Analyst, Live Sports & Forecasting

About ESPN Research

ESPN Research employs multiple media research methodologies such as Nielsen, comScore, Adobe Analytics, and custom primary research to deliver insights on sports category performance and specific sports content across ESPN and the Walt Disney Company. The team oversees measurement and reporting for all platforms and entities, undertaking brand, content, fan, and market research projects.

Position Overview

The Live Sports & Forecasting Analyst will assist their manager in the creation of cross-platform reports, tracking and analyzing professional sports including NBA, NHL, MLB, and WWE live games and studio shows. A key task will be supporting network operations by ensuring the daily and precise input of schedules into Nielsen’s NCL system and ESPN’s in-house system.

The ideal candidate is naturally curious, proactive, and detail-focused, capable of multitasking and contributing innovative ideas to improve reporting. Preference is given to those with media research background, strong sports knowledge, and expertise in data analysis, dashboard creation, and adoption of AI tools. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary for interaction across ESPN and Disney teams. This role reports directly to the Manager of the Live Sports & Forecasting team and will collaborate cross-functionally as required within ESPN Research.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver daily ESPN network program schedule details to Nielsen.
• Monitor and report performance highlights of ESPN programs on TV and streaming platforms to various departments.
• Analyze audience trends of ESPN networks and competitors to aid programming, production, sales, and strategic planning units.
• Execute a range of customized projects under the guidance of the ESPN Research Manager.
• Support audience forecasting for ESPN linear networks in collaboration with Finance and Revenue Management teams.

Basic Qualifications

• Fundamental understanding of media math and data analytics.
• Strong communication skills, adept at multitasking and attentive to detail.
• Proficiency in Windows PC software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Team-oriented with excellent collaboration capabilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the sports and sports media environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in media research.
• Familiarity with Nielsen TV tools such as NNTV and National TV Toolbox.
• Working knowledge of comScore and Adobe Analytics platforms.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, and SQL.

Educational Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree required.
• Preferred majors include communications, mathematics/statistics, psychology, or related fields.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $66,800 to $91,700 annually in New York, NY, and $65,270 to $87,560 annually in Bristol, CT. Final pay will consider internal equity, candidate location, expertise, and experience level. Eligible employees may also receive bonuses or long-term incentive units, along with comprehensive medical, financial, and other benefits according to job level.