The Engagement Academy
of Sports Entertainment
Comprised of industry leaders, athletes, creators, and entertainers, the Engagement Academy plays a vital role in driving an engaging and inclusive future of sports content, experiences, and entertainment. EASE members judge the Hashtag Sports Awards.

About The Academy
Presented by the Engagement Academy, the Hashtag Sports Awards are peer-based awards that recognize excellence in fan and consumer engagement and establish the benchmark for sports entertainment and experiences.
Through year-round events and education, the Engagement Academy exists to serve the sports entertainment community by celebrating, inspiring, and advocating for content creators, creatives, and marketers globally.
Featured Members

Deandra Duggans
Las Vegas Aces

Alexander Michaelsen
Jung von Matt SPORTS

Julie Haddon
NWSL

Bill Moseley
AT&T

Anmol Malhotra
Snap Inc

Martin Nance
Minnesota Vikings

Bonnie Bernstein
Walking Swiftly Productions

Jazmine Chase
Prime Video & Amazon Studios

Michael Bucklin
FOX Sports

Keisha Wright
THINK450

Phil Cook
WNBA

Marissa Weseloh
Verizon

Sean Brown
Autograph

Sara Crennan
NBA

Josh Hart
LightHarted

Tim Greenberg
World Surf League
MEMBERSHIP in the ENGAGEMENT Academy is by Invitation Only.
Academy Mission
To best serve fans in the digital age by recognizing excellence in engagement, inspiring creativity, and championing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and new ideas that galvanize the sports, media, and entertainment industries.
Creators of Color
- A new program from EASE in partnership with Canva that spotlights and empowers sports creatives ages 21-33 who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Talent Pipeline
- The Sports Entertainment Talent Pipeline (SETP) to help the sport, media, and entertainment industries discover and hire diverse creative talent.
Gender Equality
- Each year, The Engagement Academy and Hashtag Sports recognize executives who are committed to empowering women in sports and entertainment.