Sports Media Report
Seymour Siwoff, the 98-year-old majority owner and president of Elias Sports Bureau, Inc. (“Elias”) who led the company for more than six decades, today announced the sale of 100 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Elias to The Joseph Gilston Trust (“Trust”), headed by Mr. Siwoff’s grandson, Joe Gilston, a former employee of the company.
Elias, the leading authority on sports statistics and historical sports data, will be led by Mr. Gilston, who will serve as president.
Elias provides statistical support to many major sports leagues, including Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), as well as to broadcasters and sports networks, including MLB Network, NFL Network, ESPN, Turner Sports, Comcast, and NESN.
“It is especially gratifying for me to have the opportunity to continue my visionary grandfather’s legacy in the years ahead,” said Mr. Gilston, 32. “Elias is an extraordinary company, known worldwide for our leadership position in providing current and historical sports data. The landscape of sports, and therefore sports statistics, is ever-evolving, particularly with how the public now consumes sports. We are excited by this transition, and well-positioned to continue the essential role we play in tracking the evolution of sports.”
“I am quite certain that the company will continue to prosper under Joe’s leadership,” said Mr. Siwoff. “Joe appreciates all that we have accomplished over the years, and he has the smarts, passion, creativity and talents to lead Elias and our terrific employees to new heights in a new technological age.”
Elias was founded in 1913 by Al and Walter Elias. After serving for years as the company’s accountant, Mr. Siwoff purchased the company in 1952 from the widows of the Elias brothers. During his tenure at Elias, Mr. Siwoff grew the firm to become the world’s most famous sports statistics company.
For more information about Elias Sports Bureau, Inc. visit http://www.esb.com.
