ESPN's THE UNDEFEATED Names Lisa Wilson Senior Editor for Sports

By: Caryn Robbins Feb. 27, 2017

THE UNDEFEATED, ESPN's multiplatform initiative for sports, race and culture, has named Lisa Wilson its new senior editor for sports. Most recently the executive sports editor at The Buffalo News, Wilson is the nation's only black female sports editor at a major metropolitan daily. She begins her new role March 13 and will be based in Washington, D.C.

Wilson will be responsible for content on The Undefeated's sports vertical while overseeing a team of seasoned sports writers who produce compelling daily stories and long-form features. She will also spearhead sports-focused multimedia projects at The Undefeated and will work with counterparts across ESPN platforms on other content.

"We are thrilled that Lisa is joining The Undefeated. She is highly respected across the country, and will bring gravitas and creative energy to our sports coverage," said Kevin Merida, ESPN Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated.

Wilson served as executive sports editor at The Buffalo News since 2011. She oversaw a dynamic staff that covers professional sports, including the local Buffalo Bills and Sabres franchises; University at Buffalo, St. Bonaventure University and other area college programs; major events, such as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Regionals in Buffalo; and high school sports.

"I am proud of what we've accomplished at my hometown newspaper. I will miss working with an awesome group of journalists, but I can't wait to get started at The Undefeated," said Wilson. "I have enjoyed its unique storytelling since it launched last year. It is an honor to join such a talented team and to be put in charge of the sports vertical."

In 2014, Wilson led The Buffalo News sports department's critically-acclaimed reporting on the sale of the Bills from THE FAMILY of Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson to Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula.

During Wilson's tenure, The News earned two Grand Slams (2012 and 2014) as a Top 10 daily, Sunday and special section, as well as a Top 10 website, in the Associated Press Sports Editors' annual contest. In all, The News earned a Triple Crown (Top 10 in three of the four categories) on three occasions - 2011, 2013 and 2015. Wilson was also instrumental in helping transform The Buffalo News into a digital HUB for regional sports news and information.

Wilson arrived at The Buffalo News as a copy and layout editor in September 1998. Through the years, her roles and responsibilities grew progressively at the Western New York media company, including a promotion to assistant sports editor in in October 2007. Prior to The News, Wilson worked at the Niagara Gazette in Niagara Falls, N.Y. from 1992-98 as a sports reporter, features editor and sports editor.

Image courtesy of ESPN press