The Walt Disney Company · 5 hours ago
Senior Sports Data Scientist
Bristol, CT
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expThe Walt Disney Company is seeking a Senior Sports Data Scientist who will serve as a technical leader in designing and implementing advanced predictive models for ESPN's analytics products. This role combines data science with sports expertise to create solutions that enhance storytelling across various platforms while also mentoring junior team members and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Amusement Park and ArcadeAnimationConsumer GoodsDigital MediaE-CommerceMedia and EntertainmentMulti-level MarketingPerforming ArtsResorts
Responsibilities
Design and implement advanced machine learning models and statistical algorithms to predict player and team performance, including pre-game and in-game predictions
Apply modern techniques including deep learning, Bayesian methods, ensemble models, and reinforcement learning to solve complex sports analytics problems
Leverage AI technologies to enhance analytics capabilities and create innovative solutions for sports player and team evaluation
Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy models at scale, ensuring robust performance in production environments
Transform complex statistical findings into clear, actionable insights that enhance storytelling across all ESPN platforms
Partner with product and content teams to identify high-impact opportunities for analytics integration
Mentor junior data scientists and establish best practices for code quality, model validation, and documentation
Present findings to senior leadership and external stakeholders, adapting communication style for technical and non-technical audiences
Stay current with academic research and industry trends in sports analytics, machine learning, and data science
Contribute to the team's technical strategy and help evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies
Qualification
Required
Minimum 5 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or quantitative analytics, with demonstrated expertise in sports analytics preferred
Advanced proficiency in Python or R for statistical modeling and machine learning
Expert-level SQL skills and experience with database systems
Deep understanding of statistical methods including regression analysis, time series forecasting, Bayesian inference, and causal inference
Proven track record of deploying machine learning models to production and monitoring their performance
Experience with cloud platforms
Experience with version control (Git) and software engineering best practices
Strong communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Demonstrated passion for sports with working knowledge of major sports leagues, players, teams, and statistical trends
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines
Full availability for this position, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays during major sporting events
Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, or related quantitative field, OR
High School Diploma/Equivalent with Minimum 5 years of relevant data science experience demonstrating equivalent expertise
Preferred
Advanced degree in Statistics, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Operations Research, or related quantitative field
Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The Walt Disney Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (83)
2024 (63)
2023 (96)
2022 (130)
2021 (30)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$11BKey Investors
Citibank
2020-04-13Post Ipo Debt· $5B
2020-03-20Post Ipo Debt· $6B
1978-01-06IPO
Leadership Team
Robert Iger
CEO
Christine M. McCarthy
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-20
Company data provided by crunchbase