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Sports Media Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Praytell

Director, Media Relations (Sports)

New York, NY · Remote

$105K - $125K/yr

Overview We're looking for a New York-based Director, Media Relations to lead earned media strategy and execution across our Sports & Entertainment practice, while also supporting other practice ...

Praytell

Director, Media Relations (Sports)

New York, NY · On-site +1

$105K - $125K/yr

Overview We're looking for a New York-based Director, Media Relations to lead earned media strategy and execution across our Sports & Entertainment practice, while also supporting other practice ...

AEG

Media & Community Relations Manager

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

Minimum of 5 years working in sports media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related professional experience. * Bachelor's degree in communications, media, sports management ...

AEG

Media & Community Relations Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Minimum of 5 years working in sports media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related professional experience. * Bachelor's degree in communications, media, sports management ...

AEG Presents

Media & Community Relations Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$161.70K/yr

Minimum of 5 years working in sports media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related professional experience. * Bachelor's degree in communications, media, sports management ...

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Sports Media Relations information

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$52.5K

$93.8K

$119.5K

How much do sports media relations jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports media relations in the United States is $93,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Jobs in Sports Media Relations?

Jobs in sports media relations focus on developing and maintaining relationships with media sources, such as sports news reporters, bloggers, writers, and journalists. As part of your duties as a specialist or coordinator, you may coordinate news conferences, meetings, and interviews, manage invitations to games, and otherwise communicate information about a sports team to various media outlets. This job title refers exclusively to working for a sports team or organization and should not be confused with a journalism role. In these jobs, you often use phones, email, and video chat to contact journalists and answer questions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Media Relations professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sports Media Relations, you need excellent written and verbal communication skills, a background in journalism, public relations, or a related field, and a deep understanding of sports. Familiarity with press release software, media monitoring tools, and social media management platforms is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure make someone stand out in this field. These skills are crucial for building positive relationships with the media, effectively promoting teams or athletes, and managing public perception during high-stakes events.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sports media relations, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in sports media relations often face the challenge of managing high-pressure situations, especially during major sporting events or when handling sensitive information. Balancing the needs of the media, athletes, and organizational stakeholders requires strong communication and crisis management skills. Staying organized, building positive relationships with journalists, and preparing for potential issues in advance can help manage these challenges effectively. Additionally, the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of sports means flexibility and quick decision-making are essential parts of the role.

What are Sports Media Relations?

Sports Media Relations involves managing the communication between sports organizations, athletes, and the media. Professionals in this field coordinate press releases, organize interviews, and foster positive relationships with journalists to promote teams or athletes. They handle media inquiries, manage crisis communications, and help maintain the public image of their organization. Their work is crucial in ensuring accurate and favorable coverage in newspapers, television, online platforms, and social media.

What is the difference between Sports Media Relations vs Sports Public Relations?

AspectSports Media RelationsSports Public Relations
Primary FocusManaging media contacts, press releases, and media coverage for sports teams or organizationsBuilding and maintaining the public image of sports organizations through broader communication strategies
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, press conferences, sports eventsPublic events, community outreach, media campaigns
Required SkillsMedia communication, writing, relationship managementStrategic communication, branding, crisis management

Sports Media Relations primarily focuses on managing interactions with the media and securing coverage, while Sports Public Relations encompasses a broader scope of managing the overall public image and reputation of sports organizations. Both roles require strong communication skills, but their day-to-day activities and objectives differ.

More about Sports Media Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Sports Media Relations jobs? Cities with the most Sports Media Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Media Relations jobs? The most popular types of Sports Media Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Sports Media Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Media Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sports Media Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Media Relations jobs are:
Sports Media Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Media Relations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,829 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Director, Media Relations (Sports)

Director, Media Relations (Sports)

Praytell

New York, NY • Remote

$105K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Praytell is a creative communications agency built by strategic minds and spirited hearts who believe original storytelling, unexpected ideas and an instinctive recoil from anything remotely boring can shape culture and make people… well, give a sh!t. We partner with brands to create timely, integrated and headline-worthy campaigns across social, earned, digital, experiential and emerging platforms, all rooted in smart strategy, creative excellence and a deep understanding of what’s resonating right now.

We’ve been doing this for just over a decade and have picked up some pretty cool awards along the way, including PRWeek’s Best Place to Work (8x and counting), Agency of the Year and even a few your mom might recognize - even if she doesn’t fully get what you do for a living.

