Johanna Goldblatt
Manager, Programming and Acquisitions
ESPN
Age: 28
Born: Middletown, N.Y.
Education: Vanderbilt University, B.S., human and organizational development; minor, corporate strategy
Johanna Goldblatt manages the NBA and WNBA relationship for ESPN and helped negotiate the 11-year extension of the network’s media rights deal. She also spearheaded ESPN’s first volumetric broadcast, “NHL Big City Greens Classic,” which was the first live, animated game telecast for the league.
Social cause I’m most passionate about: Combating antisemitism.
How I consume sports content: On my drive into work, I am usually catching up on the latest podcast, either focused on the industry or what’s happening in the sport categories I oversee. At home, we’ve got a multi-TV setup, and you can bet that sports are on one or both TVs at any given moment.
How my expectations of a job in sports business matched reality: I wanted to work in sports because I dreamed of showing up excited each day, and that’s exactly what’s happened. I expected a more male-dominated environment, and while sometimes true, I’m continually inspired by the women driving our industry forward.
Impact of Gen Z’s viewing habits on live events: Gen Z has forced the viewing experience to become more fan-friendly, as they expect a personalized experience. They want a seamless process that knows how to serve them exactly what they want when they open an app.
Best use cases for AI in sports: I’m fascinated by how teams and athletes will use AI to improve player performance and health. As athletes get smarter about their training, recovery and performance, it will only improve the viewing experience for the fans.
When I attend a sporting event, I want … : A close game that comes down to the wire!
You’d be surprised to know that … : The first acquisitions deal I ever led for ESPN was corgi races for ESPN The Ocho!
