how to start writing sports articles

Sports Writing: Types, Examples, and Tips for Better Reporting

by Yen Cabag | 30 comments

A sports enthusiast’s love for the game can include everything from the preparation and anticipation, to watching the actual game, enjoying replays and highlights, and discussing everything about the game afterward—including the teams, the coaches, and their favorite (and not-so-favorite) players. 

Sports writing plays a huge role in stirring up expectations and giving fans the information they crave about the people behind their favorite sport. 

What Is Sports Writing in Journalism? 

Sports writing is a form of creative nonfiction or journalism that covers sports, athletes, or other sports-related issues. A journalist who reports on sports is called a sportswriter. 

Glenn Stout, editor of The Best American Sports Writing 2015 , describes a good sports story as one that “provides an experience that… takes you from one place you’ve never been before and by the end leaves you in another place, changed.” 

In the introduction to the 2012 edition of The Best American Sports Writing , Michael Wilbon says that the best sports stories are those that come from conversations, and not from formal interviews. These people may be reluctant or poor conversationalists, but they often turn out the best stories. 

What Are the Elements of Sports Writing? 

Sports writing typically covers basic information, such as: 

• highlights of the game
• the names of the teams involved
• the type of sport
• score or final outcome
• when and where the game was played

But in order to write a good sports article, remember to focus on what an athlete does. Because sports revolve around the drama of competition, spotlighting a single person gives your story a human side that your readers can relate to. 

5 Types of Sports Stories 

The following are the five most common types of sports stories: 

1. Straight-Lead Game Story

The most basic form of all sportswriting, the straight-lead (also spelled straight-lede) game story is an article using a straight-news format. The article summarizes the main points of a game: which team won or lost, the final score, and what a star player did. 

A straight-lead might look something like this:

Second-string quarterback Robert Jameson threw the game-winning touchdown with just 10 seconds left to lead the Mountain View High School Bears to a 21-14 victory over the Canyon del Oro High School Captains Saturday night.

After that, the story follows by giving an account of big plays, players who contributed tremendously to the final outcome, and after-game insights, quoting both players and coaches. 

Many high school and college sports use the straight-lead game story, but sports writers for professional sports events have veered away from this format.

The reason is that TV already shows the entire game and fans usually know the scores and highlights before the article makes it to publication.

2. Feature Game Story 

The feature game story is a favorite tool for professional sports writers because it gives fans and readers a different angle from the highlights they have seen on TV. 

Here’s an example of an actual sports feature lead involving the Queensland Reds and their rugby coach, Tevita Koloi : 

It’s the start of yet another season. The quiet of the night contrasts with the vibrant group gathered in the upper room of their local church, fervently praying. As the clock ticks closer towards midnight, the spiritual coach of the state’s professional rugby team receives an impression from God – “the last placed team he is mentoring will win the entire league this very year.”  It is a bold revelation, and he grapples with what to do with this.

After opening with this unique angle, the writer proceeds to describe the prominent rugby coach’s background, as well as what was going on at the time he had this unusual experience. 

And, as is common trait of feature game stories, he only gets to the scores near the end of the article—which is fine because readers are not looking to read about the score, which they already know.

Instead, the story gives them a different perspective of the game and the people involved.

3. Profiles

Whereas a feature game story spotlights a game, a profile features an individual character. This person might be a rookie athlete rising in the ranks, or perhaps an influential coach. 

To show you the difference between a feature game story and a profile, here is an example of a real-life personality profile opening of the same rugby coach Tevita Koloi : 

He stood on the bridge, pondering how everything in his life had gone wrong. After several years of depression, disappointment, abuse and separation, he had reached the end of his rope and was ready to end it all. He closed his eyes, readying himself to take this irreversible step. At that very moment, he heard a seemingly innocuous noise from below, “Beep-beep!  Beep-beep!” He opened his eyes and reached into his pocket for his phone, intending to read this message before he went forward with his tragic plan. The words he read, sent from an acquaintance he was not even particularly close to, shocked him out of his stupor: “Jesus loves you. He will never leave you. Receive His love.” 

The story then proceeds to describe his battle with depression and suicide, and how he used the same thing that saved him, text messaging, to help others in the sports world. 

4. Season Preview and Wrap-up Stories

Every sportswriter needs season previews and wrap-up stories in their collection. These stories are published while the coaches and their teams are preparing for the upcoming season, or after the season has ended—whether in victory or in defeat. 

These stories take a bird’s eye view of the season: they normally share the expectations that coaches and players have, or how they feel at the end of a season. 

A fictional example of a lead for this kind of story is: 

Coach Sandy Miller has high hopes for the Bannerview High School women’s volleyball team this year. With the Royals being the county champions last year, led by dynamic team captain Serena Delgado, who continues to lead the team this year as a senior. “We believe she’ll bring the team to greater heights this year,” Coach Miller says.

5. Columns 

A sportswriting column is the place where a sportswriter shares their opinion. Sometimes these columns may include venting when a team, player, or coach doesn’t meet expectations. Other times, they may write about what they admire in a team, player or coach. 

A favorite subject is a coach who is able to direct a weak team to an unexpected championship, or perhaps an underdog player who demonstrates unusual determination and teamwork. 

Here is an excerpt of a column from The Sports Column : 

For me, head-to-head competition is the most significant indicator for seeding, but not to EIWA coaches. When coaches use rules/regulations to protect their interests, then athletes suffer. To make a three-time All-American–a proven wrestler–a 4-seed behind an opponent he has defeated…well…that’s bad for everybody. And to make things worse, the only other seeded wrestler who has qualified for the Nationals (Jared Prince of Navy), is seeded #5, opposite Kolodzik. None of the other six seeds have had such success this year.

Sports Writing Examples

The best sports writers are able to convey the sense of awe readers feel when watching a game.

However, sports writing is not limited to simply describing a game: it may also profile an athlete or unveil important news surrounding a key character in a sport, such as reports of abuse. 

Example #1. From “ Roger Federer as Religious Experience ” (2006) by David Foster Wallace: 

A top athlete’s beauty is next to impossible to describe directly. Or to evoke. Federer’s forehand is a great liquid whip, his backhand a one-hander that he can drive flat, load with topspin, or slice — the slice with such snap that the ball turns shapes in the air and skids on the grass to maybe ankle height. His serve has world-class pace and a degree of placement and variety no one else comes close to; the service motion is lithe and uneccentric, distinctive (on TV) only in a certain eel-like all-body snap at the moment of impact. His anticipation and court sense are otherworldly, and his footwork is the best in the game.

