Talaya Gaines, a three-time Emmy Award-winning executive with two decades of experience in sports media, was named ESPN Vice President, Talent Relations & Development in December of 2025. Talaya returns to the ESPN, where she spent more than 14 years in content capacities, prior to her tenure at MSG Networks.

In her current role, Gaines is responsible for driving talent strategy that aligns with ESPN programming and production priorities. During her prior stint at ESPN and while at MSG, Gaines accumulated extensive experience in content strategy, studio production and original programming that aligned with talent goals and objectives.

At MSG Networks, Gaines served as Vice President, Content Strategy and Original Programming, setting a precedent for how regional sports networks cater to evolving fan preferences while overseeing four key verticals: Live studio, Branded Content, Licensing, and Talent Development. Gaines has successfully recruited, hired, and developed on-air personalities by humanizing the talent’s experience.

Gaines has built a reputation for prioritizing “who gets seen and heard” and has a track record of creating tangible opportunities for diverse talent. Her voice has been instrumental in talent succession planning across Knicks, Rangers, Devils, and Islanders’ broadcasts. Additionally, her work on the Women’s Empowerment Month campaign — which created a safe space for notable talent across the WNBA, PWHL, & NWSL – was a significant step in addressing broader industry issues and helped shape conversations for gender equity in sports.

Talaya’s leadership has been recognized, most recently by being highlighted in ‘The Women’s Playbook’ in Essence Magazine (2025) and Top Woman in Media by Cynopsis (2024).