In a continued effort to connect with younger sports fans on the platforms they use most, ESPN has launched the third edition of its ESPN Creator Network. The initiative, first introduced in 2022, aims to empower emerging content creators and bring fresh, authentic voices into the world of sports storytelling.
This year’s Creator Network class features five dynamic creators: Brittney Elena, Jaylin James, Emily Harrigan, Trey Phills, and Lily Shimbashi. Collectively, they bring a combined social media following of over 6 million across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
“This talented group is helping shape the future of sports storytelling with their creativity and authenticity,” said Kaitee Daley, ESPN’s Senior Vice President of Digital, Social, and Streaming Content. “We’re excited to blend our collective superpowers and deliver on ESPN’s commitment to showing up in spaces fans care about with voices they connect with.”
Unlike traditional sports media figures, the Creator Network participants focus on lifestyle-driven, casual fan content. The initiative aligns with ESPN’s broader strategy to step outside the typical expert-analyst mold and reach fans where they already are — online, mobile, and socially engaged.
Throughout the program, the creators will receive unprecedented access to ESPN’s live events and talent, while also receiving content coaching and strategy support from ESPN’s social media team. Each creator will attend marquee sporting events and collaborate with key figures at the network, including ESPN executives and on-air personalities.
Since launching in 2022, the Creator Network generated over 9.7 million impressions and reached more than 3.5 million fans in 2024 alone. According to ESPN, average engagement rates from creators in the program are up to 13 times higher than platform benchmarks. These results highlight how the initiative continues to provide significant return, both in terms of reach and fan connection.
Blue Hour Studios, a social-led content agency, remains a key collaborator in guiding and supporting the creators throughout the process.
The Creator Network is one of several forward-facing programs under The Walt Disney Company umbrella focused on reaching new audiences through innovative content strategies. For ESPN, it’s part of a larger shift toward blending traditional sports media credibility with next-gen content creation.
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