Our work is collaborative, fast-moving and driven by curiosity, grounded in how we show up for our clients and for one another. If you’re looking to join an ambitious, deeply supportive team that’s focused on doing great work with great people and doesn’t take itself too seriously, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview

We’re looking for a New York-based Director, Media Relations to lead earned media strategy and execution across our Sports & Entertainment practice, while also supporting other practice groups as needed. You’re a natural storyteller with strong press relationships and a sharp instinct for inserting brands into cultural conversations. From top-tier outlets (print, digital, broadcast) to emerging platforms (podcasts, Substacks, newsletters, digital video and social), you know how to secure coverage that captures attention. You’ll collaborate closely with influencer, social, creative and analytics partners to deliver integrated, high-impact work while also mentoring junior staff and serving as a trusted client partner.

Equal parts strategist, connector and leader, you bring creativity, hustle and a focus on results. With 8+ years of PR and media relations experience, you’ve developed and executed standout campaigns in sports and lifestyle, pitched and won new business and advised senior-level clients with confidence. You have strong media relationships across channels, especially in sports and sports business outlets, and are always building more. You’re also eager to harness AI tools for research, workflow optimization, ideation and creative development - ensuring our clients benefit from modern, future-ready approaches to storytelling and media. This role requires candidates to be based in New York or the greater metropolitan area.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and drive innovative media strategies for sports, entertainment and lifestyle clients, owning all aspects of execution alongside account teams.
  • Ensure clients are part of culturally relevant media conversations across sports, entertainment, lifestyle, music, fashion, wellness and business.
  • Create compelling angles, pitches and storytelling opportunities that secure coverage across traditional outlets (print, online, broadcast) and emerging platforms (podcasts, Substacks, digital video, newsletters, social).
  • Bring a strong roster of sports, entertainment and lifestyle media contacts while continually expanding your network through pitching, press meetings and IRL/virtual connections.
  • Partner with creative teams to ensure ideas will be press worthy.
  • Staff and support client events, athlete/celebrity activations, press days, red carpets and experiential opportunities. Media-train spokespeople and staff interviews to ensure polished execution.
  • Serve as the go-to expert on media trends, emerging platforms and target outlets on client calls and in campaign planning. Create forward-looking POVs that translate industry shifts into actionable strategies.
  • Manage proactive and reactive media relations while mentoring junior staff in pitching, strategy and client service. Lead staff development programs and contribute to broader culture initiatives.
  • Work closely with Influence (Media, Influencer, Corporate) and integrated teams (creative, social, analytics) to deliver smart connected work. Contribute to agency-wide media POVs and share learnings from press interactions.
  • Partner with account leads to co-develop KPIs, oversee reporting and monitoring and make recommendations to optimize performance.
  • Participate in new business opportunities, occasionally travel for client/press needs and help build the future of Praytell’s Sports, Entertainment and Lifestyle practice.

Benefits

We offer a growing list of benefits and perks, including:

  • Salary: $105,000 - $125,000 (This range reflects the minimum and maximum compensation. We typically offer salaries within the 25th to 75th percentiles and cannot exceed the listed maximum. Final offers depend on experience, skills and qualifications.)
  • Comprehensive health care (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with annual shares of Project Worldwide, our parent company
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with an annual employer contribution based on company performance
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO), company holidays and mental health days
  • Flexible work locations within the US - remote is a-ok! We also have physical hubs and offices in LA, SF, Austin, Chicago, Minneapolis and New York
  • Flex Fridays, designed to keep Fridays meeting-free for focused work and to give you space to support your personal wellbeing while delivering great client service
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health, family, career, legal and financial support
  • Paid parental leave and fertility support
  • Training and team-building programs
  • Camp Praytell, our company offsite (eligibility based on start date)
  • Employee Resource Groups (BEACON, Compañeros, elevAsian, Herizon and Prism)
  • And more!

Interview Process

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, while we’re incredibly grateful for your interest, we’re not able to respond to each one individually. We’ll be in touch with candidates we’re moving forward with. We know how hard it can be to wait and wonder, especially in today’s job market, so if you don’t hear from us within 5 business days, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates for this role. We truly appreciate the time and care you put into applying and will keep your application on file for future opportunities.

Our interview process typically takes 4-6 weeks, and here’s what you can expect along the way:

  • Submit Application
  • Phone Screen w/ Head of Talent (30 Mins)
  • Team Interview (30 Mins - 1 Hour)
  • Leadership Interview (30 Mins)
  • TBD: Short, Client-Agnostic Take-Home Test (Paid via Electronic Gift Card)
  • Offer (Target Start Date: May 2026)

Who We Are

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all people and do not discriminate - period. All qualified applicants will receive consideration in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on any protected class and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace in every location where we operate.