Example #2. From “ Most Dominant Athlete of 2018: Simone Biles ” by Danyel Smith:

The only thing greater than the legendary, genius, paradigm-shifting athletic status of Simone Biles is the degree to which so many don’t know or can’t understand what it is that she actually does. Even if you’ve seen Biles doing a split leap on a box of Special K, you likely don’t know the depth of her determination to dominate. Some of it is that Biles competes in an odd, ancient Greek sport based in “disciplined exercise” that conquering Romans militarized and people now barely pay attention to outside of Summer Olympic years. More of it is that it’s the American female gymnasts who excel.

Example #3. From “ Everyone Believed Larry Nassar ” by Kerry Howley

It has by the fall of 2018 become commonplace to describe the 499 known victims of Larry Nassar as “breaking their silence,” though in fact they were never, as a group, particularly silent. Over the course of at least 20 years of consistent abuse, women and girls reported to every proximate authority. They told their parents. They told gymnastics coaches, running coaches, softball coaches. They told Michigan State University police and Meridian Township police. They told physicians and psychologists. They told university administrators. They told, repeatedly, USA Gymnastics. They told one another. Athletes were interviewed, reports were written up, charges recommended. The story of Larry Nassar is not a story of silence. The story of Larry Nassar is that of an edifice of trust so resilient, so impermeable to common sense, that it endured for decades against the allegations of so many women.

How Do You Write a Good Sports Lead? 

A lead is the introductory section of a news story, intended to hook the reader into reading the full story.

To write a good sports lead, first pick which of the 5 types of sports stories you would like to write. The type of story you choose will determine the lead you write. 

If you opt for a straight-news story, pick a highlight from the game you are writing about and focus on that in your first paragraph. 

If you choose a feature or profile, pick something that stands out about the team or person. Think of a scene that best describes the characteristic you want to highlight. Do you describe a practice session? A game huddle? Or an after-game interview? 

For a season preview or wrap-up story, pick a sport you love and describe a broad perspective of an upcoming season or the season that just wrapped up, beginning with the best teams. 

For or an opinion column, find one angle that you would like to express your opinion on and that you feel passionate about.

Writing About Sports

Writing about sports is not only exciting, but it also gives us a chance to get to know the people in our favorite sport and share those findings with our readers.

Excellently written sports stories make these characters come alive, letting fans connect to their favorite teams in a more meaningful way.

Which sport would you like to write about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• What Is Creative Nonfiction? Definitions, Examples, and Guidelines
• 18 Nonfiction Writing Courses to Help You Plan and Write Your Next Book
• Find Your Hook: How to Engage Your Readers When Your Topic Is Boring
• How to Make Money Writing Nonfiction: 20 Job Opportunities for Freelance Writers

Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.

30 Comments

Could you please help me on how to write or feature for school journalism. I have joined my school’s basketball team and I am on the media team and it’s actually my first time.

Maybe i can be of help. Im a school paper adviser and an article writer at a national monthly magazine.

This helped me a lot especially it’s my first time in journalism and I had no idea on how to do it When I came across this website, thank you!

I hope you are doing good well.

I need a post on your website.

How much do you charge for publication of one article on your website.

Will you provide do-follow link in the article?

I am waiting for your positive response.

Thank you so much Kaelyn. It is really helpful and informative. I got a great help as i had to present on sports beat and my presentation captures almost the whole of your content. Thank you so very much

I’m so glad to hear that it was helpful for your presentation, Sanjana! :)

maraming salamat po! ito ay lubos na nakatutulong

walang anuman po :)

thank you so much! this is very helpful for us beginners.

You’re very welcome, Nora! Glad you found it helpful :)

Thanks a million, I would love to write about soccer and its greatest players

That’s a great subject, Madaki! I hope you find these tips helpful for your sports writing :)

This was really well -done. Are there similar offerings that are done in journals? I am looking for sports writing informative articles for a paper for school.

Hi Antonia, thanks for your comment! Not sure what you mean by offerings done in journals?

Hi dear, I am looking for buy blog post and a good website What is you post price and this site https://www.tckpublishing.com/ Let me know

Hi Aliraza, we’re not currently selling our site or posts

This is indeed a masterpiece. A must-read article for any sports enthusiast. Am grateful for this great job.

thank you, glad you enjoyed the article!

You’re welcome, hope you enjoyed the article!

Nice post, I appreciate this but wish you could give more details about Feature Game Story. I really want to learn more about it so i can apply it in my website — Footballrover.com

My interest is on football only, so I want to learn how to write feature story on football more often on my site. Could you kindly help pls? Thanks a lot

Very helpful article. I have a sports blog and look for tips on making it successful.

I’m so glad you found the article helpful, Stacie! :)

Thjs article is helpful.. Can you give me a possible sports topic to write on for school journalism? Appreciate it.

I’m so glad you found it helpful! :) It depends on what areas you want to cover, but if you want to take an opinion/current events article, there’s a lot going on as far as the rights of athletes to protest, the first openly gay football player… also the tokyo olympics are coming up.

Perfect context!

I am definitely using this as inspiration and guide for my sports article.

Great synopsis of sports writing! I very much appreciated the break down

Thanks Franklin, we’re so glad you enjoyed the post! :)

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How To Become A Sports Writer: A 5-Step Guide

If you love sports and writing, then a career as a sports writer could be perfect for you. Here’s a look at how to become a sports writer.

Getting paid to write about sports? Sounds like an easy, dream job — right? 

While sports writing is an incredibly enjoyable profession for those who enjoy and excel at the rigors of journalism life, it takes a lot of hard work to earn a job covering a college or professional team (or league).

What’s more is the lifestyle of a sports writer — which consists of long nights filing stories after evening games, constantly monitoring your social media accounts to relay news or post-game interviews as they happen, and basically working on-demand around your beat’s practice and season schedules — isn’t for everyone.

In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to become a sports journalist. We’ll first start with a section on what exactly a sports writer does on a day-to-day basis. Here’s a look:

The Life of a Sports Journalist

1. start building your writing skills at a young age, 2. make sure you attend a college with athletic programs, 3. get an internship, 4. plan on cutting your teeth somewhere professionally, 5. build your resume and more attractive sports writing opportunities will open, final word: how to become a sports writer, how much do sports writers earn, what type of hours do sports writers work, where do sports writers work, q. how can someone become a sports writer or journalist, q. what’s a typical day like for a sports writer or journalist, q. what’s the best piece of writing advice you received, q. what’s the worst, q. what kind of writing do you most enjoy, q. have you had mentor who helped improve your writing, q. how is sports writing different from any other kind of writing, q. how do you deal with deadlines and pressure to produce copy, q. what do you do when you’re burnt out or struggling to come up with an angle.

Most writers pursue this profession because they love two things: sports and writing. Noting this, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that the average sports journalist earns less income than many other professions that require a college degree.

