NBC Sports Chicago Names Michael Allardyce Multi-Platform Director

NBC Sports Chicago has named digital sports editor and creator Michael Allardyce as its new multi-platform director effective immediately.  The announcement was made by Kevin Cross, vice president of content for NBC Sports Chicago, to whom Allardyce will report.  

In this new position, Allardyce is responsible for leading and planning the network’s entire portfolio of multi-platform content and initiatives, across NBCSportsChicago.com, digital and social media platforms and podcasts with the primary focus of super-serving the city and surrounding region’s dedicated sports fan base. In addition, Allardyce will also help lead the network’s long-range strategic content planning as it pertains to new developments and innovations in the continuously-evolving sports media landscape.

“We share and express the same passion our fans have for our teams, our athletes, and the issues that matter most to them each and every day” says Cross. “With his experience and deep knowledge on how to effectively connect with fans, Michael will bring a fresh, new approach to our multi-platform efforts moving forward.”

Before joining NBC Sports Chicago, Allardyce spent the last six years as an integral force in helping build the success of FanSided into one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of fan-focused sports, entertainment, and lifestyle destinations. He most recently held the title of senior director, editorial operations, where he led a team of content-focused experts in the creation of multiple professional/collegiate team sites, along with their accompanying social media accounts, while maintaining his previous duties as the network’s Managing Editor.  

Named to FanSided’s Hall of Fame Class in 2015, Allardyce also covered many high-profile events as a reporter during his tenure which included Super Bowl LI, the 2015 and 2016 NFL Drafts, Mayweather vs. McGregor, along with top-ranked college football games and numerous UFC title bouts.

Allardyce was also an MMA beat reporter for “Sports Illustrated” where he wrote fight previews/recaps on combat sports’ top-tier bouts, as well as a weekly column and hosted a podcast that was live streamed on Facebook. A resident of Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, Allardyce attended the University of Oklahoma, studying journalism.