Landing Your Dream Job: Sports Internships in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment, offers a plethora of opportunities for aspiring professionals seeking to break into the industry. Sports internships in Los Angeles provide invaluable experiences, allowing students and recent graduates to gain hands-on knowledge, develop critical skills, and build professional networks. This article explores various sports internship programs available in Los Angeles, offering insights into eligibility requirements, application processes, and potential career paths.

Opportunities with League Organizations

NBA Internship Program

The NBA offers a comprehensive internship program designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the business of basketball. This program focuses on developing critical career skills and contributing to meaningful projects across various departments.

Program Overview: The NBA Internship Program is a paid, 10-week program running from June to August. Interns are strategically placed in departments such as Basketball Strategy & Analytics, Broadcast Operations, Facilities, IT, and Social Responsibility.
Program Highlights: The program includes keynote conversations with senior leaders, professional development sessions, and social events, enhancing the overall internship experience.
Application Timeline: While the application window for the 2025 NBA Summer Internship Program has closed, aspiring interns should prepare for the 2026 Program application, which opens in the Fall of 2025.
HBCU Fellowship Program: The NBA also offers the HBCU Fellowship Program, which provides career development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Fellows work within NBA teams and the league office in departments like ticket sales, corporate partnerships, IT, social responsibility, and marketing.
Business & Basketball Training Program: This virtual development program focuses on key business areas such as sales, analytics, and basketball operations. It provides college juniors, seniors, and those early in their careers with mentorship, networking, and development opportunities. The program includes deep dives into Analytics 101 and various aspects of operating an NBA team, with potential on-site experiences. Skill-building sessions cover resume writing, interview preparation, and networking.

Opportunities with Sports Media

FOX Sports Internship Program

FOX Sports offers an internship program providing practical experience in one of the leading sports, media, and entertainment companies. Interns participate in real-world projects, gaining valuable work experience and leadership skills.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- Applicants must be at least a sophomore (second-year college student).
- A strong academic record is essential.
- Applicants must be available to work for the program's entire duration.
- Access to housing and transportation to and from the internship site is required.
- Applicants must be able to work on-site in Los Angeles, CA.
Application Process:

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- Submit a one-page resume (PDF preferred).
- Submit a cover letter (PDF preferred) explaining why the applicant's background makes them a good fit for the program and highlighting their top areas of interest.
Areas of Placement: Internship placements are based on the content of the cover letter, prior experience, and interests. Potential areas include:
- Assignment Desk
- Broadcast Engineering
- College Strategy and Consumer Insights
- Communications
- Features Desk
- Field Operations
- FOX Deportes Digital Media
- FOX Deportes - Digital/Sales & Sponsorships
- FOX Deportes Production
- Highlights
- Insights and Analytics
- Interactive Media
- Marketing
- Media Relations
- On-Air Promotions
- Original Programming
- Post Production
- Production & Talent Development
- Production Operations
- Production Overhead
- Programming & Logistics
- Programming & Scheduling
- Strategy & Analytics
- Studio Management
- Studio Shows
- Talent Relations
Summer 2026 Schedule:
- General Application Deadline: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Summer Session 1: Monday, June 1, 2026 - Friday, July 24, 2026
- Summer Session 2: Monday, June 15, 2026 - Friday, August 7, 2026
- Scheduled Weekly Hours: 32 - 40 hours per week (schedules vary based on department needs and availability).
Standing Out as a Top Candidate:
- Knowledge of current FOX Sports programming and talent.
- Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with talent and executives.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to work well on teams and collaborative efforts.
- A self-starter attitude and proactive nature.
- Knowledge of software/technical skills applicable to the area of placement (e.g., SEO, CMS, WordPress for Editorial; Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, iNews, Avid, FinalCut Pro, Dalet for Production; Videography with ENG and/or digital cinema gear for Network Operations).
- Knowledge of and passion for a variety of sports.
- A detail-oriented nature with strong organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Program Features:
- FOX Master Classes: Presentations, panels, discussions, and training sessions to advance knowledge of the company, industry, and software systems.
- Professional Development Series: Activities to enhance professional development.
- Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to connect with fellow interns and professionals within the company.

Opportunities with Athletic Apparel Companies

Adidas Internship Program

Adidas offers internships at various locations, including Los Angeles, providing students the opportunity to contribute to the sports and lifestyle industry. These internships focus on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

General Requirements:
- Applicants must be actively enrolled in a University or University of Applied Science for the internship's duration.
- International or intercultural experience is beneficial.
- Local language skills and very good English skills are required.
- Analytical and logical thinking skills are essential.
- Involvement in extracurricular activities and being consumer-focused are valued.
Application Process:
- Applications are submitted via the career portal.
- A CV and an Adidas 1-pager tailored to the role are required.
- Applicants should explain why they want to join Adidas and the specific team.
- Creativity in the application is encouraged.
- Applications should be in the same language as the job posting.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Internship Types: Adidas offers internships across various business functions, aligning with the company's strategy and key focus areas. Offerings may vary.
Internship Length: Undergraduate (Bachelor & Master) internships typically last for 6 months.
Department Focus: Interns stay with their assigned department, but close collaboration with other functional areas provides insights into other departments.

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Program Benefits:
- Opportunities for additional knowledge through intern events such as learning sessions, speaker series, and cross-functional projects.
- Access to an intern community.
- Exposure to the work environment and sports facilities.
Compensation and Benefits: Internships are paid, and interns receive benefits such as employee discounts and access to sports facilities.
Thesis Opportunities: Writing a degree thesis in combination with an internship may be possible, subject to the department's decision.
North America Internships:
- Internships are available in Los Angeles, CA, and Portland, OR.
- Teams include eCommerce, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Product Design.
- Applicants must be current full-time undergraduate students with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 and August 2027.
- Students must have at least a final semester of schoolwork to finish after the internship program.
- Applicants complete a creative brief related to the current consumer branding campaign, showcasing their authentic self and passion for joining the Brand.
Impossible Is Nothing - Adidas 1-Pager: Applicants submit a 1-page PDF answering the prompt: "Show us who you are and what 'impossible is nothing' means to you."

General Advice for Securing a Sports Internship

Tailor Your Application

Customize your resume and cover letter for each specific internship. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and knowledge that align with the job description. Showcase your passion for sports and the specific organization.

Network

Attend industry events, career fairs, and networking sessions to connect with professionals in the sports industry. Utilize LinkedIn to find and connect with individuals working in your desired field.

Gain Relevant Experience

Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and part-time jobs related to sports. This experience demonstrates your commitment and provides valuable skills.

Develop Technical Skills

Enhance your technical skills relevant to your area of interest. For example, if you're interested in sports media, develop skills in video editing, social media management, and content creation.

Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the sports industry. Follow sports news, read industry publications, and engage in online discussions.

Be Proactive

Take initiative and be proactive in your internship search. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out.

Showcase Your Passion

Demonstrate your passion for sports in your application and during interviews. Let your enthusiasm shine through and show the employer why you are the perfect fit for their organization.

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