Free Virtual Event to Feature Athletes, Anchors & Sports Analysts, Click Here to Register
May 5, 2025 – NBCU Academy, the award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech, will present Next Level Summit: Gamechangers – Reimagining Sports Media live on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11am ET.
The free virtual event will look ahead to the future of sports media, explore trends and introduce students and industry professionals to the biggest the innovators shaping the industry, including several of those preparing to produce some of the biggest upcoming moments in sports, from Super Bowl LX and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Wednesday’s event marks NBCU Academy’s 7th Next Level Summit, with previous topics ranging from the future of AI to the power of masterful storytelling.
Next Level Summit: Gamechangers – Reimagining Sports Media will feature:
Seismic Shift: The New Playbook for Sports Media
Today’s sports fans aren’t just watching—they’re streaming, sharing, swiping, and demanding more. As fan behaviors evolve and tech unlocks new frontiers, media companies must balance bold innovation with smart strategy— while also adapting to growing fan bases whose expectations around language, culture and content access are reshaping how sports are delivered. With an unrivaled portfolio of sports across the networks of NBCUniversal, including the NFL, FIFA World Cup, Kentucky Derby, Olympics, Premier League, PGA TOUR and the NBA coming in 2026, top leaders from the company share how they’re future-proofing sports coverage—from investing in emerging platforms to rethinking rights, partnerships, and audience engagement. This panel explores the strategic bets driving the next era of sports media.
Steve Kornacki: From the Big Board to the Scoreboard
You know him as the political numbers wizard in khakis. But did you know NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki has a serious passion for sports? Whether it’s election night or race day at the Kentucky Derby, Kornacki’s love for stats and storytelling makes him the ultimate breakdown artist. Watch as he explains how he brings real-time sports data to life.
All Eyes On Us: Producing the World’s Biggest Sporting Events
What does it take to bring the world’s biggest sports moments to life—live drama, flawless execution, and unforgettable endings? Go behind the scenes of events like the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, Paralympics, and Super Bowl with the pros who make it happen. From cutting-edge tech to high-pressure storytelling, this panel dives into the logistics, innovation, teamwork and split-second decisions that shape how fans experience the action in a world where culture, language and access influence how fans connect to sports. If you’ve ever been glued to the screen wondering how did they pull that off?—this is your all-access pass.
Power Players: Women Driving a New Sports Era
Women’s sports are growing at a meteoric pace and commanding global attention like never before—bringing record-breaking viewership, increased investment, and long-overdue recognition. Our fireside chat will examine how the rapid growth of women’s sports is creating transformative opportunities across the industry, from the field of play to the media landscape.
Career Expo: Getting in the Game – How to Land a Job in Sports Media
Curious about what it really takes to break into the world of sports media? Join recruiters from NBCUniversal Sports and Telemundo Deportes for an honest, practical conversation about building a career in this competitive industry. Learn what networks are looking for in emerging talent, how to stand out in your applications, and which skills and experiences matter most in today’s evolving media landscape. Bring your questions—this interactive session is designed to set you up for success.
###
NBCU Academy is a free, award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech, partnering with 45 academic institutions across the US.
NBCU Academy is part of Project UP — Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet, create digital opportunity and help build a future of Unlimited Possibilities.
