ESPN Internship 2025 | Sports Broadcasting Operations

For students who love sports, media, and digital content, an ESPN internship is one of the best opportunities out there. Whether someone wants to become a sports journalist, work in digital production, or gain experience in business and marketing, this sports channel offers internships that provide real-world exposure in these areas. ESPN is one of the biggest names in sports broadcasting. Interning here is about learning from industry professionals, working on live projects, and getting hands-on experience. These internships are available in multiple locations, including Bristol, CT, and other major cities. It also offers remote jobs, which allow both high school and college students to work from home.

The best part about these internships is that they are not just for students who want to work on TV or report on sports events. This sports channel offers internships in marketing, business operations, digital strategy, social media, and analytics, giving students from different academic backgrounds a chance to gain industry experience. Interns do not just sit on the sidelines. They work alongside professionals, attend training sessions, and even contribute to real projects that impact millions of sports fans worldwide. With roles available in broadcasting, journalism, business operations, and sports production, ESPN intern jobs provide a well-rounded experience that can open doors to full-time careers in the sports media industry.

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ESPN Internship

Overview of ESPN

When it comes to sports media, no company has had a bigger impact than ESPN. Since its founding in 1979, ESPN has changed the way people watch, analyze, and engage with sports, becoming a global leader in sports broadcasting, journalism, and digital content. From covering live sporting events to creating in-depth documentaries and expert analysis, ESPN has built a reputation as the go-to network for everything sports-related. The company owns multiple TV channels, a streaming platform, and a massive online presence, making it one of the most influential brands in the sports industry.

Entry-Level Careers

For high school and college students looking to get their foot in the door, entry-level jobs at ESPN are a great way to start. These roles include production assistants, digital content coordinators, and marketing associates, all of which provide valuable industry experience. Salaries for entry-level jobs vary depending on the role, but most positions pay between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, with opportunities for growth and promotions.

One of the biggest advantages of working at ESPN is that it offers part-time jobs and remote opportunities for students and young professionals. There are remote ESPN student jobs in areas like content creation, social media management, and research, allowing students to work from home while gaining experience in sports media. For those looking for entry-level ESPN careers with no prior experience, roles like production assistant, research analyst, and marketing intern are great options to start a career in the industry.

Summer Internship

For college students who are passionate about sports media, digital production, or business strategy, the ESPN Summer Internship is one of the best ways to gain experience in the industry. This program is designed to train and mentor students, giving them the chance to work on real projects, learn from professionals, and understand how one of the biggest sports networks in the world operates. Unlike many internships where students are stuck with minor tasks, ESPN makes sure its interns actively contribute to its broadcasts, digital platforms, and marketing efforts.

The summer internship program usually lasts 10 to 12 weeks, running from June to August. During this time, interns are placed in various departments depending on their skills and career goals. The most common internship positions are in sports journalism, broadcasting, digital marketing, social media management, video editing, production assistance, and business operations. Interns get to work on live broadcasts, assist with video production, develop social media content, and even participate in coverage for major sporting events.

NEXT Program

For students who want to work in sports production, broadcasting, and digital media, the ESPN NEXT Program is an internship that provides in-depth training and hands-on experience in media production. Unlike general internships, this program is specifically designed for those who want to break into the world of sports television and content creation. ESPN NEXT is a rotational program, which means interns get to work in different areas of production, learning the key skills needed to succeed in sports media. Interns get exposure to live sports production, video editing, control room operations, and social media content creation. Since ESPN covers everything from live games and analysis shows to documentaries and digital content, interns in this program get to see how sports media works from behind the scenes.

Types of Internships

ESPN offers a variety of internships that cover different aspects of sports media, marketing, and business operations. See below.

Production Internship

For students who are passionate about live sports broadcasting, video production, and media operations, the ESPN Production Internship is one of the best opportunities to get real experience in the industry. Interns in this role get to work directly with producers, camera operators, and production teams, assisting in the creation of live broadcasts, studio shows, and digital content.

The responsibilities of a production intern include helping with video editing, setting up equipment for live broadcasts, managing production schedules, and ensuring smooth operations in the control room. This internship is perfect for students who want to understand how live sports coverage works, as it gives them firsthand exposure to studio production, game-day operations, and behind-the-scenes work in sports media.

Many interns who start in production roles later transition into full-time positions as production assistants or media coordinators, making this internship a great way to start a career in sports broadcasting.

Journalism & Content Creation Internship

For students who love writing, storytelling, and analyzing sports, the ESPN Journalism & Content Creation Internship offers a chance to work with experienced sports journalists and analysts. Interns in this role contribute to ESPN’s digital platforms, assist in writing articles, and help with research for news reports and sports analysis segments.

