About the Role
The Broadcast Technology Innovation Manager supports the development and implementation of innovative broadcast technologies, production workflows and localised broadcast experiences across NBA and WNBA Local Media. Reporting to the Broadcast Event & Innovation Lead, the role translates broader broadcast strategy and innovation priorities into scalable capabilities tailored to local productions, markets and audiences. The manager works closely with GPM Broadcast Strategy on major initiatives and serves as a key connection between broader innovation efforts and Local Media, while also acting as a forward-looking innovation resource researching developments across broadcast technology, live sports production, content creation and fan engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with GPM Broadcast Strategy to translate major broadcast innovation initiatives into applications tailored to NBA and WNBA Local Media.
- Identify opportunities to use technology and production innovation to create more localised and differentiated game broadcasts for individual markets.
- Develop concepts and use cases for localised broadcast offerings, including graphics, data, automation, alternate feeds, production tools, content integrations and emerging technologies.
- Evolve the Local Media production innovation roadmap with the Broadcast Event & Innovation Lead, identifying opportunities, priorities, dependencies and areas for exploration.
- Collaborate with Local Media production and content stakeholders to understand market-specific needs and develop scalable solutions balancing localisation with operational and financial efficiency.
- Evaluate how broader NBA broadcast capabilities and innovations can be adapted, scaled or differentiated for Local Media productions, and support the tracking and reporting of KPIs for Event & Innovation initiatives.
- Research and evaluate emerging broadcast technologies, production models, content formats and industry trends relevant to NBA and WNBA Local Media.
- Serve as an innovation resource, monitoring developments across sports, media, technology and adjacent industries, and exploring AI-enabled production, automation, cloud and remote production, virtual production, advanced graphics, data-driven storytelling, personalisation and immersive experiences.
- Develop technology briefings, innovation assessments, competitive analyses, recommendations and use cases to translate emerging developments into actionable opportunities for Local Media.
- Build relationships across GPM and with technology vendors, startups, strategic partners and industry participants, and monitor innovation across sports broadcasters and media organisations.
- Lead implementation of priority broadcast innovation initiatives, translating strategic concepts into defined use cases, workflows, pilots and scalable operational capabilities.
- Develop project plans, requirements, success criteria, timelines and stakeholder alignment to advance initiatives from concept through testing and implementation.
- Partner with the Broadcast Event & Innovation Technical Director and Broadcast Engineering teams to evaluate technical feasibility, and coordinate proofs of concept, demonstrations, pilots and live production trials.
- Evaluate pilot results and develop recommendations on scalability, operational impact, localisation opportunities, cost and fan value; integrate successful innovations into live event and studio workflows with Production Operations.
- Track innovation initiatives, industry developments, pilots, risks and outcomes, providing recurring updates and recommendations to the Broadcast Event & Innovation Lead and broader team.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in broadcast production, production technology, media operations, live sports production, broadcast strategy, innovation or a related field.
- Experience researching, evaluating, piloting and/or implementing new broadcast technologies and production workflows.
- Experience developing new production concepts, broadcast experiences or technology-enabled content offerings.
- Experience supporting complex cross-functional initiatives from concept development through implementation.
- Experience working across production, technology, engineering, content, strategy or other media functions.
- Strong understanding of live sports production, broadcast workflows and the evolving media technology landscape.
- Demonstrated curiosity and passion for emerging technology, production innovation and the future of sports media.
- Ability to think creatively about how technology can enable differentiated, localised and more engaging broadcast experiences.
- Knowledge of emerging production capabilities such as cloud and remote production, AI and automation, virtual production, advanced graphics, data integration, personalisation and immersive technologies.
- Ability to connect broader broadcast strategies and emerging technologies to practical Local Media use cases and scalable production solutions.
- Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesise industry developments and complex information into clear insights and recommendations.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to move innovative concepts from ideation through evaluation, pilots and implementation.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and recommendations to creative, strategic, technical, operational and leadership audiences.
- Strong cross-functional relationship skills and the ability to operate as an effective partner across highly collaborative and matrixed organisations.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity, challenging conventional approaches, experimenting with new ideas and balancing forward-looking thinking with practical implementation considerations.
Preferred Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Media, Broadcast Production, Technology, Business or a related field.
- Experience working with broadcast technology vendors and external partners.
- Live sports production or sports media experience.
Workplace
- Eligible employees have the option to work remotely one day per week.
- Individuals working onsite in NBA New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with accommodations for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs.
Benefits & Perks
- Annual discretionary performance bonus, awarded at the sole discretion of the Company and subject to terms and conditions.
- Medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Life/AD&D insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Fertility and family-forming assistance.
- Wellbeing allowance.
- Educational assistance.
- Mental health coaching/therapy.
- Tax-advantaged accounts such as HSA and healthcare/dependent care FSAs.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Time off benefits including vacation, sick time and personal days.