ESPN NEXT Development Programs
Overview
ESPN NEXT supports early-career growth through a range of development programs designed to build skills, expand networks, and prepare participants for long-term careers in sports media. From program-wide learning opportunities to selective leadership experiences, these initiatives help participants grow as storytellers, collaborators, and future leaders across ESPN.
NEXT Level Development
NEXT Level Development offers ongoing learning opportunities available to all ESPN NEXT participants. Through workshops, mentorship, and program-wide events, participants expand their production skills, strengthen industry knowledge, and build connections across the NEXT community and beyond.
Summit
The annual NEXT Summit is a full-day internal event focused on culture and community, content connection, and soft-skill career development. Through panels, presentations, and community programming, participants connect with peers and leaders across ESPN.
Weekly Workshops
Weekly Workshops are four-week learning series focused on developing production skills beyond daily assignments. Led by industry professionals, sessions cover areas such as graphics producing, feature producing, and digital production.
Peer Mentorship
The Peer Mentorship Program pairs Content Associates with newly hired Production Assistants through a structured six-month curriculum. The program helps new hires acclimate while giving mentors the opportunity to develop leadership and feedback skills.
NEXT Accelerator
The NEXT Accelerator is a selective development program designed for high-performing Content Associates ready to expand their leadership, innovation, and cross-functional experience. Through individualized mentorship, coaching, and stretch opportunities, the Accelerator prepares participants for the next stage of their careers at ESPN.
Accelerator Innovation Challenge
Participants work in teams with members of their Accelerator class to develop innovative ideas aligned with ESPN’s content business priorities. In partnership with Corporate Strategy and other business units, teams refine and pitch their concepts to senior ESPN leadership in a competitive final presentation.
Reverse Mentorship
Accelerator participants are paired with executive-level leaders in an innovative reverse mentorship model. Serving as mentors, they share insights on emerging platforms, audience trends, and evolving workflows while gaining exposure to leadership perspective and strategic decision-making.
Career Coaching
Participants work with a career coach to clarify professional goals and develop actionable steps that strengthen their readiness for the next stage of their career at ESPN.
Stretch
Accelerator participants take on cross-functional stretch assignments that provide exposure and hands-on experience beyond their day-to-day roles, aligned with their long-term career goals.