA Digital is poised to deliver a revolutionary experience to our fans"

Perez says, "I am thrilled to lead this new endeavor, backed by the world-class assets and resources of Turner and the NBA. The cross-platform opportunities of NBA TV and the league’s online properties together with Turner’s deep digital programming expertise and best-in-class production will enable us to drive great innovation for NBA fans, delivering content anytime, anywhere and any way they prefer it. In addition, this platform and partnership will allow us to create exciting new revenue opportunities for both partners".