By Brian Steinberg

ESPN has announced that it will split responsibility for many of its flagship studio programs between two different programming executives. At the same time, it will overhaul the structure of its overall content division, including the creation of a new position for a president to oversee Super Bowl production. The Disney-backed sports media giant will be allowed to air the Super Bowl in 2026 and 2030, under the terms of its most recent deal with the NFL.

Historically, oversight of these programs has been split among different executives, but “one key message heard loud and clear” during recent internal discussions “was the recommendation that studio, production and editorial functions be better aligned for effectiveness and creativity,” Burke Magnus, president of content, said in a memo issued Monday.

Mike McQuade, a 37-year veteran of ESPN, was named executive vice president of sports production, overseeing studio programs built around a specific sport, including those tied to the NFL and NBA. David Roberts, meanwhile, was named executive vice president of sports news and entertainment, overseeing shows with a broader slant, including "First Take," "Sports Center" and "Get Up."