How to Get a Job in the NBA: Tips, Roles, and Insider Advice

Have you ever wondered how to get a job in the NBA? Luckily, you don’t need a “money shot” like Steph Curry or a stellar blocking game like Rudy Gobert to be part of the league. 

Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast or a die-hard fan, there are ample NBA job opportunities available for early and seasoned professionals. From front-office staff to back-end operations, professionals with the right skills and connections can land a rewarding career in the NBA. Continue reading for actionable tips for breaking into the professional basketball league.

NBA Job Opportunities for Professionals

The NBA offers diverse career opportunities for job seekers, from player relations and ticket sales to digital media and basketball operations. While some roles may require more years of experience than others, there are a variety of opportunities for early-career professionals to break into the league and work their way up.

Here’s a look at some of the available NBA league jobs by category or specialization:

• Team: Coaching staff positions and positions in scouting, player development, and player relations
• Business operations: Back-office roles in finance, legal, and human resources, as well as roles that drive revenue for the league like sponsorships, partnerships, and ticket sales
• Digital media and marketing: Positions ranging from production assistant and sports writer to social media manager and communications coordinator
• Technology and analytics: Data analytics roles analyzing player performance or business performance and technical roles focused on enhancing digital and in-app experiences, which include jobs like software engineer, technical program manager, and game reviewer
• Community and fan relations: Positions focused on driving community outreach and fan engagement programs

Based on your area of expertise or interest – and your willingness to potentially relocate – there’s likely an NBA team job that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

Put Your Relevant Skills and Experience on Display

Your resume is often your first impression with potential employers in the league. Make it count by highlighting skills and experiences that make you stand out as a top contender.

Technical Skills

A rule of thumb for every job seeker – regardless of whether you’re searching for NBA team jobs – is to highlight skills relevant to the position for which you’re applying. If you’re in the market for a software engineering role, for example, your resume should call out your knowledge of data algorithms, programming languages, and performance optimization. For a data analyst role, highlight your skills and background in statistics, machine learning, and working in large data sets.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills if you’re in the market for NBA jobs. To decide which soft skills to emphasize, focus on ones applicable to both basketball and the workplace. Those include:

• Teamwork: Highlight your ability to work well cross-functionally and as part of a team.
• Communication: Model good verbal and nonverbal communication throughout the interview process.
• Critical thinking: Provide examples of times you had to “think on your feet” and make in-the-moment decisions.
• Adaptability: Showcase your ability to stay composed and level-headed in the midst of change.
• Resilience: Demonstrate how you view setbacks, or losses, as learning and growth opportunities.

Basketball Expertise

Finally, when applying for NBA jobs, showcasing your basketball knowledge and passion for the game is a no-brainer. To stand out among other job seekers, find creative ways to demonstrate your understanding of basketball culture, current league trends, and top players. 

One option is to create basketball content that puts your expertise on display. Consider starting a dedicated blog or social media account analyzing game strategy, explaining key concepts like the pick-and-roll and zone defense, and discussing advanced statistics like player efficiency rating. And don’t forget to mention this content on your application and in your interviews.

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How to Network and Build Connections for NBA Jobs

When it comes to landing an NBA job, networking is key and relationships are your currency. There are only 30 NBA teams, and building a relationship with employers and decision-makers in the league can give you a one-way ticket in. 

Here’s what Drew Friedman, former Golden State Warriors’ Partnership Development Manager, had to say about networking: 

“Networking has been huge for me. I just started reaching out to people and I got noes or I got ‘maybe next week.’ But then I also got the yeses that really helped me grow.”

Here are a few tips for networking and building connections in the NBA:

Be Active on LinkedIn

Connect with current or former NBA employees, particularly those in roles you’re seeking, and spark meaningful conversations to learn about their journey into the league. LinkedIn is also a great place to share the basketball content mentioned earlier, showcasing your interest and passion for the game of basketball to your network.

Attend NBA Career Fairs and Events

Take it a step further and connect face-to-face with NBA executives. Many sports organizations, including those in the NBA, host career fairs to fill entry-level job opportunities and provide sports career advice, particularly for college students and recent graduates.

Other events – like sports conventions, Summer League, and local NBA events – allow you to rub elbows with potential employers and colleagues. You can introduce yourself, state your aspirations, and position yourself as an eager and passionate candidate for an NBA job.

Pursue Internships With NBA Organizations

NBA organizations often provide internship opportunities to college students and recent graduates. Some are focused on a specific function or specialization, while others expose participants to various departments within the NBA. If you’re just starting out in your career, the right internship can help you get your foot in the door to meet the right people. 

Key Takeaways

Breaking into the NBA is no easy feat, but it’s possible with enough persistence, passion, and know-how. Take it from Melissa Silberman, Head of Partnership Development and Insights for the Atlanta Hawks, who “applied for hundreds and hundreds of jobs” before landing her first role in professional sports. Taking strategic steps – like tailoring your resume to showcase relevant skills, diversifying your career options, and building meaningful connections – can give you a winning shot at landing your dream role in the league. 

Visit WorkInSports’ extensive Resource Center for valuable advice and resources to help you land your dream career in the NBA.