Jeff Bennett
Founder of Data Points · Former Vice President at ESPN
About
Jeff Bennett is a visionary media executive and data strategist and the former vice president of ESPN’s Stats & Information Group. Over a distinguished 30-year career at the network, Bennett fundamentally transformed how sports fans, analysts, and franchises interact with athletic data. He pioneered a new era in sports media by founding ESPN Analytics in 2010. Under his executive leadership, this specialized team engineered some of the most influential proprietary data models in modern sports history.
The analytical frameworks developed by Bennett’s team redefined the landscape of sports evaluation. His department designed the Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) to measure quarterback efficiency by accounting for game context and situational performance. His team also engineered the Football Power Index (FPI) and the Basketball Power Index (BPI). These advanced systems serve as highly accurate predictive models for projecting team strength, playoff probabilities, and championship futures. Additionally, his team introduced the Strength of Record (SOR) metric. Analysts and selection committees use this critical tool annually to evaluate the true difficulty of a team’s schedule.
Award-Winning Research and Production Legacy
Bennett’s deep-rooted expertise in data-driven storytelling earned him immense critical acclaim within the broadcast industry. Over his career, he won seven Sports Emmy Awards for his diverse contributions to sports television. Long before leading the analytics division, Bennett sharpened his storytelling instincts on the production frontlines. He served as a core researcher and content architect for ESPN’s flagship studio programs, including SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight. His ability to synthesize complex statistical trends into engaging on-air narratives set a new benchmark for sports broadcasting.
Driving the Future of Sports Data Consulting
After three decades of institutional leadership at ESPN, Bennett launched a new chapter by founding Data Points. Through this specialized consulting service, he leverages his unparalleled background to advise media properties, technology startups, and sports organizations. He provides expert guidance on data architecture, content strategy, and predictive analytics.
As a premier voice in sports data, Bennett brings a master-class perspective on the evolution of performance analytics. His work continues to bridge the gap between complex mathematical modeling and high-impact media production. Ultimately, his efforts shape the way modern sports narratives are built and understood.