This internship is ideal for students who are pursuing sports journalism, media studies, or communication degrees. Interns may be assigned tasks such as conducting player interviews, covering breaking sports news, writing in-depth analysis pieces, or helping with scriptwriting for TV and digital broadcasts.

Interns also learn about fact-checking, sports reporting ethics, and audience engagement, ensuring they develop the skills needed to succeed in sports journalism. With sports media becoming more digital-focused, interns might also assist with creating social media content, writing video scripts, and researching trending topics in sports. This internship is a great opportunity for students who dream of becoming sports writers, reporters, or analysts.

Digital Marketing Internship

Marketing plays a huge role in how ESPN reaches its audience, builds its brand, and promotes sporting events. The ESPN Digital Marketing Internship is designed for students who are passionate about social media, brand strategy, and audience engagement. Many interns in this program go on to full-time roles in social media management, content marketing, or brand partnerships, making this internship a valuable career-building opportunity.

Interns in this role help create marketing campaigns, track social media trends, and work on content strategies that drive fan engagement. They may be responsible for developing social media posts, analyzing audience data, assisting in promotional campaigns, and brainstorming creative ideas to boost ESPN’s digital presence.

Since ESPN has a strong online and social media presence, digital marketing interns get hands-on experience with content creation, paid advertising, and influencer marketing strategies. This internship is great for students studying marketing, communications, or business, as it provides real-world exposure to sports branding and online engagement strategies.

Business & Sales Internship

For students who are interested in the business side of sports media, the ESPN Business & Sales Internship offers a deep dive into advertising, sponsorships, and business strategy. Interns in this role work with ESPN’s sales and partnership teams, helping with client presentations, market research, and sponsorship activation. They learn how ESPN works with advertisers, negotiates deals, and monetizes its content through sponsorships and digital advertising.

Responsibilities may include analyzing market trends, creating sales reports, assisting in pitch presentations, and coordinating with different teams to manage brand partnerships. This internship is ideal for students studying business administration, economics, or marketing, as it provides hands-on experience in corporate strategy, negotiations, and sports business operations. For those interested in working in sports partnerships, media sales, or brand development, this internship is a perfect way to gain experience and build industry connections.

Graphic Design & Video Editing Internship

The visual side of sports media is just as important as the content itself, and ESPN’s Graphic Design & Video Editing Internship gives students a chance to work on creative projects that shape how sports stories are told. Interns in this role assist in designing promotional graphics, creating motion graphics for digital and TV broadcasts, and editing highlight videos for ESPN’s platforms. They also work on thumbnail designs, animation effects, and branding elements that make ESPN’s content visually appealing.

This internship is perfect for students who are studying graphic design, video production, or digital arts, as it provides real-world experience in sports media design. Since ESPN has multiple TV networks, a strong digital presence, and various social media channels, interns in this program get exposure to different areas of sports media production and digital storytelling. Many interns in this role later pursue careers in sports content creation, video production, or digital design, making this internship a great stepping stone into the creative side of sports media.

Academic and Skill Requirements

The specific requirements vary by department, but here are some general expectations based on different internship categories:

  • Production & Broadcasting Internships – Requires students pursuing a degree in media, communications, broadcasting, or film production. Skills in video editing, camera work and familiarity with production software are a plus.
  • Journalism & Content Creation Internships – Open to students majoring in journalism, media studies, English, or communication. Strong writing skills, sports knowledge, and experience with publishing tools are preferred.
  • Marketing & Social Media Internships – Best for students in marketing, business, or communications. Applicants should have experience with social media platforms, content strategy, and audience engagement techniques.
  • Business & Sales Internships – Designed for students in business administration, finance, or economics. Experience in market research, sales strategy, and data analysis is useful.
  • Data & Analytics Internships – Open to students studying data science, statistics, or business analytics. Familiarity with Excel, SQL, Python, or data visualization tools is preferred.
  • Graphic Design & Video Editing Internships – Ideal for students with experience in Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and motion graphics design.

Remote Jobs for Students & Work-From-Home Eligibility

ESPN also offers remote internships and student jobs, which allow students to work from home while gaining real-world experience. These roles are usually available in social media management, digital content creation, research, and data analytics. To qualify for remote ESPN remote jobs, students should have:

  • Reliable internet access and the ability to work independently.
  • Strong communication skills, as interns collaborate with teams virtually.
  • Experience with digital tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, and analytics platforms.

Remote internships are great for students who cannot relocate to Bristol, CT, or other ESPN locations but still want to gain experience in sports media and business.

