William Mao is Vice President of Octagon’s Global Media Rights Consulting division. Leveraging IPG and Octagon proprietary data, research, and technology, William advises rightsholders, broadcast platforms, technology companies, and the investment community within the sports media space. A recognized expert on the intersection of sports and digital media, William was named ’30 Under 30’ in Sports by Forbes in 2015, and is a recipient of both the SportsPro Media ’10 NEXT in Sport’ and Cynopsis Media Rising Star awards. William is also a member of Sports Video Group’s Digital Advisory Committee.
William was previously VP Digital at MP & Silva, where he brokered foundational media rights distribution deals for MPS client properties, and advised on event development and brand expansion opportunities for the agency. William has also worked in Content Partnerships for YouTube, where he oversaw the College Sports business. At YouTube, William developed high-impact digital content partnerships with major rightsholders, broadcasters, leagues, athletes, and multi-channel creator networks on the world’s largest video platform.