Production Assistant, ESPN NEXT

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

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