Internship Salary

One of the biggest benefits of interning at ESPN is that the company pays its interns well compared to other media internships. On top of that, ESPN provides various perks, networking opportunities, and career development programs that make the experience even more valuable. The channel offers paid internships, with salaries varying based on role, location, and experience. An intern can expect to earn the following:

  • Production & Broadcasting Interns – $18 to $22 per hour
  • Journalism & Content Creation Interns – $16 to $20 per hour
  • Marketing & Social Media Interns – $17 to $21 per hour
  • Business & Sales Interns – $19 to $23 per hour
  • Data & Analytics Interns – $20 to $24 per hour
  • Graphic Design & Video Editing Interns – $17 to $22 per hour

Most ESPN interns work full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer, meaning they can earn between $7,000 and $10,000 over the course of the internship.

Salaries for Entry-Level & Part-Time Roles

For students interested in entry-level jobs at ESPN after their internship, salaries depend on the position and experience level:

  • Entry-Level Careers (No Experience) – $40,000 to $55,000 per year
  • Entry-Level Production Assistant – $45,000 to $50,000 per year
  • Entry-Level Business & Marketing Associate – $50,000 to $60,000 per year
  • Part-Time Jobs for Students – $15 to $22 per hour (depending on role)

These entry-level salaries make ESPN one of the better-paying media companies, giving students a strong start in their careers.

Acceptance Rate

Since ESPN is one of the biggest names in sports media, getting an internship here is highly competitive. Thousands of students apply each year, but only a small percentage make it through the selection process. The overall acceptance rate for ESPN internships is estimated to be around 3% to 7%, depending on the role. This means that for every 1,000 applicants, only 30 to 70 students get selected. The competition is especially tough for production, journalism, and digital marketing roles, where ESPN receives thousands of applications from students across the country.

Acceptance Rate for Different Internships

  • ESPN Production Internship – Around 4% acceptance rate due to the high volume of applicants.
  • ESPN Journalism & Content Creation Internship – Estimated 3% to 5% acceptance rate, as many aspiring sports writers apply.
  • ESPN Digital Marketing Internship – 6% to 8% acceptance rate since marketing roles attract a wide range of applicants.
  • ESPN Data & Analytics Internship – Around 5% acceptance rate, as ESPN looks for candidates with strong technical skills.
  • ESPN Business & Sales Internship – 7% to 9% acceptance rate, since there is a growing demand for business professionals in sports media.

Application Process for ESPN Internship

Landing an internship at ESPN is competitive, so applicants need to apply early, build a strong resume, and prepare for interviews. Since the company receives thousands of applications, standing out is key.

  1. Find open positions on the ESPN careers page at Disney Careers. Type “Internships” there.
  2. Network with ESPN employees and past interns to gain insights and increase visibility.
  3. Apply early since summer internships open in September and close by March, with some roles filling up quickly.
  4. Check the deadlines for the summer internship and NEXT program, as each has specific application windows.
  5. Submit a strong resume showcasing relevant coursework, technical skills, and sports knowledge.
  6. Write a compelling cover letter explaining why ESPN is the right fit and how your skills align with the internship.
  7. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with updated skills, work experience, and past projects.
  8. Prepare for interviews by reviewing sports media trends, production tools, and common industry-related questions.

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Summary

The ESPN intern program is a highly competitive and rewarding opportunity for students looking to gain hands-on experience in sports media, journalism, marketing, and business operations. With roles available in broadcasting, content creation, digital marketing, and data analytics, interns get to work alongside industry professionals, develop technical skills, and contribute to real-world projects. The network offers internships in Bristol, CT, major cities, and remote positions, making them accessible to students nationwide. Interns also receive competitive salaries, access to networking events, and mentorship programs that help them transition into full-time roles at ESPN or other media companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ESPN offer remote internships?

Yes, ESPN provides remote internships and student jobs, particularly in social media management, research, digital content creation, and data analytics. These roles allow students to gain experience while working from home.

What is the salary for an ESPN intern?

ESPN interns earn between $16 and $24 per hour, depending on the role. Marketing, production, and journalism interns typically earn $17 to $22 per hour, while data and analytics interns can earn up to $24 per hour.

Can college students with no experience apply for internship positions at ESPN?

Yes, ESPN offers some entry-level internships that do not require previous experience. However, students with relevant skills in media, content creation, marketing, or business will have a higher chance of being selected.

When do ESPN internship applications open for applications?

Applications for summer internships usually open in September and close by March. Some positions, such as ESPN NEXT and production internships, may have earlier deadlines, so applying as soon as the applications open is recommended.

What is the acceptance rate for internships with ESPN?

The internship programs at ESPN are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 3% to 7%. The most competitive roles are in sports journalism, production, and digital marketing, where thousands of students apply for a limited number of positions.

How competitive is ESPN NEXT compared to other internship opportunities at ESPN?

The ESPN NEXT program is one of the most selective internships, as it is a rotational program that prepares interns for full-time production roles. It has a lower acceptance rate than regular internships at ESPN since it is specifically designed for students who want to pursue long-term careers in sports media and broadcasting.

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