According to  Salary.com , the average sports writing job salary falls somewhere between $32,000 and $41,570 per year. However, there are various factors that influence this salary number. Notably, the size of the market you work in and the outlet that you work for largely influence salary.

For example, if you report for a national publication or outlet, you’ll likely earn more than if you report for a local or regional one. Other factors include what type of sports you’re covering (i.e., high school, college, professional, international, Olympics, etc.).

While some national sports writers cover entire leagues, most journalists are assigned to team beats. Here’s a look at the  day-to-day duties  of a writer assigned to a team beat. 

• Attend all coach press conferences and practices where there is media availability.
• Attend sporting events , including travel to away games.
• In addition to game recap stories, beat writers are often asked to file anywhere from 3-5 stories per week on the team they cover. Being a good journalist is about more than just writing sports articles – you’ll also need to hone your creative writing chops to write in-depth features. 
• Create and build a following on social media  to interact with readers and deliver up-to-the-second game analysis, post-game reaction and insight. Multimedia duties — like recording podcasts, and capturing photos and videos — may also be required.
• Be ready to cover any non-game or practice team news stories , such as player transactions, coach terminations, recruiting news or other happenings that are important to readers.
• Follow other sports media outlets and bloggers  to gauge their coverage.

Sports writers spend lots of time away from home covering their teams on the road, can usually only plan vacations around the season of the team that they’re covering, and often work late nights filing game stories for their readers to see when they wake up the next day.

It’s not a profession for everyone, but it’s a very rewarding, enjoyable profession for the right person. In the next section, we’ll dive into how to become one.

How to Become A Sports Writer

Like we said in the intro, you need at least two things to become a sports writer: knowledge and love of sports, and some writing chops. Developing some good writing skills can be more difficult than you may think, and it helps to hone these skills at an early age.

Consider taking an introductory journalism courses as early as high school and try to catch on with your high school newspaper, should your school have one, and ask to cover its varsity sports teams. This early experience will help give you a good foundation if sports writing is something that you want to pursue. 

After you’ve cut your teeth in some basic journalism courses and maybe even dabbled a bit in sports writing, your next step is to pursue a Journalism degree in college.

You should be looking to attend a school with two things: A good school of Journalism and a robust athletic department. A good school of Journalism, and you’ll receive excellent instruction. And the more sports programs your school offers, the more opportunity you’ll have to attend and report on games.

Next, it’s a matter of getting involved with the right organizations to cover these athletic programs. Try catching on with the college newspaper, the college radio station, or try interning or working in the athletic department itself.

When you cover games, you’ll likely be seated on press row along with any other reporters there to cover them, which will give you a great taste of the level of professionalism expected in these environments. 

Getting a good education and earning a Journalism degree is one thing, but getting the hands-on experience and making the connections to move your career forward is another key to becoming an aspiring sports writer. Both are important at the college level.

Experience. Experience. Experience.

While most college students head home for the summers and work full-time to save up for tuition, and room and board, if you want to be a sports writer you need to be kicking the tires on earning a professional internship. Look to catch on with a newspaper or the sports department of a TV station either locally and regionally to continue to gain experience and cut your teeth in the business. 

Check with your School of Journalism to see if there’s a need for interns locally or if they’re organizing any sort of internship or career fair for students. While some internships are paid, others are unpaid — and you shouldn’t be scared off by one that is unpaid.

The professional experience that you gain at an internship will help you immensely after you graduate and are looking for that first job.

After you graduate with your Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, it’s very unlikely that you’re going to get hired to cover a Division I college program or professional sports team. A more likely “first job” is catching on with a small paper or local outlet to cover high school sports.

These beats tend to be where all sports writers start professionally, and there’s a certain enjoyment in beginning a career covering athletics at the purest of levels. Working the prep beat and gaining this crucial professional experience should eventually lead to other, more high-profile opportunities in the sports writing world.

The more connections and experience that you have, the more likely there will be more high-profile sports writing opportunities that are presented to you in the future. And while you may have to keep a pulse on the job market, as you gain experience and make a name for yourself in the business, there’s also a good chance that these opportunities will be presented to you. 

The “holy grail” for most sports writers is covering either a Division I college football or basketball program or an NHL, MLB, NBA, or NFL team. Or working for a national outlet like ESPN. Jobs such as this and you can guarantee that your work will be read by a large sum of readers. It likely also means a larger paycheck and more stipend when you’re traveling.

From covering the biggest games to writing in-depth feature stories on athletes, sports writing can be fun, rewarding, and satisfying for the right individual.

But it takes a lot of work to get started and to build your resume. Follow the steps above to chart a course on how to reach the pinnacle of the profession. 

FAQs About How to Become A Sports Writer

According to Salary.com , the average sports writer earns $36,275 each year, but most earn anywhere between $31,930 and $41,569.

Sports writers don’t often work a 9-5 schedule, it largely depends on the schedule of the team or league that they’re covering. The job often consists of a lot of nights and weekend work. 

Sports writers work for a range of outlets, which include newspapers and websites.

Becoming a Sports Writer: An Interview with Miguel Delaney

In this interview, he explains how you can become a sportswriter or journalist, and he also describes what life is like in this busy profession.

I can only explain my own circumstances, but it’s far from the only route.

I did a degree in journalism and then, while studying for a master’s, managed to get subbing shifts in a paper.

From there, I kind of hung around, hassled the editors to write more. Ultimately, you’ve got to put yourself forward!

Depends on the day!

I have no set routine, which I kind of like.

Personally, I’m not good on 9-5s. Usually, I’d be at a game twice a week, and either at a press conference or out interviewing someone two other days. A lot of time around that is spent calling, researching and trying to write.

You always seem short of time!

Read as much as possible – and then write what you yourself would be interested in or enjoy to read.

That makes it authentic. If you’re faking it, people can read it. If you would want to read it, it will make it better.

Oddly, I genuinely can’t think of any. Guess I just remember what works for me, and reject/forget what doesn’t.

It’s as simple as that.

Two types: when it comes to sports journalism, it’s writing, i.e. on a match or right up against deadline. That properly tests you.

But, most of all [I enjoy] when there’s a subject [I] really want to address, and the words just flow out.

Yeah, loads, from former lecturers to editors, to fellow journalists.

Other than the fundamental triviality of what sport is (!) – although the very fact that it fills people’s spare time means it isn’t that trivial.

A lot of American political writers started in sport because it covers the same kind of themes. There’s also use of narrative etc

Experience!

I remember the first time I ever did a live match report – i.e. 800 words of copy that had to be submitted bang on the final whistle – I was so anxious I prepared loads of different intros and outros dependent on different situations.

