Are you ready to turn your passion for basketball into a professional opportunity? The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program is your chance to gain hands-on experience in the business of basketball — working alongside league and team professionals who are shaping the future of the sport.
This competitive, paid 10-week summer internship offers undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to develop their careers while learning from the best in the industry. The program is made possible through a partnership between the NBA Foundation, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), and Fearless Dialogues.
🏀 About the Fellowship
Fellows are selected by NBA teams and the league office to work within a variety of departments, including:
- Ticket Sales
- Corporate Partnerships
- Legal
- Social Responsibility
- Marketing
During the fellowship, you’ll contribute to real NBA projects and initiatives, gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced, global organization. Along with your internship duties, you’ll also take part in professional development sessions, community engagement, and networking events designed to strengthen your leadership and career readiness.
Program Dates: June 8 – August 14, 2026
Orientation: June 3 – June 5, 2026
Compensation: Paid internship with travel and housing provided
📋 Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must:
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an HBCU
- Be a sophomore, junior, senior, graduating senior, or current graduate student
- Be eligible to work in the U.S. (including F-1 students eligible for OPT/CPT)
- Be available to work full-time from June 8 – August 14, 2026
- Be over 18 years old by June 3, 2026
- Submit an official transcript from their HBCU to verify enrollment
💡 Note: While the average GPA for previous fellows is 3.4, GPA is not a qualifying requirement for consideration.
🗓️ Application Timeline
- Opens: Monday, November 10, 2025
- Closes: Friday, December 5, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
How to Apply:
- Click “Apply Now” to create your application profile by December 5.
- Select a role that aligns with your interests and experience.
- If selected, you’ll be invited to complete a video interview.
- Finalist interviews will take place virtually in February/March 2026.
🌟 Why Apply?
As a fellow, you’ll join a powerful network of aspiring professionals and gain access to mentorship, career coaching, and unique industry exposure. From project planning to brand partnerships, you’ll develop the skills to thrive in both sports and business — all while representing the legacy and excellence of HBCUs.
📬 Get in Touch
Have questions? Email nbahbcufellowship@mlt.org — please allow up to 72 hours for a response.
