Senior Director, Sports Rights & Content Strategy

1223 ESPN Productions, Inc; Connecticut; On-site; USD 185,500 - 248,800; Full time

Job summary

ESPN is seeking a Sr Director, Programming Business Affairs to lead sports rights acquisition, licensing, and rights management across ESPN and TWDC. This executive will negotiate major rights, guide cross‑functional teams, and optimize content value across platforms.

The role requires senior leadership, deep sports media knowledge, and a proven ability to align contractual obligations with business strategy, driving growth and efficiency within a complex media ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in sports media, programming, business affairs, media rights, or a related field.
• Experience negotiating complex media rights agreements, licensing arrangements, and strategic partnerships.
• Proven track record leading cross‑functional initiatives involving senior stakeholders across programming, distribution, advertising, legal, and business operations.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and leading high‑performing teams.
• Strong understanding of the sports media ecosystem, including linear television, streaming, digital platforms, affiliate distribution, and evolving content consumption trends.
• Excellent executive communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical capabilities, and decision‑making skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sports rights acquisition, licensing, and rights management across ESPN and TWDC.
• Lead negotiations for high‑profile rights agreements, renewals, amendments, and strategic partnerships.
• Partner with Programming, Legal, Ad Sales, Distribution, and DTC leadership to maximize value and flexibility of acquired rights.
• Develop scalable processes, governance, and best practices for business affairs across the enterprise.
• Build alignment around key rights decisions and business implications with cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Strategic planning

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (JD)

MBA or MS

Job description

ESPN is seeking a Sr Director, Programming Business Affairs to lead sports rights acquisition, licensing, and rights management across ESPN and TWDC. This executive will negotiate major rights, guide cross‑functional teams, and optimize content value across platforms.

The role requires senior leadership, deep sports media knowledge, and a proven ability to align contractual obligations with business strategy, driving growth and efficiency within a complex media ecosystem.