Go Beyond the Game.
Get hands-on experience across NBA and WNBA teams, the NBA League office, and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Build your skills, grow your network, and explore the business behind basketball.
Applications are now open!
Application Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
Paid
10-week internship
Summer 2027
June 7 - August 13
Travel & Housing
Provided
Real Experience
Projects and Connections
About the Fellowship
Now in its 6th year, the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program is a paid summer internship that gives undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the business of basketball. The program is supported through a partnership between the NBA Foundation, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, and Fearless Dialogues.
During the 10-week fellowship (June 7-August 13, 2027) fellows contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives while building professional skills, expanding their networks, and participating in professional development and community-building experiences. Travel to the internship location and housing are provided.
Upcoming Virtual Information Session
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program virtual information session takes place on:
Thursday, November 19th at 6 PM ET
328
Alumni
44
HBCUs represented
30
Teams
23
Departments
27%
Conversion
Find your Place in Basketball
From strategy to storytelling, there is more than one path into the business of basketball. Explore seven career functions; all majors are encouraged.
Business Operations & Strategy
- Business administration and management
- Finance and accounting
- Project management
- Facility, event, and vendor operations
- Legal, risk and compliance
You may enjoy this function if: You like solving problems, organizing projects, working with data, or finding ways to improve how organizations operate.
Community, Impact, & Social Responsibility
Learn how NBA and WNBA organizations use basketball as a platform to strengthen communities and create positive social impact. Fellows may support community programs, partnerships, and initiatives that expand opportunities, promote inclusion, and address important social issues.
Areas of work may include:
- Community outreach and engagement
- Social impact and responsibility initiatives
- Youth development and educational programs
- Nonprofit and community partnerships
- Program planning, implementation, and evaluation
You may enjoy this function if: You are passionate about helping others, building meaningful partnerships, creating inclusive experiences, or making a positive difference in communities.
Content, Video, & Broadcast Production
Discover how NBA and WNBA organizations bring basketball stories and experiences to life through video, audio, and live productions. Fellows may contribute to creating, producing, and delivering engaging content that connects fans to the game, players, and teams across multiple platforms.
Areas of work may include:
- Video production, filming, and editing
- Live game broadcasts and event production
- Photography and multimedia storytelling
- Audio production and podcast development
- Content planning and post-production
You may enjoy this function if: You enjoy visual storytelling, working behind the scenes, using creative technology, or bringing ideas to life through video, audio, and live experiences.
Corporate Partnerships, Sales, & Fan Engagement
Learn how NBA and WNBA organizations build relationships with corporate partners, generate revenue, and create memorable experiences for fans. Fellows may support partnership initiatives, sales strategies, and engagement efforts that strengthen business relationships and connect audiences to the excitement of basketball.
Areas of work may include:
- Corporate sponsorships and partnership activation
- Ticket sales and revenue generation
- Client relationship management and business development
- Fan engagement and experiential marketing
- Partnership research, sales analysis, and reporting
You may enjoy this function if: You enjoy building relationships, connecting with people, identifying business opportunities, or creating experiences that bring fans and organizations together.
Marketing, Communications, & Creative
Discover how NBA and WNBA organizations connect with fans, tell compelling stories, and build their brands. Fellows may contribute to marketing campaigns, creative content, and communication strategies that engage audiences and bring the excitement of basketball to life.
Areas of work may include:
- Brand strategy and marketing campaigns
- Social media and digital content creation
- Graphic design and creative production
- Public relations and media communications
- Fan engagement and promotional initiatives
You may enjoy this function if: You enjoy storytelling, creative expression, connecting with audiences, or developing ideas that capture attention and inspire engagement.
People, Culture, & Human Resources
Explore how NBA and WNBA organizations attract, develop, and support the people who contribute to their success. Fellows may assist with initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, enhance employee experiences, and help organizations build engaged and high-performing teams.
Areas of work may include:
- Talent acquisition and recruitment
- Employee onboarding and engagement
- Learning, training, and professional development
- Workplace culture and employee experience
- Human resources operations and people analytics
You may enjoy this function if: You enjoy supporting others, building relationships, improving workplace experiences, or helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.
Technology, Data & Analytics
Explore how technology and data help NBA and WNBA organizations innovate, make informed decisions, and improve business operations and fan experiences. Fellows may support projects involving data analysis, digital platforms, software solutions, and emerging technologies.
Areas of work may include:
- Data analysis and business intelligence
- Software development and technology solutions
- Digital platforms and systems support
- Data visualization and reporting
- Technology innovation and process automation
You may enjoy this function if: You like working with technology, analyzing data, solving complex problems, or finding innovative ways to improve systems and experiences.
“The NBA HBCU Fellowship provided the confidence I was searching for to pursue my dreams of pursuing a career in sports. After concluding my two-year rotation in finance, I will be making that pivot because of the fellowship.”
Daymond Johnson
Morehouse College | NBA League Office | Global Business Development
Am I Eligible?
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program is a paid summer internship that gives undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the business of basketball. To be eligible for the NBA HBCU Fellowship program, applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Priority will be given to:
- Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending an HBCU.
- Graduate students who currently attends an HBCU or
- Current Graduate students who previously earned an undergraduate degree from an HBCU.
View Checklist
- Eligible to work in the US (including F1 Students eligible for OPT/CPT visas)
- Able to work full-time June 7th – August 13th
- Able to attend orientation (June 2 – June 4, 2027)
- Over the age of 18 on or before June 2, 2027
- Able to work a full 40-hour work-week (Monday-Friday), with occasional optional evening and weekend events, on occasion
- Submit unofficial transcript* from an HBCU undergraduate or graduate program to verify eligibility
*Providing a GPA is part of the application process but not a qualification requirement for consideration.
How to Apply
The application window is open from Monday, November 9 and closes on Monday, November 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.
Candidates will apply to job functions which cover a variety of business departments across the NBA and Teams. The selection team will review your experience and qualifications to determine the best-fit role for your background. Candidates are welcome to express interest in multiple opportunities.
November 9th: Applications Open | November 30th: Deadline
In Partnership with:
“Approach the experience with a consultant mindset: understand the team’s challenges, who they affect, and how you can create solutions that make their work easier.”
Khanae Miller
Howard University | NBA League Office | Direct-to-Consumer Design Operations Fellow
Stay connected
Key Details
2027 Fellowship runs June 7 – August 13
Application opens November 9, 2026
Application closes November 30th, 2026
Get in Touch
Email us at nbahbcufellowship@mlt.org with any questions and please allow up to 72 hours response time.
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We have become aware of a number of email accounts pretending to be NBA employees and providing feedback on candidate resumes and application status.
Currently, we are aware of accounts being set up with @gmail.com addresses. All official communications regarding the NBA HBCU Fellowship or other career opportunities will only come from an @mlt.org email address, including nbahbcufellowship@mlt.org or an @nba.com email address.
The NBA Cybersecurity team is working to address this issue, and we recommend you do not engage with any other email purporting to be related to NBA career opportunities. You may direct any questions or concerns to nbahbcufellowship@mlt.org.
