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Sports Programming & Acquisitions Manager – ESPN

Job ID 10150931 Location Moore Park, Australia Business The Walt Disney Company (APAC) Date posted May 13, 2026
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Job Summary:

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration, results in an inclusive employee experience characterised by continuous learning, development and achievement.

The Sports Programming & Acquisitions Manager is an important role within ESPN’s ANZ operations. The role has broad responsibilities in supporting ESPN’s the acquisition of sports rights, managing partnerships with ESPN’s league and distribution partners, compiling and sharing rights and research information throughout the wider business.  

This person will work closely with teams based in Sydney, Melbourne and the US, with our leagues & agencies, and our channel distribution partners.

This role requires expert knowledge of the Australian and international sports landscape, experience negotiating and interpreting sports content licensing agreements and experience managing partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Content

  • Contribute to the programming strategy for ESPN’s video platforms
  • Communicate programming priorities and performance reports on a regular basis to the wider business
  • Identify programming acquisition or production opportunities and be capable of managing through to execution
  • Liaise with production department on creation and delivery of content.
  • Analyse data to improve viewership
  • Work closely with Disney+ programming, Production, Ad Sales, Research, Creative and Marketing to supply information and achieve cross-business priorities
  • Communicate with ESPN Network Control to coordinate the implementation of the schedule

Rights Support

  • Maintain and disseminate deal/rights summary documents
  • Answer day-to-day rights and schedule questions from various departments
  • Assemble audience data for periodic reporting to leagues
  • Assist with competitive analysis and intelligence gathering

Partnerships

  • Day-to-day management of partnerships with our channel distribution and programming partners (e.g. supplying schedule information, handling content requests)
  • Identify areas to enhance the scope of partnerships

Cross-business planning & promotion

  • Work cross-business to ensure ESPN content is well represented in cross-business planning
  • Utilise relevant audience & platform insights to promote content

Ideal experience:

  • Strong knowledge of the most popular Australian and International sports/leagues is essential
  • 7+ years’ experience in content and/or partnership management, preferably within sports
  • Extensive experience with contract negotiations and term sheets, and interpreting contract language
  • Experience in a role that interacts with multiple lines of business each with differing needs
  • Intimate understanding of the Australia/New Zealand television landscape, viewing trends and local sports scheduling on STV, SVOD and FTA
  • Previous experience working within a global/regional company managing multiple stakeholders in different locations and time zones is a plus
  • Experience in content production and/or live event operations is a plus

Additional Information:

This is unique opportunity to join the talented team that develops and delivers unparalleled entertainment across Australia and New Zealand so if this role captures your imagination, then apply now!

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

The Walt Disney Company can provide individual accessibility support that may be needed during your interview process. Please let us know of accommodations that may assist in helping you feel welcome by emailing wdi.careers.au@disney.com.

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About The Walt Disney Company (APAC):

For over 70 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining consumers in Asia Pacific – and enriching people’s lives. Today’s consumer can discover new branded experiences in many ways and in many markets from Australia, New Zealand, Mainland China, Japan, Korea to Southeast Asia.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company (Australia) P/L, which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (APAC).

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Hiring Process

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Explore this Location APAC

For over 70 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining consumers in Asia Pacific – and enriching people’s lives. Today’s consumer can discover new branded experiences in many ways and in many markets across the APAC region.

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