15 Winning Places for Beginners to Score Sports Writing Jobs

If you’re wondering where to find grand-slam, out-of-the-park sports writing jobs, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s face it, you’re an ideal candidate.

Not only do you love sports, but you also have the freelance writing skills to kill the bills.

And with the sports industry in your crosshairs, the only thing you’re missing is somewhere to sling your pitch.

So what if I told you I knew about 15 slam-dunk places where you can find sports writer jobs?

Ready?

Let’s play ball!

What is Sports Writing?

Sports writing covers breaking news, player stories, stats, analysis, and other sports-related content in amateur and professional leagues.

As a sportswriter, you might:

• Update a team’s social media accounts or blog
• React to events like trades, suspensions, or team members’ comments
• Breakdown games with detailed analysis

But most of all, sports writing captures the experience and drama of competition.

15 Great Places to Find Sports Writing Jobs

Think all sports writers are New York bigwig reporters working for ESPN and Sports Illustrated?

Well, don’t hang up your cleats just yet.

Because even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree…

Or if it’s your rookie season as a freelancer…

As long as you’re a sports fan with an appetite for writing, you have a shot at landing full-time, well-paid work.

Let’s take a look at 15 all-star places where you’ll find freelance sports writing jobs.

Cue the Rocky theme song now.

1. SBNation

SBNation is a massive sports blog network that covers most professional leagues.

Because of its reach and strong branding, SBNation is a must on your pitch list. If there was ever a way to fast track your way from freelance writer to sports editor, it would be with SBNation on your resume.

Check for job postings on their parent company’s career page, or look here for tips on how to pitch blog editors directly.

2. TheSportster

With millions of visitors every month, and a large social media following on Facebook, TheSportster is a solid choice for any aspiring sports writer.

The site is “always on the lookout for strong passionate writers who are motivated to develop and write engaging content.”

Although they cover NBA and NFL news stories too, their bread-and-butter is pro-wrestling content.

So if you’re specifically looking for wrestling sports writing jobs, apply to TheSportster here.

3. Athlon Sports

Love college football and the NFL?

Then check out Athlon Sports.

Right now, Athlon is looking for freelance football writers to join their ranks of paid contributors.

Submit your application here to get started.

4. The Hockey Writers

The Hockey Writers is one of the biggest hockey publishers you’ve probably never heard about.

Boasting over 3 million monthly readers including “NHL executives and HR people, hockey publications, player agents, radio and TV personalities,” The Hockey Writers should be #1 on your list if you’re looking for NHL sports writing jobs.

Check here for immediate openings or send an email to writing@thehockeywriters.com.

5. Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a sport too. Why not write for Bodybuilding.com, one of the biggest fitness sites in the world?

If you have valuable experience with coaching, nutrition, or fitness, get in touch with the editors at editor@bodybuilding.com and pitch them your story ideas.

6. Last Word On Sports (LWOS)

LWOS is a mammoth international sports news network, managing 25 specialty sites that cover everything from the MLB to Formula 1 Racing.

With over 400 active writers and an open application process, LWOS is a newbie-friendly option if you’re a rookie sports writer.

And the best part?

“LWOS hires from within so there are always ways to grow with our company!”

Take a peek at the application process here for more info.

7. FanSided

FanSided is a fast-growing sports blog network with dedicated team sites for college and professional leagues, including eSports!

All content on FanSided is fan-driven (hence the name) and there’s always tons of paid sports writing jobs available.

Be sure to check out the dozens of immediate openings here.

8. Sport Fishing Magazine

Love fishing as much as writing?

Well, Sport Fishing Magazine is a print and digital magazine dedicated to saltwater fishing, and they’re calling for submissions.

If you’re savvy with saltwater fishing, check out their detailed editorial guidelines here. Pitch your ideas to the editor at: editor@spotfishingmag.com.

9. Outdoor Life Magazine

Do you prefer camo pants to football pads, or a big blue sky to a jumbotron?

Then Outdoor Life Magazine is right up your alley.

Outdoor Life dispenses expert advice on all things related to hunting, fishing, and wilderness gear.

So if you know more about fishing rods and duck calls than hockey sticks and helmets, get in touch with the editor at: editor@outdoorlife.com.

10. Climbing Magazine

Live for the adrenaline rush of rock climbing?

Then share your passion with Climbing Magazine, an online and print publication for sport and hobby rock climbing.

Climbing regularly accepts pitches for both print and online publication, but be sure to read through their contributor guidelines to see exactly what they’re looking for and where to send it.

11. Sports Betting Dime

Let’s face it, sports betting isn’t going anywhere.

And as long as the Las Vegas odds exist, sites like Sports Betting Dime are sticking around… And they need writers to serve up content.

If writing about breaking news, games, and odds analysis is in your wheelhouse, then cash in your sports betting ticket and fill out an application here.

