Basketball and Events Intern

About the Role

The 2027 NBA Summer Internship is a 10-week program running from June 7 – August 13, 2027. The program offers participants the opportunity to learn about the business of basketball, develop critical career skills, and contribute to meaningful projects across various departments within the NBA and its affiliate leagues (WNBA & G League).

In addition to on-the-job experience, interns will participate in professional development programming, as well as community and social events. The program prioritizes rising seniors, with limited exceptions for graduate students, based on business needs. Interns should demonstrate excellent academic standing and strong written and verbal communication skills. Leadership skills, as demonstrated through relevant extracurricular or community activities, are also sought.

Role Overview

Selected interns will support key aspects of the basketball ecosystem, including events, league operations, and basketball programs. Interns may assist with international initiatives and marquee events like the NBA Draft and Summer League, as well as other operations-based functions to support the on-court basketball experience.

Past interns have worked across departments such as:

• Global Basketball Operations: Responsible for overseeing and enforcing policies, procedures, and administration governing the playing of the game, including managing on-court activities, developing playing rules, and enforcing player conduct standards.
• Global Events: Supports marquee and media-driven events to deliver compelling live experiences, build fan-centric programming, and unlock new business opportunities for the commercial growth of the NBA.
• Social Responsibility & Player Programs (SRPP): Leads the NBA’s efforts in social impact, player development and marketing, and community engagement, advancing social impact & inclusion, corporate philanthropy, social justice, and economic opportunity initiatives.

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

Key Responsibilities

May include, but not limited to:

• Contributing to ad-hoc cross-functional strategy and operations with technology and innovation teams.
• Monitoring activities across various leagues, including game operations, arena standards, and game rules implementation.
• Supporting the team travel process, with a specific focus on team compliance, hotel & transportation standards, and improving player experience.
• Supporting NBA Summer League programming.
• Supporting on-site activations for affiliate league partners, including week-to-week project management and event support.
• Supporting season-long retail and marketing strategies for the affiliate leagues.
• Supporting Jr. NBA, Jr. WNBA and NBA International programming, including school-based programs, tournaments, and development clinics.
• Conducting field research to understand sports technology trends and new products/technologies to enhance the game of basketball.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program and entering Senior year in the academic year following the internship.
• Foundational mastery of AI technologies.
• Demonstrated software proficiency in Microsoft Office, and ability to learn new computer programs.
• Experience using AI technologies and platforms to organize and accomplish tasks.

Qualifications

• Passion for basketball, the NBA, and its affiliate leagues.
• Strong understanding of the global basketball landscape.
• Strong project management skills (data measurement, attention to detail, etc.).
• Experience with website and digital/social content design and UX/UI marketing.
• Skilled facilitator and presenter.

Majors typically best suited for these roles include: Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Operations, Sports Administration, Sports Business, Sports Marketing.

Work Option: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.

Salary Range: $26/hr