I still ended up barely using any of them! It’s just something you get used to. You just have to try and maintain focus.

If you’re struggling, don’t get too ambitious, and just keep it straight.

Go for a walk. It’s the only way to deal with it, I find. It’s amazing how much clearer things will seem.

Sometimes, you just have to get away from the laptop – and the room it’s in – for a bit.

You can find Miguel at @MiguelDelaney .

Did you enjoy this interview? What type of writer do you want to become?

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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How to Write a Sports Article

Last Updated: April 29, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Marissa Levis . Marissa Levis is an English Teacher in the Morris County Vocational School District. She previously worked as an English director at a tutoring center that caters to students in elementary and middle school. She is an expert in creating a curriculum that helps students advance their skills in secondary-level English, focusing on MLA formatting, reading comprehension, writing skills, editing and proofreading, literary analysis, standardized test preparation, and journalism topics. Marissa received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 113,762 times.

For many aspiring journalists and writers, as well as seasoned veterans, sporting events provide a fruitful ground for practicing their craft. Sports are exciting, familiar, popular, unpredictable, and always happening somewhere. Be they for newspapers or websites or blogs, there are several typical forms of sports articles, from straight-up event recaps to feature profiles. Regardless of article type or sport covered, there are several methods, “do's" and “don’t's", and examples that can help someone who is new to sports writing.

Tackling Your Topic and Style

• A “straight lede” (or “lead”) is a basic recap of a sporting event, providing the essentials on who played, who did what, and who won. They can be (but need not be) so formulaic that a computer can write them, [2] X Research source and are most common today for youth-level, high school, and small college events that are not shown or covered on TV/radio/internet.
• A “feature lede/lead” is more common for larger college and professional events where most of the readership already knows the score, but wants a more in-depth view of what happened and who made the difference in the result.
• A “profile” focuses on a colorful character or key figure such as a coach, star quarterback, or journeyman backup catcher with a love for practical jokes.
• A “season preview or wrap-up” either prepares the reader for the season to come or takes them on a tour of the highs and lows of the just-completed season. For instance, a baseball writer might file a preview during spring training and a best/worst summary after the end of the regular season (or playoffs).
• A “column” is an opinion piece where the sportswriter gets to express his/her opinions on (mostly) sports (mostly) freely. Aspiring sportswriters are likely to have fewer opportunities to write opinion columns than old pros who have proven their mettle over the years.

• Search websites for classic and modern examples of exceptional sports writing. [3] X Research source

• When you’re starting out, if you have the choice, cover the sport you know best. Master writing effectively about it before moving on to less familiar sports.

Shooting for a Successful Sports Recap Article

• Local sporting events are a good place to start for an aspiring sportswriter. You’ll find passionate fans/parents, eager participants, and a good environment for covering a sporting event from several angles.

• Contact coaches to see if they have a player who would make a good story. Watch the subject play the game, and set up a brief interview. Figure out what makes his or her story distinctive.
• Talk to players and coaches to get quotes about the game. Even asking boilerplate questions like “What contributed to you winning the game?” will give you some material with which to work.
• Ask permission to record your interviews. Also, try talking to people close to the person, such as parents and friends to create a well rounded view of the person.

• Leads focus on the 5 “W’s” and “H” (who, what, when, where, why, and how). In a sports context, the score is always a great place to start. For example: “Last night in Falcon park, the air as crisp as winning quarterback Joe Smith’s passes, the Redview Falcons stunned the first-place Washington Coyotes in overtime, 56 to 54.”

• Consider the 4-step approach to a sports recap that begins with the lead, follows with more essential information, then adds a quote for flavor, then pushes out the rest of the details. [6] X Research source
• News article writing relies on an “inverted pyramid” structure, where the most substantial elements are found at the top of the article, and the information becomes less weighty and important as one approaches the bottom. [7] X Research source Readers always start but don’t always finish an article, so make sure they get your best stuff up front.

Scoring with Other Kinds of Sports Articles

• If you are covering your alma mater in a basketball game or interviewing a pro golfer who happens to be a childhood hero, let your fan-dom be revealed. Sports are about passion, enthusiasm, and often silly biases. Be impartial with the facts but let readers see you as a sports fan as well as sports writer.

• For example, draw from interviews to place the reader at the foul line with the game on the line: “As she looked at the basket, trying desperately to block out the crowd behind it and the emptiness in front, Jane Davis could swear she caught a glimpse of her old garage wall holding up the hoop, felt the crumbling driveway beneath her feet, and sensed her Dad at her side.”

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• ↑ http://journalism.about.com/od/writing/a/sportsstories.htm
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/bury-the-lede-versus-lead
• ↑ https://ngscsports.com/2022/10/30/three-excellent-examples-of-sports-writing/
• ↑ https://www.viasport.ca/communications-toolkit/module-4-how-write-engaging-sports-article
• ↑ https://www.esu.edu/writing-studio/guides/hook.cfm
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nra6ez9HZEk
• ↑ https://www.nngroup.com/articles/inverted-pyramid/

About This Article

To write a sports article, start by writing a short, catchy lead, or opening sentence, that mentions the final score and introduces key information that will compel the reader to go deeper into the article. Next, cover essential information like team names, the location of the game, the standout players, and a few other highlights. Then, sprinkle in a couple of quotes from the coaches or players and finish up by covering some of the important plays and any other interesting details. For tips on taking good notes at the game, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to become a sports writer

Is becoming a sports writer right for me.

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Still unsure if becoming a sports writer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a sports writer or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Sports Writer

Here are some steps you can follow to become a sports writer:

• Develop your writing skills: To become a successful sports writer, you need to have strong writing and research skills. Read a lot of sports writing, both online and in print, to get a sense of the different styles and techniques used by different writers. Practice writing articles, blog posts, and other types of writing on sports topics.
• Formal education: While a specific degree is not required to become a sports writer, having a formal education in journalism , writing , sports communications , mass communication and media studies , English , or a related field can be helpful in developing the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this career. A degree in journalism, for example, can provide a solid foundation in writing, research, and ethical considerations in journalism.
• Build a portfolio: As you develop your writing skills, create a portfolio of your work to showcase your talent and experience. This could include articles you've written for school publications, personal blogs, or other writing projects.
• Gain experience: Consider seeking out opportunities to write about sports, such as writing for your school paper or a local sports blog. You can also intern at a sports publication, where you'll get hands-on experience working alongside experienced sports writers and editors.
• Network: Networking is an important part of any journalism career, and sports writing is no exception. Attend events, join sports writing organizations, and make connections with other writers, editors, and professionals in the industry.
• Apply for jobs: Once you have developed your writing skills, built a portfolio, and gained experience, start applying for sports writing jobs. You may need to start out at a small publication or website and work your way up, but with persistence and hard work, you can build a successful career as a sports writer.