FYI: They have full-time staff writer positions, and part-time contributor jobs available.

12. Trail Runner

Trail Runner is a print and online magazine for off-road running buffs.

Printed content varies among training, health and nutrition, athlete profiles, destination travel stories, and in-depth editorial features.

Their online content is more relaxed, ranging from short person essays, to training tips, and even recipes.

If you’re familiar with trail running as a sport or a lifestyle and want to write about it, comb through their submission guidelines here.

13. MMASucka

MMA is here to stay.

You know what that means, right?

More sports writing jobs!

MMASucka is a mixed martial arts blog that delivers news and analysis from different MMA organizations around the world (yes there’s more than just UFC out there).

If you’d rather write about the octagon than set foot in it, review the MMASucka application process here and send a sample to the editors at: MMASucka@gmail.com.

14. Deadspin

Deadspin is a fast-paced sports news site with millions of monthly visitors.

They typically cover North American pro-leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, but also report interesting (or controversial) events in college and high school sports.

Feel like pitching them an idea?

Take a look at Deadspin’s detailed guide on how to pitch – it also gives real examples of successful pitches.

15. WorthPoint

Technically, WorthPoint is a resource website for antiques, art, and collectibles.

So why is it on this list?

Well, there’s a huge market for sports memorabilia — judging by the prices these items fetch at auctions — and WorthPoint is always on the lookout for freelance writers.

If you’ve got the chops for writing about sports collectibles, WorthPoint is worthwhile. So take a look at their careers page for job descriptions, pay rates, and guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Become a Sports Writer?

Unlike other sports jobs, there isn’t really a set way to become a sports writer.

Some people study sports journalism and find jobs writing for magazines, newspapers, or television shows.

Others hustle as freelancers on the internet writing for sports blogs.

Regardless of the pathway,  the common denominator is an understanding of sports and the ability to write about sports.

So don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy degree, it’s still possible to become a sports writer. 

The important part is pitching editors interesting stories to get your foot in the door, and then writing content that knocks their socks off.

How Much Do Sports Writers Get Paid?

According to ZipRecruiter, full-time, in-house sports writers make an average of $32,922 per year. Alternatively, Indeed cites an average sports writer salary at $35,180.

And like any job, location, responsibilities, and experience impact a writer’s ability to make money.

Now, as an aspiring freelance sports writer, you’re probably looking for per-word rates for reputable sports websites and magazines.

Here’s what we found:

• Online content: $0.10 – $0.25+ per word
• Print content: $0.25 – $1.00+ per word

While some written content is paid per word, many publications pay a flat or negotiated rate based on the type and complexity of an article, so your mileage may vary.

Are Sports Writing Internships Worth it?

Trying to land a degree in Journalism or Sports Media?

Then think about an internship.

You’ll gain valuable, real-life sports writing experience and have an edge on the competition come graduation time.

Heck, even as a freelancer, a sports writing internship can help build your contact list, fatten your portfolio, and gain you exposure.

Plus, you might pick up some pro-level writing tips and maybe even land a few top-shelf testimonials along the way.

Where Can I Find College Sports Writing Jobs?

Some of the blogs and freelance writing sites on our list cover college sports.

But want to know the best place to find college sports writing jobs?

College!

Almost every college has a website, newspaper, or even a podcast where they cover college sports.

The caveat:

If it’s a college publication, there’s probably no compensation, and you’ll have to be a student.

The good news?

You’ll network like a boss, which will come in handy when you’re looking for paying jobs, especially with bigger media companies.

Is Sports Writing a Good Career?

Absolutely.

That is, if you love sports and have strong writing skills.

Let me paint a picture:

Imagine having your opinions and insights heard not only by your friends at a sports bar, but by people around the world.

That said, sports writing is still a job, and you need to be comfortable with the pressure of research and analysis, meeting deadlines, and editors critiquing your work.

It’s not always fun and games writing about fun and games… But it’s still pretty awesome.

Should I Start a Sports Blog?

Sure!

If you’ve had success with sports blogging jobs, or have created niche websites before, starting your own sports blog is something to consider.

But first, a truth bomb:

Your main competitors are giant media companies. Don’t think you’ll win going toe-to-toe against them without a plan.

If you’re interested, check out our step-by-step guide on how to start a blog and fold your flavor into the sports blogging world.

The Hall of Fame is Calling – What Sports Writing Jobs Will You Pitch?

Let’s tell it like it is, sports fan:

You wish every day felt as thrilling as the big game in overtime, right?

Well, it’s time to chase that feeling.

What you have in front of you are 15 incredible opportunities calling your name.

So dig deep.

Because the bases are loaded and you’re on the mound.

This is your all-star moment.

And only one question remains:

Who are you going to pitch?

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