How to Date an NBA Player

Dating an NBA player is inherently different from dating someone who does not play in the NBA. NBA players are typically some of the tallest, most admired, and most sought after individuals, with fans looking to meet them and engage with them on basketball knowledge and investment opportunities.

However, if you are able to meet an NBA player and begin dating one, there are a few useful tips that you should know. Beginning a relationship with an NBA player can be challenging but if you both enter the relationship with an open mind and some flexibility, then it can be a rewarding experience for the both of you.

Below, we are going to fully review just how to date an NBA player, what to expect while dating one, and how to be a supportive and amazing girlfriend to an NBA player.

How to Meet an NBA Player?

Before you can begin dating an NBA player, you will first need to meet one. And though some NBA players are on the common dating apps and websites, many prefer to meet people offline and in real life due to the sheer number of requests that they will be inundated with online.

Visit Bars and Clubs NBA Players Frequent

Perhaps the single best way to meet an NBA player is to frequent bars and clubs that NBA players visit.  These are, typically, more exclusive bars and clubs and you will likely find NBA players situated in VIP sections, frequently cordoned off from the general public.

However, if you are able to speak with a player’s representative or even one of their friends, you may be invited to meet the player and discuss the latest happenings in the league with them.  In addition, if you are unsure if an NBA player is frequenting a certain bar or club, it never hurts to ask the doorman or bartender.

Become a Season Ticket Holder

Another great way to meet an NBA player is to become a season ticket holder.  Being a season ticket holder provides you with exclusive access to NBA arena facilities, player and staff access, and other exclusive giveaways and fan opportunities.

By being a season ticket holder, you may also be able to make a direct request with the team to have an exclusive meeting with a player, which may be honored based on the length of your season ticket and overall cost of the ticket.

Many NBA teams look to go out of their way and accommodate their season ticket holders, so it is definitely one of the best ways to meet an NBA player and have access to the player granted.

Sit Courtside at an NBA Game

Similarly, if you are looking to meet an NBA player, then sitting courtside at an NBA game is a great opportunity to do so.  Courtside seats, while more expensive than typical seats to a game, offer intimate, direct access to players and team staff.

By sitting courtside, you may be able to garner the attention of certain players and may even be invited to meet with them after the completion of the game.  Similarly, by sitting courtside and near the player’s bench, you may be able to talk and joke with certain players during the game.

Join the Team

While you may not have the athleticism and basketball skills to play on the team, there are ample opportunities to work and join the team. 

From the team mascot to the team’s physical therapist, to the janitorial staff, to the cheerleading team, these arena personnel often have exclusive access to players and many of them are able to develop lifelong friendships with certain players.

Become a Beat Reporter

Similarly, certain professions typically have greater access to NBA players than other ones.  And one such job is a beat reporter.  Beat reporters typically focus on one specific niche or industry and if you become an NBA beat reporter, you may be given exclusive access to players to develop and discuss particular topics and stories for the team.

Attend an NBA Players Charitable or Personal Organization

Many NBA players, outside of the game, fund charitable organizations and business opportunities.  Typically done as a way to give back or as a way to remain involved with their community, these players take their charitable commitments seriously.

And if you are looking to meet an NBA player, then attending those organizations as either a volunteer or donor can be a great way to meet with the player.

Tap Into the Power of Social Media

Many NBA players, particularly younger ones, are fans of social media, from Instagram to Twitter to YouTube and can often be seen posting their latest happenings and life events.  By following, interacting, and even messaging your favorite NBA player, you may be able to setup a meeting with them.

However, persistence if definitely the key here.  Many NBA players are inundated by requests to follow, chat, and meet with an NBA player and you will need to be slightly persistent to give yourself a better shot.

Pros and Cons of Dating an NBA Player

While dating an NBA player can be a ton of fun and comes with new experiences and opportunities, doing so also comes with many pitfalls and difficulties. However, if both of you are willing to put in the work, the relationship can blossom and lead to a long-lasting one.

Pros of Dating an NBA Player

• Access to wealth and additional career opportunities
• General fame and recognition that comes from being associated with an NBA player
• Access to other NBA players and player wives
• Introduction to additional wealthy and powerful individuals
• Invitations to exclusive parties and events
• Free access to NBA games
• Frequent travel and to remote destination
• Dating someone who is at the top of their career and is ambitious and goal-oriented

Cons of Dating an NBA Player

• They will frequently be away on road games
• Much of their daily schedule will revolve around trainings and workouts
• There will be people who look to exploit them and their inner circle
• Frustrations that come from injuries and game losses
• Stiff competition from others looking to date an NBA player
• The constant fear of the player being cut from a team
• They will generally be extremely busy during the NBA regular season
• The possibility of the player being traded to another team in a different city

Top Tips for a Better Relationship with an NBA Player

While dating an NBA player can be fun, there are steps that should be taken from both sides to make the relationship more fruitful and one that develops into something larger. Here are a few helpful tips if you do end up dating an NBA player.

• Be flexible during the NBA season – understand that during the NBA season, NBA players will typically be traveling frequently to and from different cities to play road games. They will typically be traveling back-to-back and may be jet-lagged and fatigued from the travel.

• Have a deep understanding of the game and the current league – if you want to be a great girlfriend to an NBA player, be sure to have a deep understanding of the game and the current league. Try to understand matchups and league standings so that you will better understand their current circumstances.

• Be supporting through injuries and trades – injuries and being traded from a team are, unfortunately, a part of life for a player in the league. Try to be supportive through those occurrences and understanding if it does happen.

• Try to frequent games if possible – a great way to be a supportive girlfriend is to attend an NBA game. You will likely be given free tickets and it’s a great way to show your support for the player and the team.

• Build a foundation of trust – the world of the NBA is one of groupies and others looking to gain the attention of the players. Build a foundation of trust amongst each other and remain loyal and committed to each other and the relationship.