MSG Networks Bolsters Content Team with Hire of Award-Winning ESPN Producer Talaya Wilkins as Vice President of Content Strategy

MSG Networks Bolsters Content Team with Hire of Award-Winning
ESPN Producer Talaya Wilkins as Vice President of Content Strategy

New York, NY (August 19, 2021) – MSG Networks announced today the hire of Talaya Wilkins as Vice President of Content Strategy as it looks to add to its growing content division. In her role, Wilkins will lead a newly formed team designed to drive the network’s overall content strategy, with an increased focus on developing programming targeted at the growing sports betting audience.

Wilkins, an award-winning producer at ESPN, will spearhead the creation of new content across MSG Networks’ linear, digital and social channels, while helping to identify on-air talent and influential content creators that can broaden the company’s appeal and build viewer engagement. Wilkins will report to Kevin Marotta, MSG Networks’ Senior Vice President, Marketing and Content Strategy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Talaya, who comes to MSG Networks after creating and overseeing so many critically acclaimed programs and specials at ESPN,” said Kevin Marotta, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Content Strategy, MSG Networks. “Talaya is charged with leading our sports betting initiatives, while also bringing a fresh approach to developing content for New York area sports fans of all ages and interests.”

Prior to joining MSG Networks, Wilkins spent 14 years at ESPN, where she most recently served as Managing Producer on ESPN+, overseeing a dozen studio shows and original series including Stephen A.’s World, Detail (helmed by the late Kobe Bryant) and More Than An Athlete S2. She also had production stints on a variety of popular ESPN programs including Get Up, SportsCenter, First Take, NBA Countdown, His & Hers, SC6 and Outside The Lines, as well as on the network’s coverage of various remote events including the ESPYs, the NBA Finals and select college football bowl games.

Wilkins has received four Emmy nominations throughout her career, most recently for her work on The Undefeated Special, The Stop: Living, Driving and Dying While Black. She was also selected to serve as a board member for ESPN’s Employee Resource Group, P.U.L.S.E. (People United to Lead, Serve and Excel), and Content Chair for the Inclusive Content Committee. Wilkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing Management from Siena College and played Division-I Women’s Basketball for the Saints.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian. In addition, the Company features the original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. The Company’s two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+, deliver a wide range of live sports content and other programming. Also under the MSG Entertainment umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Hakkasan and Omnia. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

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