Associations Joining a professional association for sports writers can be a great way to connect with others in the industry, learn about new opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in sports journalism.

• The Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE): APSE is an organization made up of sports editors, writers, and producers from newspapers, radio and television stations, and digital media outlets across the United States and Canada. They offer an annual conference, awards programs, and other resources for sports journalists.
• The National Sports Media Association (NSMA): The NSMA is an organization that recognizes and supports excellence in sports media. They offer a variety of programs and resources for sports writers, including an annual convention and awards program.
• The Sports Journalists' Association (SJA): The SJA is a British organization that supports sports journalism in the UK. They offer networking events, training programs, and other resources for sports writers.
• The International Sports Press Association (AIPS): AIPS is a global organization that represents sports journalists from over 150 countries. They offer a variety of programs and resources for sports writers, including training programs, awards programs, and networking events.
• The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA): The PFWA is an organization that represents journalists who cover the National Football League (NFL). They offer networking opportunities, awards programs, and other resources for sports writers who focus on football.

Online Resources There are a variety of online resources available for sports writers, including websites, social media platforms, and forums. Here are a few examples:

• SportsJournalists.com: This website offers a forum where sports writers can discuss topics related to the industry, share tips and advice, and connect with other professionals in the field.
• Bleacher Report: Bleacher Report is a digital media company that specializes in sports content. They offer articles, videos, and other resources for sports writers and fans alike.
• The Athletic: The Athletic is a subscription-based digital media company that offers in-depth coverage of a variety of sports. They employ a team of experienced writers who produce high-quality content for their subscribers.
• Twitter: Twitter is a social media platform that is widely used by sports writers to share breaking news, provide live updates during games, and engage with fans.
• Sports Business Journal: Sports Business Journal is a publication that covers the business side of sports. They offer news and analysis on topics such as sponsorship deals, stadium financing, and media rights.
• ESPN Press Room: ESPN Press Room is a website that offers news and information for journalists who cover ESPN and its programming. They provide press releases, media guides, and other resources for sports writers.
• Poynter: Poynter is a journalism education and research organization that offers a variety of resources for journalists, including those who specialize in sports writing. They offer online courses, webinars, and other resources to help writers improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

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How To Become A Sports Writer: Step-By-Step Guide

Are you passionate about sports and want to turn your love for the game into a career? 

If you’re looking for a job combining your two passions – writing and sports – you should consider becoming a sports writer.

Sports writing is a notoriously competitive field, but it is also an exciting and rewarding one. 

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry – this step-by-step guide will show you how to become a sports writer, from choosing the right degree to getting your foot on the industry’s door.

1. Develop your skills in journalism and related fields.

A degree in journalism or a related field is generally required to become a sports writer. 

Prospective sports writers should consider studying journalism at a college or university with a strong program in sports writing. 

Alternatively, they could complete a degree in another field, such as English or sports management , and then take additional courses in sports writing. In addition to formal education, aspiring sports writers should also develop their writing skills by reading widely and practicing writing regularly.

 They may also benefit from internships or work experience placements with media organizations. By gaining experience in the field and developing their skills, sports writers can improve their chances of securing employment with a newspaper, magazine, or other publication.

2. Start working for a small publication.

As a sports fan, you’ve probably dreamed of being a sports writer. 

Getting paid to write about your favorite team or athlete sounds like the perfect job, but breaking into the industry can take a lot of work. One way to get started is by working for a small publication. 

Smaller publications are often more willing to take on new writers and can provide valuable experience to help you get your foot in the door. 

Working for a small publication will also give you the opportunity to build up your portfolio and improve your writing skills.

3. Write interesting and well-researched articles.

To be a successful sports writer, you must capture your readers’ interest and keep them engaged.

 This means writing interesting and well-researched articles that offer new insights into sports. 

In addition to being knowledgeable about the latest news and developments in the industry, a good sports writer also has a knack for storytelling. They can weave together facts and anecdotes to create compelling narratives that give readers a new perspective on the games they love.

4. Be active on social media.

If you’re interested in becoming a sports journalist, one of the best things you can do is to be active on social media.

Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are great places to share your thoughts and opinions on the latest sports news and to connect with other like-minded fans. By engaging with others on social media, you can learn a lot about the sport you love and the business of sports journalism. 

It can offer you the chance to build your brand and increase your visibility. So if you’re serious about becoming a sports writer, make sure you’re active on social media.

5. Pitch your work to larger publications.

There’s nothing better than getting paid to write about your favorite team or player if you’re a sports fan. But becoming a successful sports writer takes more than just knowing the game. You need to be able to engage readers, tell compelling stories, and pitch your work to the right publications.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of being published in a big-name publication:

• Research the publications you’re interested in and familiarize yourself with their style and content.
• Focus on crafting well-written, engaging pitches that match the publication’s needs.
• Feel free to network and build relationships with other sports writers and editors.

By taking these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful sports writer.

6. Keep writing and expanding your portfolio.

As a sports writer, it is important to keep writing and expanding your portfolio. 

By doing so, you will show potential employers that you are capable of producing high-quality work consistently.

 In addition, regularly writing and adding new pieces to your portfolio will help you to stay sharp and improve your writing skills over time.

 Employers are always looking for talented and experienced sports writers, so keep your portfolio up-to-date and showcase your best work. You can succeed as a sports journalist with hard work and dedication.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a sports writer is not as difficult as it may seem. With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a sports writer.

 The most important thing is to get started and to keep writing. You will become better at writing as you write more. Who knows, you may even become the next big sports writer!

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How To Become A Sportswriter In Seven Steps

Jimmy Spencer

The Cauldron

There is no simple formula for breaking into the sports media industry, but there are ways to put yourself in position to succeed.

By Jimmy Spencer

Stop treating sports journalism like a get-rich-quick scheme.

It’s one of the most competitive fields you can break into, and entering the sports media job market isn’t as straightforward as it is other careers. It takes more than “knowing about sports.” Sportswriting is entertainment as much as it is informative. People need a reason to read you, watch you or listen to you — and simply “ knowing a lot about sports” isn’t going to cut it.

