Sr Director, Programming Business Affairs

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Sr Director, Programming Business Affairs Req :

Job Description:

The Senior Director, Programming Business Affairs is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of sports rights acquisition, content licensing, contract administration, and rights management across ESPN and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC). Serving as a strategic partner to Programming, Legal, Ad Sales, Distribution, Business Development, and Finance, this executive will lead negotiations for key sports properties, ensure contractual compliance and execution, and maximize the value of content rights across linear, digital, streaming, direct-to-consumer, and emerging distribution platforms.

This leader will act as the primary business affairs liaison for league and rights-holder partners, balancing sophisticated deal‑making, relationship management, and operational excellence. The role requires a deep understanding of the evolving sports media landscape, media rights economics, and the strategic opportunities that drive audience growth, distribution expansion, and long‑term business value.

Sports Rights Acquisition & Negotiation Lead strategic preparation for major media rights renewals by organizing historical agreements, evaluating contractual obligations, identifying business opportunities, and coordinating enterprise‑wide negotiation readiness. Lead and support negotiations for high‑profile sports rights agreements, renewals, amendments, and strategic partnerships. Partner closely with senior Programming, Legal, Distribution, Ad Sales, Direct‑to‑Consumer, and Business Development leaders to maximize the value and flexibility of acquired rights.

Evaluate new rights opportunities and emerging market trends, developing recommendations that support ESPN and TWDC's broader content strategy. Serve as a trusted advisor during complex negotiations, balancing business objectives, contractual protections, and partner relationships.

Act as the central point of contact for league partners and rights holders on all business affairs matters. Provide strategic guidance and risk assessment on contractual issues, identifying solutions that align with both business priorities and legal requirements. Collaborate with executive leadership to develop scalable processes, governance structures, and best practices that support business growth and operational efficiency. Ensure alignment between contractual obligations and evolving distribution, monetization, and content strategies across the enterprise.

Lead the Content Rights Management function, ensuring accurate interpretation, documentation, and administration of contractual rights across multiple platforms and businesses. Oversee the creation and maintenance of rights summaries, contract analyses, reporting frameworks, and compliance processes. Establish and maintain enterprise‑wide standards, systems, and procedures that ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled, rights are fully leveraged, and cross‑functional business initiatives remain compliant across ESPN and TWDC.

Identify opportunities to optimize content utilization and unlock additional value from existing rights portfolios.

Partner with Programming leadership, including senior executives responsible for content strategy, to support long‑term content planning and rights portfolio management. Work closely with Disney Platform Distribution, Disney Advertising Sales, ESPN Direct‑to‑Consumer, Finance, Strategy, and Legal teams to ensure coordinated execution of enterprise priorities. Build strong internal alignment around key rights decisions and associated business implications. Understand affiliate, distribution, and platform‑specific considerations and identify opportunities to expand audience reach and revenue generation.

Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of business affairs and rights management professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Drive employee engagement, team…