ESPN sought to deepen relevance with key consumer segments, strengthen its corporate partner ecosystem, and evolve a moment-driven marketing initiative into a scalable, repeatable platform. The opportunity required more than creative execution — it demanded a cohesive strategy that could integrate brand storytelling, internal and external partnerships, community engagement, and performance measurement across ESPN, NBA properties, and The Walt Disney Company.

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Seven Elements Group partnered with ESPN to architect and operationalize that evolution, guiding the transition from campaign to platform. Our work spanned program design and governance, participant selection and relationship management, strategic partnerships, content and video production, and ongoing program operations. Today, ESPN Champion Black Businesses operates as an award-winning small business accelerator, celebrating its sixth season in 2025. The platform has supported 19 businesses across more than 13 NBA cities, driven measurable gains in visibility, opportunity, and sales for participating founders, and delivered sustained brand and partner value — generating more than 36 million television impressions, over 10 million social impressions, and recognition from eight major marketing industry awards.

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This work reflects our expertise in building and transforming campaigns into enduring marketing platforms that deliver cultural relevance, operational scale, and long-term enterprise value.