Job Description
ESPN NEXT is the entry point for aspiring storytellers at ESPN, overseeing the hiring, development, assignment, and promotion of Production Assistants and Content Associates. With a focus on career growth, internal culture, and platform fluency, NEXT serves as both a launchpad for emerging talent and a content driver across ESPN platforms. Signature initiatives like the NEXT Accelerator identify and elevate top-performing employees through individualized coaching, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities, helping shape the future of ESPN and The Walt Disney Company.
As part of ESPN NEXT, you’ll join a dynamic team of early-career professionals producing must-see content across ESPN’s shows, live events, digital/social, and audio platforms. Sports don’t sleep, and neither does the adrenaline of live production. Whether you’re cutting highlights at dawn, gearing up for primetime, capturing the game-winner on a holiday, or identifying moments that will go viral on social, you’ll be right in the middle of the action! If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this is your chance to be part of the team that brings sports storytelling to life 24/7.
This posting is for the January 2026 ESPN NEXT cohort.
What is ESPN NEXT?
-
Full-time Production Assistant role built for someone starting a career in sports media and content creation
-
Begin your career at ESPN as a Production Assistant with eligibility for promotion to Content Associate. Promotion eligibility 4 times per year – promotions based on performance
-
Produce content for countless ESPN live events, shows, and platforms
-
Opportunity to enhance career through development courses
-
Paired with a mentor to get you acclimated to ESPN
Responsibilities could include:
*(Prior to any functions listed below, in-depth training is provided)*
-
Support production and content creation for domestic and global properties for all sports
-
Consistently share creative and innovative ideas to contribute to ESPN’s multi-platform storytelling
-
Edit video & audio elements and research content for a variety of shows/networks
-
Run audio board loading playlists, log commercials, sales and promos for multi-platform broadcasts
-
Coordinate graphics for assigned studio telecasts and/or remote live events
-
Produce variety of elements: highlights, teases, opens, and montages for shows, live events and digital platforms
-
Assist with live events by gathering video and sponsorship elements for broadcasts
Qualifications:
-
Will work nights, mornings, weekends, and holidays
-
Conversational knowledge of multiple sports, especially sports heavily covered by ESPN (i.e. NBA/WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, College Football and Basketball)
-
Enthusiasm and passion for sports
-
Ability to comfortably prepare and contribute ideas
-
Must possess professional communication and organization skills
-
React quickly and positively while staying composed under tight deadlines in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
-
Self-starting attitude and team-oriented work ethic
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Experience within a live sports, news, or entertainment environment
-
Experience with video editing software (i.e. Adobe Premiere, Final Cut etc.)
-
Awareness of ESPN content (i.e. platforms, shows, events, etc.)
-
Awareness of media trends (i.e. social, digital, linear, etc.)
-
Leadership experience in a professional role, organization, or extra-curricular endeavor
Required Education
-
High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education
-
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
Additional Information:
-
Will work nights, mornings, weekends, and holidays
#ESPNMedia