Each and every day, I receive multiple emails or messages on Twitter from young (or vintage) writers looking for advice on how to get into the industry. So, here’s my best advice in seven simple steps:

• WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. (And I’m not talking about Twitter.) The first thing I tell an aspiring writer is to find a platform or create a personal blog to create content about whatever he or she is passionate about. From there, crank out quality articles/columns with regularity. You should write daily or at least five pieces per week. Think how many 3-pointers Stephen Curry takes in a given day; you need to bring this mentality to writing. Even if you think you want to go into radio/podcasts or video, you will need to know how to write. People in that industry tell me all the time how much they wish they had spent time honing their writing skills earlier on.
• TAKE WHATEVER REPORTING GIG YOU CAN LAND. Stop trying to jump directly into professional sports. You’re not going to become a national sportswriter or TV/radio analyst overnight. It doesn’t work that way; just ask any big-time sports media personality where they started. The best thing you can do is learn to report about and interview athletes and coaches at the prep and college level — critical skills that are necessary if and when you start dealing with professional athletes. It also teaches you to write on deadline, be accurate and tell a story. Look for gigs at your campus newspaper or a small community newspaper. Only then will you have a portfolio of work to launch toward bigger and bigger platforms or outlets.
• FIND YOURSELF A GREAT EDITOR. Like it or not, you are going to need someone to tell you that your story sucks. Because it probably does. At least at first, anyway. One of my journalism professors used to repeat each class: “Everyone needs an editor.” And he was right. Editors make you better — even if they cut down your words and make you want to scream at them for removing what you thought was your best line. Almost always, your story ends up better, and over time, you become a better writer. You will come to need your editor; if they’re good, they will become a mentor for you. And you won’t be alone — every great writer can point to the editor who helped get them where they needed to be.
• READ REALLY GOOD WRITERS. Don’t model your writing off someone who isn’t a good writer. That would be like learning to play golf by watching Charles Barkley swing the sticks on YouTube. (Hilarious, but no.) Instead, find a brilliant, award-winning journalist and continue to read, read, read his or her stuff. Reading greatness will force you to truly evaluate your own writing.
• WRITE SHORTER. No one is reading more than 1,000 words on the Orlando Magic’s half-court issues. (OK, maybe like .0004 percent of Magic fans are, but still.) Learn to make a point, provide some analytical or statistical evidence, and get out. That’s what people want these days — and it’s probably what they’ve always wanted. My favorite line: “It’s harder to write short than long.”
• TELL A STORY. The best writers don’t just shove facts or opinion down their readers’ throats. They find a way to create a narrative and thread facts throughout to enhance their point. As you find great writers to read, you’ll quickly realize how well they create, develop and deliver a flowing narrative.
• NETWORK AND MARKET YOURSELF. No media outlet decision-maker is simply browsing random sites in order to pick off talent. You need to showcase your stuff as often as you can — and via methods that are likely to be seen. Create a Twitter account and post your articles there. Put your best stuff on Facebook. Create a personal website that acts as a professional portfolio, showcasing your best work. Sliding your work under the virtual doorways of editors and writers will put you in a position to land a gig, or, at the very least, receive invaluable feedback from those in the know.

Again, there is no template for success. This is just my best advice that was passed down to me from generations of news men and women. Hopefully it helps.

If you need anything, follow me on Twitter and ask: @JimmySpencerNBA . Also, please check out my virtual portfolio .

Written by Jimmy Spencer

Jimmy Spencer creates moments and tells stories with professional athletes. As a writer though, his focus is humanity, open-hearted faith and society.

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Tom Moorcroft

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How to wrote sport stories

Some people think that us sports writers somewhat rely on the same things. It’s all just reviewing sports matches, posing questions about athletes and ranting about what our favourite teams are doing wrong (which as an Everton fan I know all too well). 

However, sport is so much more than that. It’s a huge part of British culture. Any major category of writing can be associated with the sporting world. It’s an economic powerhouse. You could talk about some of the biggest sports fashion faux pas (which believe me, there are a lot of). We’ve got Marcus Rashford making huge waves in the world of politics. We’ve had football songs make it to No.1 music lists around the world, no more recent than 2018 when “3 Lions On A Shirt” was in everyone’s head. As a Head of Sport at Newcastle University’s paper I’m passionate about the world of sport writing. I want to show you how something that you might view as a niche can actually give way to some of the most impactful journalism you’ll ever produce.

What kind of articles can one write for sport?

Debate/Opinion 

These definitely give way to some of the more hard hitting and impactful pieces I’ve had the pleasure of reading over the last 3 years. If you think you’ve got a hugely unpopular opinion you’d like to share, or if you want to stir the pot with a difficult question, these are the ones for you. They’re often more personal, rather biased, and give way for some great persuasive writing. It’s important to back up the majority of your claims with some form of evidence. Stats and figures are always a good way to persuade readers!

When trying to formulate a potential article, I like to think of some of the queries that come to mind when watching sport. For example, when we see the 100th VAR blunder while watching football, we have to question whether it’s killing the sport we all know and love.

And if you’re not keen on sports, these are the best ways to branch out into sports writing. Considering why you don’t like sports and the things that make it so is, in itself, a pretty interesting article topic! Match Reviews These are perhaps one of the greatest ways to develop your skills as a sports journalist. If you’re at University, chances are at some level you have sports teams that play on a regular basis. It’s critical that you gain a great relationship with these clubs, and more often than not, just as you might want to go out to watch them, they’d love to have their games reviewed in a print newspaper. Sure, the quality is hardly that of what you might see on TV, but grass-roots and local sports are some of the grittiest competitions that you’ll get to see with your very own eyes. You can discuss the atmosphere of the game, as well as giving your readers a run down of the events as they come through. Consider some of the stand out moments of the game. And be sure to take lots of photos. Not only is this a great way to expand your CV from journalist to photographer, and I’m sure the team would love to see your fantastic photos, but they’ll also provide your readers with a key insight to the visual aspects of the games. Very important in helping form as clear a review as possible. 

However, if you’re lucky, you may be able to interview some sporting legends… Interviews Interviews are the bread and butter of world sports journalism. Every sports media outlet you see is built on the basis of interviews. Whether this is Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, Gary Lineker over at BT, or the BBC hosting Match Of The Day every single week, interviews are not only guaranteed, but they’re the fabric that holds the show together. So, if you’re given the chance to speak to a sporting star, there are a few key things to consider. Be sure to do your research. The worst thing an interviewee could consider is that you don’t know what you’re talking about. Be sure to stay calm, clear, and truly LISTEN to their response. Perhaps most importantly, think of questions which will spark engaging and reader-friendly answers. Don’t just stick to the game, consider how the future will be impacted by it. Tips for sports writing

• Read as many articles as you can. This is a great tip for any budding new journalists. The best way to improve your own writing is to see what other people are doing, to learn of their methods and hopefully be inspired in your own work.
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. After a big football game there’s going to be hundreds of articles talking about it, but maybe there’s a certain angle you could discuss which others might not think of. Think of the headline you’d see scrolling through your Twitter feed and think: “I want to read that!”
• Try not to generalise too much. This might seem like some anti-advice, as obviously the broader you are in your writing the more readers you’re reaching. However, if there are a select few sports that you’re a massive fan of, and want to write content on, then reach for the stars. Sometimes finding your niche can give way to exciting experiences in the world of sports journalism.
• Talk to other sports journalists/enthusiasts you find online. Whether they’re students, amateurs or industry titans, the community out there is extremely supportive. Make sure to market yourself openly as a fan of certain sports, and be sure to tweet regularly to keep your connections growing, as this will ensure you’re engaging with interesting and up-to-date news to make your stories standout. 

