ESPN NEXT 2026–2027 Early Career Program: Hiring Cycles, Production Roles, Internships and Leadership Pathways at ESPN

Overview

ESPN NEXT is ESPN's full-time early-career talent-development programme, built to train the next generation of sports storytellers and producers. Participants usually enter as Production Assistants, gaining hands-on experience across studio programming, live events, digital platforms, social media and emerging media, and can progress to Content Associate roles. Other pathways include seasonal opportunities, internships and leadership roles such as Peer Mentor, NEXT Trainer and the selective NEXT Accelerator.

What you get

The programme pairs real assignments with structured training, ongoing feedback and cross-platform exposure through cross-training and rotational experiences. It stresses fair and transparent hiring, platform fluency, measurable growth pathways and close links with ESPN business units. ESPN NEXT began in July 2019 with 21 Production Assistants, relaunched in September 2023 with an expansion into social and digital work, and began its first Accelerator class in January 2024. Participants have contributed to projects such as SC+ and SportsCenter For You. The Accelerator focuses on individual career development, mentorship, coaching and strategic project experience.

How to apply

There is no single annual deadline. ESPN NEXT runs several hiring cycles, including January and July Production Assistant cohorts, Seasonal Production Assistant roles and Fall, Spring and Summer internships. Candidates need to watch for the relevant posting and apply when it opens. The published overview mentions a Spring Internship posting in late September and a January Production Assistant posting in mid-October, with other roles advertised at other times of the year.

Requirements

Applicants should read the individual postings for those details.