Best Jobs for People Who Love Basketball
For many of us, our aspirations to play in the National Basketball Association came to a screeching halt as soon as we entered college, realizing that the competition, even for recreational games, was simply too great for our abilities. And although we never made it to the NBA, there are still a number of basketball jobs and roles, outside of the game, that would place us close to the game and the action.
And if your dreams of making it to the NBA were likewise dashed, then you may consider some of the jobs below. Below, we’re going to discuss the best jobs for people who love basketball but never made it to the NBA. These jobs will have you close to the action, the players, and the inner working of the league.
And while you won’t be playing in the NBA, you can still update your LinkedIn profile to show that you work for the NBA. And hey, that’s better than nothing.
Social Media Manager
With the rise of social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, the NBA and its franchise teams have been on the forefront of these new digital marketing techniques. In fact, the NBA is one of the most popular social media accounts in the world, with over 62.5 million followers on Instagram alone.
And as more people around the world gain access to the internet, and as social media platforms evolve even further, the need for a well-adapted and proficient social media manager becomes even greater. As a social media manager, you will be tasked with updating the NBA’s and franchise team’s social media accounts, looking to increase followers, interactions, likes, and clicks through to their websites.
However, being a social media manager, particularly for such a large account, is not easy. We recommend starting your own social media page for your favorite player or team and to attempt to grow that account organically. Once you have done so, you will have real-world experience that you can place on your resume and to make yourself a more attractive candidate for a position with the league.
Referee
If you really want to be close to the action, then consider a career as an NBA referee. The referee’s job is to officiate the game and ensure the rules and regulations of the game are adhered to. Referees are integral to the integrity of the game and must officiate with neutrality and without any bias.
As a referee, you will need to have a deep understanding of the rules of the game. However, getting started as a referee in the NBA takes time. You will likely have to start as a referee at your local middle school or high school, eventually making your way to the collegiate level. From there, and with some patience, you may be invited to become a referee for the NBA.
Start a Basketball Blog or Website
While starting a basketball blog or website won’t have you working with NBA team’s or players, you will have the freedom to discuss the nuances of the game and the players to your liking. Starting a basketball blog doesn’t have to be difficult and with the ubiquity of free and paid services, a basketball blog or website can be started easily.
However, just because you build it doesn’t necessarily mean they will come. The internet is filled with information and if you want to start a successful basketball blog or website, you will need to stand out from the crowd. This means writing content that people actually want to read and working on your digital marketing skills to attract users to your site.
Basketball Coach
In a similar vein to a referee, basketball coaches are some of the closest individuals to the action on the court without having to lace up for a game. As a coach, you will be responsible for the success of your team and will need to have a deep understanding of the game and your own team’s strengths and weaknesses.
In addition, you will have to know when to make proper in-game adjustments, substitutions, and strategies. Similarly, as a coach, you will be responsible for your players and their physical and mental health. However, getting started as an NBA coach is difficult.
You will likely have to start coaching at the middle or high school level before moving to the collegiate game. In addition, you will likely have to work as an assistant coach before being given the reigns to a collegiate team. However, if you can prove yourself at the collegiate level, you will likely be invited to interview for a professional team, allowing you to coach in the NBA.
Big Data Analytics
The world of sports is rapidly changing. Where decisions were once made off-of “gut feelings” and a slower paced game tempo, NBA games are now moving faster than ever with an offensive heavy mindset. However, these changes didn’t just occur organically, they were identified by statisticians and the use of big data.
And while you may not be close to the game or the players, you will play an integral part of the success of your team. By identifying trends, matchups, and patterns, you can influence the decisions of the coach and the general manager, strengthening your team’s lineup and ability to compete at a high level.
Scouts
With thousands of up-and-coming players across the country and the globe, the need for a scout who can identify the best prospects will continue to grow. As a scout, you will be tasked with identifying the best recruits and making them offers to meet with, and sign with, the team you represent.
As a scout, you will need to have a deep, innate understanding of the game and its fundamentals. You will also have to parse between thousands of players looking to make it to the big leagues. And, as a scout, you will be on the forefront of the game, interacting with some of the best players in the world.
Athletic Trainers
NBA players place a lot of stress on their bodies. And in order to compete at a top level, they will need to maintain proper strength and conditioning. As an athletic trainer, you will be responsible for guiding these players to reach their fullest potential. In addition, athletic trainers will be responsible for helping an injured player and getting them back to full health.
To be an athletic trainer in the NBA, you will need to have a college degree and be approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Similarly, many NBA teams require their athletic trainers to hold a master’s degree and to have experience as an athletic trainer in lower leagues.
Content Writers
With the shift to a digital first landscape, the NBA and its franchise teams are constantly looking for content writers to discuss the latest happenings within the league and on individual teams. Although you won’t be close to the action, you will be tasked with creating original, intriguing, and exciting content to attract NBA and basketball fans to the site.
Licensing and Merchandising Partnerships
The NBA is, after all, a business. And as a business, the NBA may enter into profitable business ventures and opportunities. However, not all business opportunities are worthwhile or profitable. And if you have an eye for the perfect business venture, partnership, or opportunity for the league, then you may consider a career as a licensing and merchandising partner.
A licensing and merchandising partner at the NBA will work with global brands and companies to create opportunities for additional revenue streams. Whether via jersey deals, shoe sponsorships, or merchandise licensing, you will work with these global brands to create new and additional revenue streams for the league.
Graphic Designer
The NBA and its franchise teams are always looking for new and unique ways to promote the sport. And as a graphic designer, you will be able to create new material that inspires and attracts fans to the game. Utilizing specific computer software, you will be tasked with promoting the league and maintaining the image of the league.
And while a college degree is useful, many of the software’s and programs can be self-taught. If you have a knack for design, you may consider a career at the NBA as a graphic designer and will be able to influence how the NBA portrays itself to its many fans and followers.