Great student outlets with some stellar sports articles I wouldn’t be doing my job as Head of Sport at The Courier (Newcastle Universities newspaper), if I didn’t give our section a shout-out. You can check us out here: http://www.thecourieronline.co.uk/category/sport/sport-features/ Here are a few other Universities that offer some fantastic and engaging sport related content! Forge Sport: http://forgetoday.com/sport/

The Mancunian : https://mancunion.com/category/sport/

The Gryphon : https://www.thegryphon.co.uk/category/sport/

SCAN: https://scan.lancastersu.co.uk/category/sport/

For those of you feeling unsure about sports writing…

First of all, congratulations on deciding that you want to give it a go! If you haven’t before, I hope that this guide has exposed you to how broad the world of sport really is. It isn’t as narrow as just talking about the footy, sport is a world-wide powerhouse and has it’s ties in every major journalism category one could think of. However, if you want to start writing but are unsure if it’s up to scratch, which is a completely understandable feeling that every new writer gets, then my email is completely open. My email is a non-judgmental safe space where I can provide in-depth feedback on how to really hone in on your ability as a writer, and provide some great insights.

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FORMATTING + DESIGN

FREELANCE COMMUNITY

Sports Writing: 6 Ways to Get Gigs and Build Your Portfolio

by Kristen Pope | Sep 4, 2017

Do you spend your weekends glued to the TV watching your favorite teams battle it out?

Or, better yet, at the game decked out in the home team’s colors cheering for your sports heroes?

If you’re a sports fan, it’s time to turn your love of the game into a potential payday with sports writing.

Why should you consider sports writing?

As a sports writer, you’ll likely get access to games, as well as players, coaches and super fans.

Why watch your favorite baseball player on TV when you can chat with him about his hopes for the season instead?

Of course, not every sports writer will have instant access to big league players, coaches and teams, but by breaking into the world of sports writing, you can immerse yourself in your favorite game, while earning cash at the same time.

How to break into sports writing

If you have a history of playing or writing about a specific sport or even if you’re just a devoted fan, be sure to mention that in your letter of introduction or pitch to an editor or outlet.

Sports publications want people who know, understand and love the sport to write about it.

They also don’t want people they have to explain the sport to or people who might not be familiar with the rules, players and lingo.

Break in like you would with any other type of market. Research the possibilities, study the publications and write your best letter of introduction or pitch .

Want more tips to break into this exciting and potentially lucrative market?

Here are six ways to get hired for sports writing jobs.

1. Don’t stick to the pros

While professional sports might see most of the glitz and glamour, high school, college and amateur sports still need to be written about, too.

Don’t overlook these beats!

It’s easier to break in with smaller beats, and you’ll likely find less competition if you try your hand at writing about the local minor league baseball team rather than a high-level professional team.

2. Be open-minded about opportunities

When you say you love sports, maybe it’s basketball or football or hockey you have in mind. But there are plenty of other sports that need coverage.

Consider everything from lacrosse to ice skating to competitive archery. Covering some of these lesser-known sports is a great way to make a name for yourself in the business.

Of course, if you truly want to pursue a specific sport, like baseball or football, go for it.

If your goal is to write about professional football, for example, writing about college football will be more helpful than covering the local lacrosse league.

3. Write for the local newspaper

Local papers generally have a sports section, so why not reach out to them and see if they could use a sports writer?

You could cover high school, college, amateur or professional sports. They may need coverage of home or away games or a variety of other types of stories.

If you know a lot about a variety of different sports, consider seeing if they need a sports columnist. Being the voice of the sports section can help establish you as a prominent local sports writer, which could lead to other opportunities.

4 . Learn how to pitch popular publications

ESPN is a household name, but it’s just one place to approach if you’re interested in sports writing.

Who Pays Writers lists a number of sports publications and their rates, including ESPN Esports , Excelle Sports , Vice Sports and Vice Sports Canada.  

Contently’s rate database also lists a number of sports-related publications and contributor-reported fees , including one writer who received $1,500 for an investigative piece for SB Nation Longform.

Many large newspapers and magazines also include sports coverage, so these are smart places to approach once you have a few clips under your belt.

5 . Find interesting angles

When you’re looking at a publication and preparing to pitch, be sure to take a close look at the types of stories it covers.

While you may pitch stories about coaches talking strategy, or a team preparing to play a major rival, don’t overlook a story about a groundskeeper who has kept the team’s field pristine for the past 40 years.

People love reading about sports, but they also love a good sports-related human-interest story.

Don’t just write the obvious stories. Write the captivating ones.

6. Try the trade publications

Don’t limit your sports writing to the big markets with familiar names.

Sports-related trade publications   need writers, too! A trade publication could be anything from a publication read by coaches of a particular sport to a magazine for uniform manufacturers that addresses the needs of the industry.

However you choose to break into sports writing, it probably makes sense to try a few different options. Perhaps pitch a few popular publications, contact your local paper and reach out to a number of different trade publications.

A multi-pronged approach is often best when trying to break into any field of freelance writing.

And it might just be a chance to watch games and talk to players — a dream come true for sports fans.

COACHING + PUBLISHING

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FREELANCE COMMUNITY

• Sports Writing & Blogging Jobs: How to Become a Sports Writer

How Much Do Sports Writers Get Paid?

How do you become a sports writer, 27 sports writing jobs you can pitch to right now, 1. cruising world, 2. sport fishing magazine, 3. adventure cyclist, 4. gray’s sporting journal, 5. sailing magazine, 6. worthpoint, 7. the chronicle of the horse, 8. backcountry magazine, 9. deadspin, 10. the sportster, 11. athlon sports, 12. horse network, 13. sbnation, 14. fansided, 15. last word on sports, 16. runner’s world, 17. blackbelt magazine, 18. golf course management, 19. gripped, 20. powder magazine, 21. sports collectors digest, 22. shotgun sports, 23. sports afield, 24. triathlete, 25. ushpa pilot, 26. climbing.

Let’s face it — most freelance writers don’t have what it takes to be a professional athlete. And that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t do an excellent job writing about sports, from reporting on the latest sports news to in-depth analysis about the in-game action.

