ESPN Associate Editor

The Walt Disney Company; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global media company is seeking an Associate Editor for their ESPN team in London. This pivotal role requires a passion for sports, especially football, and a strong background in digital publishing. The Associate Editor will contribute to the growth of ESPN's digital channels, create and execute content plans, and oversee breaking news stories. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent planning skills, SEO understanding, and high-quality writing. Flexible hours may be required to cover live events.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

Private medical insurance & dental care

Disney Discounts

Excellent parental and guardian leave

Employee Resource Groups

Qualifications

• An urgency, drive and determination to deliver industry-leading digital content.
• The highest standards of written English, with experience of writing sports news for a digital audience.
• Comfortable working weekends and flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the growth of ESPN digital channels in EMEA.
• Design content plans and strategies to build new audiences.
• Oversee breaking news stories: publishing quick, accurate copy.

Skills

Excellent planning and organisational skills

Strong knowledge of multiple sports, especially football

Experience of working in a digital news environment

Understanding of SEO

Tools

Digital formats (live blogs, newsletters, etc.)

Job description

ESPN Associate Editor

Job ID: 10137656
Location: London, United Kingdom
Business: ESPN
Date posted: Dec. 23, 2025

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join the ESPN team in London as an Associate Editor. This role will be integral to running the digital team in EMEA and the candidate will have a strong passion for sports and experience of cross-platform digital publishing. The candidate will help drive the growth of ESPN’s audience in region, supporting the development of our women’s sport content, football news coverage, and digital formats production. They will have the opportunity to plan and execute on ideas for growth while working with the general editors to manage the day‑to‑day output of the team and communication across global editions.

The EMEA team is based in London and cover all major sports and events as part of the global sports team, with a particular focus on football. They also manage the digital strategy for EMEA rights, such as the Women’s Champions League and LaLiga.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to the growth of ESPN digital channels in EMEA, specifically on web and app.
• Designing content plans and strategies to build new audiences.
• Using data to inform decision‑making and ensuring the right blend, timing and volume of content to meet the ESPN mission to Serve Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.
• Overseeing breaking news stories: publishing quick, accurate copy and planning digital coverage across the news cycle.
• Ensuring SEO and optimization guidelines are met for all stories and events.
• Running editorial meetings when necessary.
• Sourcing news and working with reporters.
• Listening to diverse voices within the ESPN network and supporting growth for team members.
• Collaborative approach across ESPN teams locally and globally, including social media and broadcast teams.

Qualifications

• An urgency, drive and determination to deliver industry‑leading digital content.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong knowledge of multiple sports, especially football (both men’s and women’s)
• Experience of working in a digital news environment.
• Experience in commissioning digital content and working with reporters.
• Experienced with digital formats, such as live blogs, alerts, newsletters, podcasts, digital video, websites and apps.
• Understanding of SEO and the use of digital analytics for publishing.
• The highest standards of written English, with experience of writing sports news for a digital audience.
• Comfortable working weekends, late nights and flexible hours to cover live sports scheduling.

Perks

• 25 days of annual leave.
• Private medical insurance & dental care.
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing.
• Excellent parental and guardian leave.
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong.

Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

About ESPN

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. that’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game‑changing ideas and world‑class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world‑class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company Limited, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

The Walt Disney Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.