Undergraduate - Media, Partnerships and Content Intern

Location: New York, USA

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

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Position Summary

The 2027 NBA Summer Internship is a 10-week program that runs from June 7 – August 13, 2027. The program gives participants the opportunity to learn about the business of basketball, develop critical career skills, and contribute to meaningful projects across a range of departments in the NBA and its affiliate leagues (WNBA & G League). In addition to on-the-job experience, interns are invited to participate in a broad array of professional development programming as well as community and social experiences.

The program prioritizes rising seniors, with limited exceptions for graduate students, based on business need.

Interns should reflect excellent academic standing and have strong written and verbal communication skills. Additionally, we look for candidates who possess leadership skills as demonstrated through relevant extracurricular or community activities.

More information on the Summer Internship program experience can be found here.

Role Overview

Selected interns will aid in the development and management of media, merchandising, licensing, and marketing partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Major assignments may include market research on sales and new business opportunities, preparation and support of partnership meetings, and detailed analysis of market opportunities. Additional responsibilities may include the day-to-day assignments to support on-site events and activations, content capture, and preparation for partner development conversations.

Past interns have worked across a range of departments, including:

Digital Media, which advances fan and business growth for the league and teams through digital technology and business innovation. Our work is focused on cross-functional collaboration to architect strategy, develop strategic partnerships, and identify and operate high-value solutions spanning AI transformation, digital products, and emerging technologies for the league and teams.

Global Media Distribution, which manages the NBA’s relationships with domestic and international media partners, overseeing the distribution of game and programming content worldwide. The team delivers NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and USA Basketball content to fans across more than 200 countries and territories.

Global Partnerships, which develops and manages marketing and merchandising partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. The group works closely with these partners to leverage our commercial assets (including league and team marks, marketing rights, game imagery, brand integrations, and league events and experiences) to drive storytelling and connections with fans of the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and USA Basketball.

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

Major Responsibilities

May include, but not limited to

Working with our global business development team to pursue prospects through initial contact strategy, development and delivery of sales presentations and proposals, negotiation, and contract execution

Coordinating with internal teams and resources to develop customized programs for prospects and bring best ideas to market (e.g., Media, Partnership Development, Partner Management, Partner Activation, Hospitality, Licensing, Social Responsibility, Marketing, Team Marketing & Business Operations, PR, Affiliate Leagues)

Identifying sales prospects and key company contacts for potential sponsorship across our portfolio of leagues

Conducting field research across key emerging industries, categories, international companies, and executives for relevancy and points of entry to identify new content technologies and business opportunities

Establishing and managing relationships with key external contacts (e.g., corporate decisionmakers at prospective companies and influencers in the sports marketing and agency worlds)

Required Education & Professional Experience

Enrolled in an undergraduate program and entering Senior year in the academic year following the internship

These roles are open to all but typically best suited for individuals in the following majors: Business Management, Communications, Digital Media, Fashion Merchandising, Film/Media Studies, Graphic Design, or Photography

Preferred Skills & Knowledge Attributes

Proven project management experience

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Eagerness to learn and willingness to work hard

General knowledge of sponsorships, sports business, and/or industry knowledge

Innate curiosity about the evolving media landscape and consumers’ consumption of said content

Ability to independently forge relationships internally to advance projects

Facility and familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Knowledge of new and emerging platforms and social networks being used by their peers

Considerable experience and understanding of capturing content, implementing content strategy, and communicating with niche audiences

Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop preferred

Basic Photography and photo-related software experience

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Good listener, phenomenal communicator, and hard worker

Salary Range

$26/hr

Job Posting Title

Summer Intern

Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical; short-term disability; mental health coaching/therapy; and sick time.

Eligibility Note: Not all positions are eligible for these benefits; eligibility may vary by role.

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, G