ESPN has appointed three-time Emmy Award-winning sports media executive Talaya Gaines as its new Vice President of Talent Relations and Development, the network announced. Gaines, an 18-year industry veteran, will begin in the role on January 5, returning to ESPN after a four-year stint at MSG Networks.
At MSG, Gaines served as Vice President of Content Strategy and Original Programming. She oversaw a slate of original productions across the network. She previously spent 14 years at ESPN, most recently as Managing Producer for ESPN+ and Original Content. There, she was instrumental in developing and producing digital-first programming.
In her new position, Gaines will focus on managing, developing, and recruiting ESPN’s on-air talent. She will work closely with the network’s content leaders. She will report to Freddy Rolón, ESPN’s Head of Global Sports and Talent Office.
“The expansion of our Talent Office is a significant investment in ESPN’s talent community,” Rolón said in a statement. “We have the deepest roster in sports media, and the addition of Talaya to our team will super-serve this exceptional group while strategically positioning them to thrive.”
Gaines brings a history of industry recognition to the role. In 2024, she was named one of the ‘Top Women in Media’ by Cynopsis and was featured in Essence Magazine’s The Women’s Playbook issue, highlighting her leadership and influence in sports media.
Her hiring is part of a broader expansion of ESPN’s Talent Office. The network also announced the appointment of Rosetta Ellis-Pilie as Vice President of Talent Negotiations and Policy. This is a new leadership role that will report to Rolón. Together, the additions signal ESPN’s ongoing commitment to cultivating and retaining top talent across its platforms.
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