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John Malone to Step Down as Chairman of Liberty Media and Liberty Global

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:38 GMT by Variety
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John Malone, the media magnate who built a sprawling empire that stretches from cable and satellite to streaming and sports, announced in late‑April that he will step down as chairman of Liberty Media Group’s board of directors. The announcement came in a press release issued by the company and was reported by Variety, Bloomberg and other outlets. Malone will, however, remain on the board and continue to serve as the company’s executive chairman, a title that preserves his active role in steering Liberty’s long‑term strategy while freeing him to focus on other ventures.

The decision follows a period of intense scrutiny and debate over Malone’s leadership style and the corporate governance of Liberty, a complex conglomerate with a diverse portfolio that includes ESPN, SiriusXM, DirecTV, and the Charter Communications stake that the company sold in a 2018 transaction. In a statement, Malone said that after nearly 25 years in the role, it was time for a new era of leadership. “I am proud of the legacy we have built together, but it is the right time for me to step back from day‑to‑day oversight and let fresh ideas guide the company’s future,” he said. “I will remain on the board and as executive chairman so that I can continue to provide guidance on a strategic level while concentrating on my other businesses.”

Liberty’s board confirmed that the transition will be smooth and that Malone’s exit will not affect the company’s operations. Board chairperson and former Liberty executive Daniel Baker, who will likely assume the chairman role, said: “John has been a key catalyst for our growth and a visionary in media. His departure as chairman will bring new energy to the board, but his ongoing presence ensures continuity and stability.” The board also noted that Malone still holds the largest single block of Liberty shares, amounting to roughly 19 % of the outstanding stock, and will maintain significant influence over corporate decisions.

The move is part of a broader shift that has been underway at Liberty in recent months. In December 2024, the company announced a major reorganization of its holding structure, splitting off its DirecTV and Charter assets into a new spin‑off that will be listed on the Nasdaq. This restructuring was aimed at unlocking shareholder value and allowing the company to pursue growth in the rapidly evolving streaming market. Malone, who has long been an advocate of leveraging synergies between cable, satellite, and streaming platforms, has been a vocal proponent of the spin‑off. He also announced a $1.8 billion investment in a new streaming service that would compete with Disney+ and Netflix.

The press release cited several key metrics that the company used to justify the reorganization. According to Liberty, the spin‑off would generate an estimated $3.5 billion in cash from the sale of DirecTV’s assets, which include its subscription video-on‑demand (SVOD) library and satellite broadcast infrastructure. The proceeds would be used to pay down debt and fund a new investment in the streaming sector. The company also highlighted that the new structure would allow each subsidiary to pursue its own strategy and attract specialized investors.

In the same vein, Malone’s announcement came amid growing discussions about the governance of large media conglomerates. In an interview with Bloomberg in early April, Malone noted that the “culture of concentration in media is changing, and a more distributed approach to leadership can help maintain agility.” He echoed similar sentiments in a conversation with the Wall Street Journal, where he emphasized that “the future of media is about integration of content and technology, and that requires a fresh perspective at the top.”

The transition has drawn attention from analysts who monitor the evolving dynamics of the U.S. media landscape. According to a report by S&P Global, Liberty’s stock price has remained relatively stable since the announcement, hovering around $90 per share, with a market capitalization of roughly $12 billion. Analysts projected that the company’s new structure could increase earnings per share (EPS) by 8 % in the next fiscal year due to reduced debt servicing costs and enhanced focus on high‑margin streaming assets.

The press release also included a forward‑looking statement, noting that the company will continue to evaluate potential acquisitions that fit its “core media strategy.” This includes exploring partnerships with emerging content creators and technology startups that can help streamline delivery of sports and entertainment content. Malone has previously championed acquisitions in this area, having led the purchase of ESPN’s streaming assets and a stake in SiriusXM’s music catalog.

Beyond Liberty, Malone remains a significant figure in the broader media industry. He is a major investor in the streaming platform “Showtime Network,” which was spun off from CBS in 2020, and he holds an influential stake in the sports betting platform “DraftKings.” His portfolio also includes minority holdings in the satellite company “Elysian Satellite” and the media analytics firm “Qumulo.” The announcement of his stepping down as chairman of Liberty is expected to free up time for Malone to deepen his involvement in these other ventures.

The broader context of Malone’s resignation is also tied to his long‑standing relationship with former ESPN executives. In a May 2025 interview with Variety, former ESPN CEO Robert Ellenblum praised Malone’s mentorship and noted that the “legacy of building a global sports network will live on.” Ellenblum added that Malone’s new role as executive chairman will allow him to serve as a “bridge between legacy media and new media” in a rapidly shifting market.

The transition is slated to take place before the next scheduled board meeting, which is set for early July. During that meeting, the board will elect a new chairman and approve the spin‑off strategy. Analysts expect that the new leadership will maintain the aggressive growth strategy while potentially adopting a more diversified approach to content distribution.

In sum, John Malone’s decision to step down as chairman of Liberty Media Group marks a pivotal moment for a company that has been at the forefront of media evolution for decades. By retaining his executive chairman role, Malone ensures that his influence will remain on Liberty’s strategic path, even as new leadership is poised to steer the company through a rapidly changing media environment. The move underscores the broader trend of legacy media firms recalibrating governance structures to stay competitive in an era where streaming, content creation, and technology converge.