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Sports Play By Play Jobs (NOW HIRING)

iHeartMedia Markets Current employees and contingent workers clickhere to apply and search by the ... Responsibilities Delivers sport scores, statistics and upcoming game information. Writes, reviews ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Miami, FL · Remote

$50 - $100/day

Akara is seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting across multiple sports, using a mobile live ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$250 - $500/wk

Akara is seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting across multiple sports, using a mobile live ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$50 - $100/day

Akara offers courtside intelligence for sports betting, seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Kansas City, MO · Remote

$50 - $100/day

Akara is seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting across multiple sports, using a mobile live ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Dallas, TX · Remote

$50 - $100/day

Akara is seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting across multiple sports, using a mobile live ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Seattle, WA · Remote

$50 - $100/day

Akara is seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting across multiple sports, using a mobile live ...

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Sports Data Reporter

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$50 - $100/day

Akara is seeking passionate sports fans to scout games and report live scores and play-by-play. This solo contractor role focuses on live game reporting across multiple sports, using a mobile live ...

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Sports Play By Play information

What is a sports play by play?

Sports play-by-play announcers are broadcasters who provide live, real-time narration of sporting events as they happen. They describe each play, movement, and action on the field or court, helping listeners or viewers follow the game's progress. Their role is to convey the excitement, context, and details of the event, often working alongside a color commentator who offers analysis. Play-by-play announcers must have deep knowledge of the sport, quick reactions, and strong verbal skills. They are essential for radio and television broadcasts of sports.

How does a sports play by play announcer typically prepare for a live broadcast?

A Sports Play By Play announcer prepares for a live broadcast by thoroughly researching both teams, including player statistics, recent performance trends, and historical context. They often attend pre-game meetings with coaches, review media guides, and coordinate with color commentators and production staff to ensure smooth transitions and coverage. Preparation also includes rehearsing pronunciations, creating quick-reference charts, and setting up cues for real-time updates. This groundwork helps announcers deliver accurate, engaging, and insightful commentary during fast-paced game action.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports play by play announcer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Play By Play announcer, you need strong verbal communication, deep knowledge of the sport, and typically a degree in broadcasting, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with audio equipment, broadcast software, and sometimes industry certifications such as from the Society of Broadcast Engineers are common technical requirements. Exceptional storytelling, quick thinking, and the ability to engage audiences make an announcer stand out. These skills ensure accurate, entertaining, and seamless live coverage that keeps audiences informed and engaged.

What is the difference between Sports Play By Play vs Sports Commentator?

AspectSports Play By PlaySports Commentator
CredentialsExperience in broadcasting, often with a degree in communications or journalismSimilar credentials, often with additional expertise or analysis skills
Work EnvironmentLive sports events, stadiums, or broadcast studiosPre-game, in-game, and post-game analysis, often in studio or on-site
Employer & IndustrySports networks, radio, TV stations, streaming servicesSports media outlets, TV networks, radio stations

Sports Play By Play focuses on narrating live game action in real-time, while Sports Commentator provides analysis, insights, and commentary before, during, and after the game. Both roles often overlap but serve distinct functions in sports broadcasting.

More about Sports Play By Play jobs

What cities are hiring for Sports Play By Play jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Play By Play job openings:

What states have the most Sports Play By Play jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Play By Play jobs include:

Infographic showing various Sports Play By Play job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Sports Play-By-Play Announcer

iHeartMedia, Inc.

Mansfield, OH • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


iHeartMedia rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 78 rated media


Job description

iHeartMedia Markets
Current employees and contingent workers click here to apply and search by the Job Posting Title.
The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company in America, reaches 90% of Americans every month -- a monthly audience that's twice the size of any other audio company - almost three times the size of the largest TV network - and almost 4 times the size of the largest ad-supported music streaming service. In fact, we have:
  • More #1 rated markets than the next two largest radio companies combined;
  • We're the largest podcast publisher, with more monthly downloads than the second- and third-largest podcast publishers combined. Podcasting, the fastest-growing new media, today has more monthly users than streaming music services or Netflix;
  • iHeart is the home of many of the country's most popular and trusted on-air personalities and podcast influencers, who build important connections with hundreds of communities across America;
  • We create and produce some of the most popular and well-known branded live music events in America, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour;
  • iHeartRadio is the #1 streaming radio digital service in America;
  • Our social media footprint is 7 times larger than the next largest audio service; and
  • We have the only complete audio ad technology stack in the industry for all forms of audio, from on demand to broadcast radio, digital streaming radio and podcasting, which bring data, targeting and attribution to all forms of audio at an unparalleled scale. As a result, we're able to combine our strong leadership position in audience reach, usage and ad tech with powerful tools and insights for our sales organizations to help them build success for their clients at a more efficient cost than any other option.

Because we reach almost every community in America, we're committed to providing a range of programming that reflects the diversity of the many communities we serve - and our company reflects that same kind of diversity. Our company values stress collaboration, curiosity, welcoming dissent, accepting mistakes in the pursuit of new ideas, and respect for everyone.
Only one company in America has the #1 position in everything audio: iHeartMedia!
If you're excited about this role but don't feel your experience aligns perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. At iHeartMedia we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and are looking for teammates passionate about what we do!
What We Need:
Creates, produces and announces topics on the radio, including music, entertainment, politics, news, weather, sports, traffic and other topics of interest.
What You'll Do:
Responsibilities
• Delivers sport scores, statistics and upcoming game information.
• Writes, reviews and/or edits news copy, introductions, public service announcements, commercials, pre-recorded reports, contests, etc.
• Participates in promotional events.
• May be responsible for operating control board for studios and remote programming.
• May directly sell advertising space to advertisers.
• Regulates program timing, operates syndicated programming, and plays commercials.
• Monitors the technical quality and accuracy of incoming and outgoing on-air programming from master control room or remote site.
• Protects station's license by censoring live programs and deleting words/phrases not permitted on air.
• Processes time-out programming for accurate play back.
• Checks studio equipment for proper functioning and notifies Engineering of technical malfunctions affecting quality of the broadcast.
• Handles emergency inserts (e.g. news updates and breaking stories, emergencies, alert system tests, etc.).
Qualifications
• Socially informed and perceptive; up-to-date and in tune with the local and national trends and/or specialized knowledge of topics/events related to on-air discussions, I.E. Sports
• Pleasant, charismatic and well-controlled voice; excellent pronunciation
• Well-rounded communication skills for conducting interviews
• Ability to make others feel comfortable and open up on air
• Excellent writing and editing skills; proficient in grammar
• Proficient in media production and broadcast systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and social networking
• May require selling skills
• May require other language proficiency, e.g., Spanish
Work Experience
• 1-2 years' experience as an announcer
Certifications
• None required
What You'll Need:
Ability to describe and comment on live sporting events.
What You'll Bring:
Location:
Mansfield, OH: 1400 Radio Lane, 44906
Position Type:
Seasonal
Time Type:
Part time
Pay Type:
Hourly
Benefits:
iHeartMedia's benefits offering is flexible and offers a variety of choices to meet the diverse needs of our changing workforce, including the following:
  • Employer sponsored medical, dental and vision with a variety of coverage options (employees meeting ACA measurement)
  • A 401K plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost - services include telephonic counseling sessions, consultation on legal and financial matters, emotional well-being, family and caregiving
  • A range of additional voluntary programs, such as spending accounts, student loan refinancing, accident insurance and more!

We are accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.
Non-Compete will be required for certain positions and as allowed by law.
Our organization participates in E-Verify. Click here to learn about E-Verify.

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