EssentiallySports is a digital sports media publisher that produces news, long-form features, analysis and video content across major and niche sports. Operating in the online media and publishing industry, the company focuses on creating engaging ed...
People who work here often talk about the energetic newsroom vibe and the fast pace. You will hear stories about tight deadlines, last-minute story pivots, and the thrill of seeing content go viral. Several current and former employees say they enjoy the camaraderie — teammates jump in to help during crunch time and celebrate wins together. If you are used to dynamic, sports-focused work, you will likely feel at home. Many reviews mention the strong editorial focus and learning-by-doing culture when discussing working at EssentiallySports.
The company culture at EssentiallySports leans heavily into passion for sports, storytelling, and growth. Teams are encouraged to experiment with formats and push creative boundaries. There is a clear emphasis on results, but you will find people who care about mentoring and knowledge sharing. The phrase company culture at EssentiallySports often comes up in conversations about collaboration and high energy — it is a place where enthusiasm and hustle are both expected and rewarded.
Work-life balance at EssentiallySports can be a mixed bag depending on role and team. Editorial and production roles often require irregular hours due to live events and breaking news, so you will sometimes work late or on weekends. Other teams, like product or marketing, report more predictable schedules and better time boundaries. Overall, you can expect busy stretches followed by quieter periods, and managers generally try to accommodate time-off requests when possible.
Job security tends to reflect the broader media industry trends. There have been periods of restructuring and role re-evaluation, which means that employees should be prepared for periodic organizational changes. The company does make efforts to align staffing with business goals and market demand, and there is usually clear communication when changes are necessary. Candidates should consider their adaptability and cross-functional skills when evaluating long-term prospects.
Leadership emphasizes metrics, growth, and audience engagement. Senior leaders set clear KPIs and expect teams to meet performance targets. Communication from the top is generally consistent and transparent about company priorities. There is focus on experimentation and scaling what works, which can be motivating for people who enjoy data-driven decisions. Leadership is accessible, and there are opportunities to hear updates directly from executive team members.
Managers vary by department, but common threads include hands-on support and a results-oriented approach. Many managers are praised for being available, giving direct feedback, and helping staff develop practical skills. In some cases, employees would like more career planning conversations and structured one-on-one development time. Overall, managers tend to be pragmatic, supportive, and focused on execution.
The company supports learning through on-the-job experience, shadowing, and occasional internal workshops. Formal training programs are limited, so much of the upskilling happens through daily tasks, mentorship, and cross-team projects. Employees who proactively seek learning opportunities and request stretch assignments will find many ways to grow their skill set.
Promotions are available but often tied to performance, impact, and business need. Career progression can be faster in fast-growing teams where new roles are created regularly. In more mature or tightly staffed teams, promotions may take longer and require demonstrated cross-functional contributions and leadership. Transparency around promotion criteria is improving, but employees should seek clarity from managers on pathways and timelines.
Salary ranges are generally competitive with industry standards for digital media, though they vary significantly by role and geography. Compensation tends to reflect experience level and the ability to directly drive audience growth or revenue. Candidates should research market benchmarks and be prepared to negotiate based on measurable accomplishments and specialized skills. Salary discussions are approached professionally and with reference to performance.
Bonuses and incentives exist but are typically linked to company performance and individual targets. Some teams have clear bonus structures tied to metrics like traffic, subscriptions, or revenue contribution. Other teams may receive spot bonuses or recognition awards for exceptional work. Overall, incentives are used to align employee efforts with business goals.
Health and insurance benefits meet standard expectations for companies of this size. Plans typically include medical, dental, and vision options, with employer contributions toward premiums. Details and cost-sharing vary by location. Employees generally report that the benefits package provides reasonable coverage, though those with specialized needs should review plan specifics during onboarding.
The company runs regular team events, town halls, and recognition programs to keep engagement high. Social activities, like team outings and watch parties for big sporting events, are common and contribute to a strong sense of community. There are also occasional learning sessions and cross-team meetups to share wins and best practices.
Remote work support is provided, with many teams adopting hybrid or fully remote arrangements depending on role. The organization invests in collaboration tools and communication best practices to keep distributed teams connected. Remote employees will find regular check-ins and virtual social moments to maintain team cohesion.
Average working hours vary by function. Editorial staff may work irregular shifts and longer hours around events, while product and operations teams tend to follow standard business hours with occasional overtime. Expect flexibility in scheduling but be prepared for peak periods that demand extra time.
Attrition is moderate and often aligns with media industry cycles. There have been instances of layoffs during business realignments, reflecting the need to adapt to market shifts. The company usually provides notice and supports transitions, but prospective employees should be aware that industry volatility can affect staffing stability.
Overall, this company offers an energetic, growth-driven environment for people passionate about sports and digital media. You will find collaborative teams, opportunities to learn quickly, and leadership focused on measurable results. While work-life balance and job security can vary by role, the culture rewards initiative and performance. For candidates who thrive in fast-paced settings and enjoy a team-oriented atmosphere, this company is a solid match.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at EssentiallySports
Supportive leadership and clear career paths. Strong focus on SEO, analytics and learning — lots of opportunities to own projects and experiment with content formats.
Busy during major sports seasons; compensation could be more aggressive.
Hands-on experience with sports video workflows.
Frequent last-minute edits and inconsistent deadlines. Contract renewals were uncertain and pay bumps were rare.
