ESPN shakes up corporate structure with host of changes

After restructuring its executive ranks last summer, ESPN has internally announced a number of shifts among high-ranking employees.

As first reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, ESPN is reshuffling the division overseen by EVP, Sports Production Mike McQuade. Scott Favalora, who oversees the Event and Studio Directing team, and Jack Obringer, who oversees the Wraps and Content Integration teams, will now report directly to McQuade.

Per the internal memo obtained by The Athletic, “these changes involve several newly created roles, expanded positions of leadership and new opportunities for our talented colleagues.”

The memo also announced several promotions. Amanda Gifford has been promoted to SVP, Sports Production and will report to McQuade. She will manage event and studio production for college football, UFL, golf, lacrosse, volleyball, and gymnastics.

Tim Corrigan has also been promoted to SVP, Sports Production and will also report to McQuade. He will oversee event and studio production for the NBA and WNBA.

Additionally, ESPN internally announced the creation of a new position: VP, Super Bowl. Andy Tennant will fill that role, which is tasked with leading ESPN for its first-ever Super Bowl broadcast in 2027.

The network also made several changes to its original content team, which will report to SVP Brian Lockhart. Marsha Cooke will head external projects, including the 30 for 30 franchise. Craig Lazarus will lead a new Business Operations unit, which will also include heading the ESPYS. Heather Anderson and Chantre Camack will remain in their roles on the Business Affairs and Talent Relations teams respectively.

It seems ESPN, in its post-Norby Williamson era, is now figuring out its corporate structure. These moves may not mean much to the average sports fan, but they will certainly impact the way ESPN operates in a new era of sports television.