Media, Partnerships and Content Intern

About the Role

The 2027 NBA Summer Internship is a 10-week program, running from June 7 – August 13, 2027. This program is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the business of basketball, opportunities to develop critical career skills, and the chance to contribute to significant projects across various departments within the NBA and its affiliated leagues (WNBA & G League). The program includes on-the-job experience, professional development sessions, and community and social activities. The program primarily targets rising seniors, with limited exceptions for graduate students based on business needs. Interns are expected to maintain excellent academic standing and possess strong written and verbal communication skills, along with demonstrated leadership abilities through extracurricular or community involvement.

Role Overview

Selected interns will support the development and management of media, merchandising, licensing, and marketing partnerships with prominent global brands. Key assignments may involve market research for sales and new business ventures, preparation and support for partnership meetings, and detailed analysis of market opportunities. Additional responsibilities can include day-to-day tasks supporting on-site events and activations, content capture, and preparation for partner development discussions.

Past interns have contributed to departments such as:

• Digital Media: Focusing on fan and business growth through digital technology and innovation, including strategy, strategic partnerships, AI transformation, digital products, and emerging technologies.
• Global Media Distribution: Managing relationships with domestic and international media partners and overseeing the worldwide distribution of game and programming content for the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and USA Basketball.
• Global Partnerships: Developing and managing marketing and merchandising partnerships with well-known global brands, utilizing commercial assets for storytelling and fan engagement across various NBA-affiliated entities.

These roles require a foundational understanding of AI technologies in project execution and achieving business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the global business development team to pursue prospects, covering initial contact strategy, sales presentation and proposal development/delivery, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Coordinate with internal teams to develop customized programs for prospects and introduce new ideas to the market.
• Identify sales prospects and key contacts for potential sponsorships across the portfolio of leagues.
• Conduct field research on emerging industries, categories, international companies, and executives to identify new content technologies and business opportunities.
• Establish and manage relationships with key external contacts, including corporate decision-makers and influencers in sports marketing and agency sectors.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Adobe Creative Suite, with Photoshop preferred
• Basic Photography and photo-related software experience
• Knowledge of new and emerging platforms and social networks

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program and entering your Senior year in the academic year following the internship.
• Majors typically well-suited for these roles include: Business Management, Communications, Digital Media, Fashion Merchandising, Film/Media Studies, Graphic Design, or Photography.
• Proven project management experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and a willingness to work hard.
• General knowledge of sponsorships, sports business, and/or industry knowledge.
• Innate curiosity about the evolving media landscape and consumer content consumption.
• Ability to independently forge relationships internally to advance projects.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good listener, phenomenal communicator, and hard worker.

Compensation

$26/hr

Work Option

The NBA offers eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.

About The NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization dedicated to inspiring and connecting people worldwide through basketball. It comprises five professional sports leagues: NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, and Basketball Africa League. The NBA has a significant international presence, with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in over 50 languages. Merchandise is sold in more than 200 countries and territories across all seven continents. The NBA's digital platforms include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App, and NBA League Pass. The NBA boasts one of the largest social media communities globally, with over 2.5 billion likes and followers across all leagues, team, and player platforms. The NBA Cares initiative is the league's global social impact platform, addressing issues related to health and wellness, civic engagement, social justice and inclusion, and sustainability.