Sportsbook technology provider FIRST.bet has appointed Ian Bradley as co-CEO, bringing the former DraftKings Senior Vice President into a leadership partnership with company founder Tom Light.
The appointment reunites two former SBTech executives as the B2B sportsbook technology supplier continues its expansion across Latin America, Europe and other markets.
Bradley will share responsibility for FIRST.bet’s strategic direction with Light as co-CEO and business partner.
The company said the leadership structure combines Light’s role in founding the business and leading product development with Bradley’s experience in sportsbook operations, trading and business expansion. Together, they will oversee product, technology and trading operations as FIRST.bet continues expanding its activities in its existing and target markets.
“FIRST.bet has built something rare – a world-class team and genuinely Tier-1 technology, with the trading depth and product to back it,” said Bradley. “I wanted to work alongside a team like this and help build on the success they’ve already created.”
“Running the company alongside Tom as co-CEO is exactly the challenge I wanted next, and the opportunity in B2B right now – across LATAM, Europe and beyond – is enormous,” he added.
Bradley brings more than 20 years of experience in B2B sportsbook technology and trading. He began his career in spread betting and trading at Sporting Index and Sporting Solutions before joining SBTech.
SBTech’s technology later became part of DraftKings following the companies’ 2020 merger. During his time at DraftKings, Bradley served as Senior Vice President and held responsibility for the company’s consumer sportsbook revenue.
FIRST.bet noted that the company was founded by former SBTech executives, making Bradley’s appointment a return to the B2B sector where he built much of his career.
“Ian is one of the most respected leaders in our industry, and I worked alongside him at SBTech, so I’ve seen first-hand what he builds,” said Light. “I’ve wanted him alongside me at FIRST.bet for some time – that he’s only now free to join tells you how highly DraftKings valued him.”
“Asking Ian to run the business with me as co-CEO is the clearest statement of intent we could make: FIRST.bet is building the platform serious operators choose, and together we’ll get there faster,” Light added.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/07/02/125159-firstbet-appoints-former-draftkings-svp-ian-bradley-as-coceo
