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Sports Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

High School Sports Reporter

Austin, TX · Hybrid

High School Sports Reporter, Austin American-Statesman The Austin American-Statesman's high school ... Write high-interest trending briefs when they arise * Organize and send out weekly high school ...

Tribune Media

Sports Director

Amarillo, TX · On-site

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

WOWK-TV

Sports Director

Amarillo, TX

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

Nexstar Media Group

Sports Director

Amarillo, TX · On-site

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

Tribune Media

Sports Director

Green Bay, WI

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Helps in writing, copy editing, researching, and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

WOWK-TV

Sports Director

Green Bay, WI

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Helps in writing, copy editing, researching, and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

Nexstar Media Group

Sports Director

Green Bay, WI · On-site

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Helps in writing, copy editing, researching, and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

WOWK-TV

Sports Director

Lubbock, TX · On-site

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

Tribune Media

Sports Director

Lubbock, TX · On-site

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

Tribune Media

Sports Reporter, News

New York, NY

$18 - $20/hr

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

WOWK-TV

Sports Reporter, News

New York, NY

$18 - $20/hr

Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner * Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other content * Responds to breaking sports ...

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Sports Writing information

How much do sports writers earn?

Sports writers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the employer, with entry-level positions typically earning around $30,000 to $50,000 annually and experienced professionals earning $60,000 or more. Freelance sports writers may have variable income depending on assignments and publication rates, and strong writing skills and industry knowledge are essential for higher earnings.

What is the difference between Sports Writing vs Sports Journalism?

AspectSports WritingSports Journalism
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with additional emphasis on reporting skills
Work EnvironmentFreelance or staff writer for newspapers, magazines, online outletsNewsrooms, broadcast stations, online media outlets
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many contexts, but sports journalism emphasizes reportingBroader scope including reporting, investigation, and broadcasting

Sports Writing primarily involves creating engaging articles, features, and commentary about sports events and athletes. Sports Journalism encompasses a wider range of activities, including reporting, investigating, and delivering news about sports. While both roles require strong writing skills and sports knowledge, sports journalism often involves more reporting and fact-checking, whereas sports writing may focus more on storytelling and opinion pieces.

What is sports writing?

Sports writing is a form of journalism that focuses on reporting, analyzing, and commenting on sporting events, teams, athletes, and related topics. Sports writers may cover live games, write feature stories about athletes, provide analysis of strategies, or report on sports business and culture. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and broadcast outlets, often requiring strong writing skills and in-depth sports knowledge. The role can involve attending games, interviewing players and coaches, and staying updated on sports news. Sports writing plays a key role in informing and entertaining fans while shaping public perceptions of sports.

What are some common challenges sports writers face when covering live events?

Sports writers covering live events often encounter tight deadlines, requiring them to quickly analyze and report on the action as it unfolds. They must balance accuracy with speed, ensuring their reports are both timely and error-free. Additionally, writers may need to adapt to unexpected changes, such as last-minute lineup adjustments or technical difficulties at the venue. Collaborating with photographers, editors, and other media professionals is also essential for producing comprehensive coverage.

How do I get into sports writing?

To get into sports writing, develop strong writing skills, build a portfolio of sports-related articles, and gain experience through internships, freelance work, or contributing to school or local publications. Familiarity with sports statistics, reporting tools, and deadlines is also important for success in the field.

What does a Sports Writer do?

A sports writer reports on sporting events, athletes, and teams by researching, interviewing, and writing articles or stories for newspapers, websites, or magazines. They often work under tight deadlines and need strong writing, editing, and sports knowledge skills. Some sports writers also use multimedia tools like photography or social media to enhance their coverage.

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

To thrive as a Sports Writer, you need strong writing skills, deep knowledge of sports, and a relevant degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and multimedia editing tools is typically required. Curiosity, deadline management, and the ability to engage audiences through storytelling are standout soft skills. These capabilities ensure accurate, timely, and compelling sports coverage that resonates with readers and maintains publication standards.

Are sports writers in demand?

Sports writers are in moderate demand, with opportunities primarily in digital media, newspapers, and sports organizations. Success often depends on strong writing skills, knowledge of sports, and the ability to adapt to digital platforms and social media tools.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Writing jobs? The most popular types of Sports Writing jobs are:
What states have the most Sports Writing jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Writing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sports Writing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Writing jobs are:
Sports Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Writing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
High School Sports Reporter

High School Sports Reporter

Hearst

Austin, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 67 rated media

Job description

High School Sports Reporter, Austin American-Statesman 

The Austin American-Statesman's high school sports reporters are versatile and high-impact journalists. Intense intention is paid to football, softball, baseball and basketball, with an emphasis on storytelling, breaking news and responding to reader interests. This position is expected to cover games, break news, file FOIA requests to uncover the innerworkings of the UIL and tell stories of the children and families that make Central Texas sports special.    

What will you do? 

  • Help cover Texas high school sports with a focus on football, basketball and baseball, but helping in other sports areas as well 

  • Take lead on enterprise topics and public records reporting related to the UIL. We expect novel reporting (either document dives or features) to come monthly in this role. 

  • Monitor UIL violations and recruiting news for the dozens of schools in Central Texas. This means sourcing up coaches and families 

  • Mesh on-court success/happenings with off-court developments (NIL, eligibility rules, coaches' compensation, etc.) 

  • Provide rankings lists for the area's top teams and players in different sports 

  • Write high-interest trending briefs when they arise 

  • Organize and send out weekly high school newsletter 

  • Shoot video and appear on camera for social media videos and other off-platform content; help build alternative story formats using our menu of options. 

  • Track metrics to ensure we're putting our efforts into areas that engage with the audience. 

What will it take to be successful? 

  • The successful candidate will have experience and be comfortable covering a range of sports from track to basketball to softball.  

  • Understanding of UIL transfer rules and familiarity with high school-college recruiting 

  • Ability to obtain public records and source-build within the high school sports community.  

  • Time management skills, multitasking skills and prioritization skills under tight deadlines and communication skills will be paramount. 

  • 3 or more years professional experience covering athletics  

  • Experience working with video and with SEO. Experience working with data sets and data visualization.  

  • Strong ability to use social media and KPIs to guide decision-making on story ideas and beat coverage 

  • Familiarity with a range of sports and the ability to pinch-hit on certain beats with little notice 

The Austin American-Statesman (statesman.com), a division of Hearst Newspapers, is the largest newspaper in Central Texas and one of the largest in the state. Acquired by the Hearst Corporation in 2025, the Statesman was founded in 1871, is an annual winner for different statewide or national awards including the Pulitzer Prize and most recently was a Pulitzer finalist for coverage of the Uvalde school shooting. 

About Hearst Newspapers 

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 25 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, Dallas Morning News and Albany Times Union, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.  

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories - growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms - to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.   

Be a part of something bigger - Your Headline Awaits. 

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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