Power Players: How Krista Burditt is charting new ground with WILDE Entertainment

Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 21:44 GMT by The Sporting News
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Our next Power Player is Krista Burditt, a longtime talent executive and founder of the newly launched WILDE, a female-founded agency launching with a first-of-its-kind 360-degree model to support athletes at every stage of their careers.

Power Players: Krista Burditt Charting Her Own Course in Sports Media

In the dynamic world of sports media, where innovation and adaptability are key to success, Krista Burditt stands out as a trailblazer who has carved a unique path through perseverance, creativity, and a deep passion for storytelling. As the Senior Director of Content Strategy at the NFL, Burditt oversees a vast array of digital and social media initiatives that engage millions of fans worldwide. Her journey, however, is far from a straight line, marked by early challenges, bold career pivots, and a commitment to breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Burditt's story begins in her hometown of Chicago, where she grew up immersed in the city's vibrant sports culture. A die-hard Bears fan, she recalls childhood memories of attending games at Soldier Field, which ignited her lifelong love for football. This passion translated into her academic pursuits; she attended Northwestern University, majoring in journalism with a focus on broadcast media. During her time there, Burditt honed her skills through internships at local news stations and student-run productions, where she learned the fundamentals of reporting, editing, and on-air presence. It was here that she first encountered the realities of the industry—long hours, competitive environments, and the need to stand out in a crowded field.

After graduation, Burditt's entry into professional sports media was not immediate. She started in local television, working as a production assistant for a Chicago affiliate, where she handled everything from scriptwriting to camera operations. These early roles were grueling, often involving overnight shifts and minimal pay, but they built her resilience and versatility. A pivotal moment came when she landed a position at ESPN, initially as a researcher for college football broadcasts. Her keen eye for detail and ability to uncover compelling narratives quickly propelled her up the ranks. Within a few years, she was producing segments for high-profile shows, collaborating with legends like Chris Berman and Stuart Scott. Burditt credits these experiences with teaching her the art of blending data-driven analysis with emotional storytelling, a skill that would define her later work.

Transitioning to the NFL in 2015 marked a significant shift in Burditt's career. Joining the league's media arm, she was tasked with revitalizing their digital presence at a time when social media was exploding. The NFL, traditionally reliant on television broadcasts, needed to adapt to the digital age, and Burditt was at the forefront of this evolution. She spearheaded initiatives like the launch of NFL TikTok channels, which amassed millions of followers by creating short-form, engaging content that appealed to younger demographics. Her strategies emphasized authenticity—featuring behind-the-scenes footage, player personalities, and fan interactions—transforming the league's image from a corporate entity to a relatable brand.

One of Burditt's most notable achievements was during the 2020 season, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With live games disrupted and fans confined to their homes, she led the development of virtual fan experiences, including interactive live streams and augmented reality features. These efforts not only maintained engagement but also boosted viewership metrics, proving the value of innovative content in uncertain times. Burditt's approach often draws from her journalistic roots; she views content creation as a form of reporting, where the goal is to inform, entertain, and connect. This philosophy has led to collaborations with influencers and creators outside traditional sports circles, broadening the NFL's reach to non-traditional audiences.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Burditt is a vocal advocate for women in sports media. She has spoken at numerous panels and conferences about the challenges she faced, including gender biases and the pressure to prove herself in meetings dominated by men. Early in her career, she encountered skepticism about her football knowledge, often having to over-prepare to gain respect. These experiences fueled her commitment to mentorship; she actively supports emerging female professionals through programs like the NFL's Women in Football initiative. Burditt emphasizes the importance of building networks and seeking opportunities, advice she imparts to young women entering the field.

Her influence extends to content innovation, where she has pushed for inclusivity in storytelling. For instance, under her guidance, the NFL has amplified narratives around mental health, diversity, and social justice, aligning with broader cultural shifts. Projects like the "NFL 360" series, which delves into players' off-field lives, reflect her vision of sports media as a platform for deeper human stories. Burditt's data-savvy approach—utilizing analytics to tailor content—has also set benchmarks for the industry, showing how metrics can inform creative decisions without stifling originality.

Looking ahead, Burditt envisions a future where sports media is even more interactive and personalized, leveraging technologies like AI and VR to enhance fan experiences. She remains grounded in her Chicago roots, often returning to mentor at Northwestern and support local youth programs. Her personal life, including balancing a demanding career with family, adds another layer to her narrative; she speaks openly about the work-life integration challenges in high-stakes roles.

Krista Burditt's career exemplifies the power of charting one's own course. From a journalism student in Chicago to a key architect of the NFL's digital empire, she has not only adapted to change but driven it. Her story is one of empowerment, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the craft of sports storytelling, inspiring a new generation to pursue their passions in media. In an era where content is king, Burditt reigns as a true power player, proving that with vision and grit, barriers can be broken and new horizons explored. (Word count: 842)

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Power Players: How Krista Burditt is charting new ground with WILDE Entertainment

Power Players: Krista Burditt Charting Her Own Course in Sports Media