ESPN Business Development & Innovation Intern

About the Role & Program

The ESPN Business Development & Innovation team is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing new business opportunities and strategic initiatives that support ESPN’s long-term growth and innovation goals across all areas of the business. The team actively explores partnerships in traditional and digital media that helps drive revenue, expand audience reach, or strengthen ESPN’s position as a leader in innovation.

We are seeking a dynamic, hard-working and curious intern to join ESPN's Business Development & Innovation (BDI) team. In this role, you will support the team in developing and implementing key initiatives aligned with ESPN's long-term strategic planning and innovation goals across all areas of the business. The program dates are June 2nd through August 8, 2025. If selected for this role, you will report to the Analyst, Business Development & Innovation.

What You Will Do

The ideal candidate combines creativity, analytical expertise, and a strong work ethic to identify and assess new opportunities across departments such as corporate strategy, affiliate sales & marketing, ad sales, product, production, and programming. The intern will assist in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, synthesizing information, and creating presentations for internal and external use. You will gain hands-on experience contributing to ESPN's innovative strategies. This role offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the sports media industry and play a meaningful part in shaping its future. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Business Development & Innovation team by preparing for upcoming meetings and presentations on a daily basis and supporting the team with the creation of cohesive presentations for senior level audiences

• Summarizing and disseminating information regarding potential innovation partners

• Assisting with the identification of new business opportunities, both internally and externally

• Project manage inbound pitches, schedule/attend meetings, organize & distribute notes and closely track market trends and share newsworthy headlines to the team

• Developing and maintaining an understanding of key BDI partners, marketplace and competition

• Coordinating weekly team updates to senior management that track progress of various business development work streams

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset, comfortable working both independently and as a member of a team

• Experience with PowerPoint and Excel

• Communication and Presentation Skills with a passion for sports and curiosity about the sports media landscape

• Thrive in a team-oriented environment and ready to contribute versatile skills to a collective vision

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present to and interface with multiple levels of management including senior executives throughout the Company as well as with potential external partner companies

• Experience managing projects, including demonstrated ability to handle competing priorities and work effectively with colleagues in diverse departments and geographic locations

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex business opportunities and make data-driven recommendations

• A deep understanding of emerging technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, with an interest for their application in sports media and fan engagement

• Interest in the sports travel industry and enthusiasm for exploring innovative ways to enhance fan experiences through travel

• High level understanding of the competitive landscape and current media industry trends, with an emphasis on media and sports

Education

• Junior or Senior year preferred 

• Major or previous coursework in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or related major preferred

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship

• Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess unrestricted work authorization 

Additional Information

• Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship 

• Fully available Monday through Friday for the duration of the internship, 40 hours each week

• Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship program in the New York City area

•  Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work

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