Saweetie announced as ESPN’s Monday Night Football Music Curator for NFL 2025-26 Season
Saweetie Becomes First Female Music Curator for MNF
Saweetie just made history with ESPN. The multi-platinum rapper and cultural trendsetter has been named the first-ever female music curator for Monday Night Football. This marks a new chapter for the long-running broadcast, as ESPN brings in one of hip-hop’s most stylish and energetic stars to help soundtrack the 2025-26 NFL season.
The announcement came with more than just a title. Saweetie and ESPN are teaming up on a unique fan experience to celebrate the season kickoff, blending music, fashion, and football in a way that reflects her signature style.
Saweetie’s Role as Music Curator
As the official curator, Saweetie will hand-pick tracks for select Monday Night Football games throughout the season. Her selections will appear in promotional spots, live broadcasts, and ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown.
This role has become one of the most exciting intersections of music and sports in recent years. ESPN has invited stars like Drake, DJ Khaled, Diplo, and J Balvin to put their stamp on MNF. But by choosing Saweetie, ESPN is breaking new ground and highlighting the influence of female artists in spaces long dominated by men.
The Pop-Up Nail Salon Experience in NYC
To celebrate, ESPN and Saweetie are bringing game-day energy to New York City with a one-day-only pop-up nail salon.
- Location: 21 Greene St., New York City
- Date: Saturday, September 6
- Time: Noon – 5 p.m. ET
Fans who stop by can get football-inspired nail designs and exclusive gear ahead of the season kickoff. This event ties directly to Saweetie’s brand—her love of nails, beauty, and creativity. It also shows how sports partnerships are expanding beyond music into lifestyle and culture.
The nail salon isn’t just a marketing stunt—it’s a way for fans to physically engage with the excitement of Monday Night Football.
Saweetie’s Connection to Football
In her announcement, Saweetie emphasized how meaningful this role is for her:
“Football has always been in my blood, so I’m beyond grateful to be the first female curator for Monday Night Football on ESPN.”
Her words underline the personal connection she feels to the game. By combining her love of football with her music and fashion identity, Saweetie is bringing something authentic to the broadcast.
ESPN’s Take on the Partnership
Curtis Friends, ESPN’s Vice President of Sports Marketing, explained why Saweetie is the right choice:
“Bringing Saweetie into the fold as our Monday Night Football music curator is more than the tracks themselves – she has that energy, persona and cultural impact that resonates with the game.”
He also highlighted how the nail salon event is a natural extension of her creativity. For ESPN, this is about more than background music—it’s about creating memorable fan experiences that blend sports, culture, and entertainment.
The Music: Saweetie’s “Pressure” Featured in Week 1
Fans won’t have to wait long to hear Saweetie’s influence on MNF. Her track “Pressure,” from her new five-song EP Hella Pressure, will be used in creative spots ahead of Week 1’s Vikings vs. Bears matchup on September 8.
This track sets the tone for her curation. High-energy, stylish, and unapologetically bold—just like Saweetie herself.
A Legacy of Music Curators on MNF
Saweetie now joins an impressive list of artists who have shaped Monday Night Football’s sound. Over the past several years, ESPN has tapped global stars to connect music with the NFL’s biggest weekly stage:
- 2024: J Balvin
- 2023: Timbaland & Justin Timberlake
- 2022: Marshmello
- 2021: Drake
- 2020: DJ Khaled
- 2019: Diplo
With Saweetie, ESPN is making history by choosing the first woman for this role. This shift reflects both the growing influence of women in sports culture and the demand for new perspectives in NFL entertainment.
Monday Night Football Returns in 2025
The partnership arrives just in time for another massive MNF season. ESPN’s NFL lineup will feature 25 games, including:
- 21 Monday Night Football games
- Week 18 Doubleheader Saturday
- A Monday night Wild Card game
- A Monday night Divisional playoff game
The broadcast team returns with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, and Laura Rutledge, ensuring fans get the mix of tradition and innovation that makes MNF one of the league’s most-watched showcases.
Why This Collaboration Works
This partnership between ESPN and Saweetie works on multiple levels:
- Representation: Saweetie is the first female curator, breaking barriers in both music and sports spaces.
- Culture: The pop-up nail salon taps into beauty, style, and fan culture, going beyond football.
- Music synergy: Her track “Pressure” fits perfectly with the intensity of NFL game days.
- Engagement: By creating in-person experiences, ESPN builds excitement before the season even begins.
This collaboration doesn’t just promote football—it creates cultural moments that live outside the stadium.
The Growing Role of Music in Sports
Music has always played a big role in sports, from national anthems to halftime shows. But in the past decade, the relationship has become deeper. Leagues and broadcasters now see music partnerships as a way to reach younger audiences, blend fan bases, and add energy to broadcasts.
The NFL, in particular, has leaned heavily into music. From the Super Bowl halftime show to MNF curators, the league recognizes that music helps set the mood for fans at home and in stadiums.
Saweetie’s appointment shows how these partnerships are evolving. It’s not just about songs—it’s about merging identity, culture, and community into the game-day experience.
Saweetie’s role as the first female music curator for Monday Night Football is more than a milestone—it’s a statement. It highlights the NFL’s efforts to bring diverse voices into its biggest weekly showcase and demonstrates ESPN’s commitment to fresh, creative partnerships.
With Hella Pressure fueling the season kickoff, a NYC pop-up event, and curated tracks throughout the schedule, Saweetie is set to leave her mark on the 2025-26 season.
Football fans and Icy Girls alike will have plenty to look forward to when the Vikings face the Bears on September 8. Monday nights just got a lot more stylish—and a lot more icy.