There are tons of great freelance sports writing jobs out there, and they can pay really well in many instances (some of the sports blogging jobs we’ll reveal below pay $1,000 or more per article!).

Sports writing jobs can consist of everything from contributing to a dedicated team blog to interviewing athletes to covering breaking news to statistical analysis and more.

Admittedly, trying to land these gigs can be pretty competitive (who wouldn’t want to get paid to write about sports?!). But there are still plenty of opportunities out there to make money writing about sports.

In the guide below, you’ll learn everything you need to know to start getting sports writing/blogging jobs to further your freelance writing career.

Paid freelance sports writing jobs can pay from as little $25 all the way up to $1,000 or more per article. In general, you’ll get paid a lot more writing feature pieces for print sports publications as opposed to cranking out short news pieces on sports blogging jobs.

That’s not to say you can’t make money writing about sports online. As you’ll see below, there are many digital publications with sports writing gigs that pay well. But in general, print is where the real money is with freelance sports writing.

The good news is there are more sports writing job opportunities available today than at any time before. Go back just a couple of decades, and the only real sports writing jobs were for newspapers or magazines. But that’s changed quite a bit.

Now, sports writers not only have newspapers and magazine opportunities available, but they can also write for different sports blogs, team websites, league websites, social media pages, email newsletters, or even their own blog.

If you want to get into sports writing, there’s no real secret to it. To become a successful freelance sports writer, all of the basics apply — create an online presence (actively build out your social media presence and create a great writing portfolio website ), build out your network, get some samples under your belt (starting your own blog or guest posting on other blogs may be good places to start), and of course, make sure you’re actually knowledgable about sports.

I also highly recommend checking out the Freelance Writers Den , an invaluable resource for freelance writers looking to make more money. You can access over 300 hours of courses and training materials covering just about everything you need to know to make money writing by becoming a Den member .

Ready to start making some money? There are opportunities in the list below to write about football, baseball, basketball, boating, hunting, fishing, and just about every other sport you can imagine. Check out this list of sports writing and blogging jobs below, study the editorial guidelines, and start pitching!

This popular boating magazine accepts pitches year-round despite their full editorial calendar. Guidelines can vary based on the type of article you’re doing, so make sure you read them fully at the link above. You can send your pitch by email to [email protected] .

Rates: $300-$1,000 for feature articles, $25-$200 for short news articles

This print and digital magazine covers all things related to the sport of saltwater fishing. They’re looking for features that provide info about saltwater fishing that is ” (1) new/fresh/different; (2) specific/in-depth and (3) accurate.” Send an email to [email protected] with your pitch.

Rates:  $750 for print features, $200-$300 for online features

This magazine takes pitches year-round, but they only review them on a quarterly basis and most stories are scheduled 12-18 months out. They’re looking for pitches for both feature stories and “final mile essays”. All materials must be submitted through Submittable at this link .

Rates:  25-50 cents per word

Published 7 times a year, Gray’s is looking for “competent, vividly written prose-fact or fiction-that has high entertainment value for a very sophisticated audience.” Their readers are bird hunters, fly fishers, and big-game hunters, so content around those themes is always a good idea. They warn writers against submitting pieces that are longer than they need to be, saying, “If you need 12,000 words to tell the tale, then do so. But if you can tell the story in 3,000 or even 1,500 words, then be kind to yourself, your readers, and our editors.”

Rates: From $100-$1,250 per article

This publication covers all aspects of sailing, “from learning how to sail in a dinghy to crossing the ocean on a large cruiser to racing around the buoys against the best sailors in the world.” Articles should conform to AP style. Submissions should be drafted in Microsoft Word and emailed as an attachment to [email protected] .

Rates: $50-$500 per article

Love sports collectibles? While this website covers the broader market of antiques and collectibles, you can pitch informative articles and blog posts on sports-specific collectibles and memorabilia. Send an email to [email protected] with your pitch.

Rates:  $50-$100 per article, bonus opportunities available

This national bi-weekly magazine is looking for articles on dressage, hunters and jumpers, eventing, foxhunting, and steeplechase racing. They also accept reporting on sport horse news, feature articles on horse care, and profiles of prominent horse people. Email your pitch to [email protected] .

Rates:  $165-$400 per article

This site is looking for a range of article types with a “strong backcountry hook.” They provide an email template they request all freelancers adhere to when pitching to editor-in-chief Lucy Higgins at [email protected] .

Rates:  35 cents per word

This popular sports site offers detailed guidance on how to pitch them successfully with some real examples from writers they published. Their Managing Editor Chris Baud is on LinkedIn .

Rates:  11-17 cents a word

TheSportster is always looking for freelancers to write about football, basketball, wrestling, and more. The site has sports writing jobs for freelancers who can “produce in-depth premium content with expert knowledge in one or more of TheSportster’s featured categories.” Visit the link above to start pitching.

Rates:  Determined by assignment

Athlon Sports is looking for freelance football writers to join their team. They have sports writing gigs for NFL and college football experts. Fill out the form at the link above to get started.

From athlete profiles to interviews to in-depth analysis of the equestrian sport, Horse Network is a popular site for impassioned horse lovers. Try to land one of their sports blogging jobs by sending your story to [email protected] .

Rates:  $50 & up, bonuses for social shares

The SBNation network of 300+ sports blogs is managed by Vox Media. You can check out their current sports blogging jobs at the link above.

Rates: Determined by assignment

FanSided is a huge network of sports blogs, including team sites for a number of professional and college teams. Their sites are regularly looking for paid contributors.

LWOS is a network of 20+ specialty sports sites from numerous professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, UFC, and more) across the world. You can apply at this link .

Love the sport of running? This popular magazine features articles on training, nutrition, injuries, and more.

Rates:  $1 a word

Since 1961, this magazine has been covering all aspects of martial arts and combat sports. Send your pitch to Patrick Sternkopf via email at [email protected] .

Rates:  Currently unspecified, but reportedly has been $300/article in the past

This publication specializes in content that deals with the unique problems faced by golf course superintendents. You can pitch Scott Hollister at [email protected] .

Climbing enthusiasts can send pitches for features, athlete profiles, reviews of climbing areas, and more to query editor Brandon Pullan at [email protected] .

Rates: $150-$250 depending on article type

Since 1972, this publication has been an alternative to “the other, uptight skiing magazines.” They only accept pitches via email, and ask freelancers to allow up to two weeks for a response. Email your pitch to Managing Editor Sierra Shafer at [email protected] .

This monthly magazine is the oldest publication covering all aspects of sports memorabilia and the hobby of collecting. It includes feature articles, news items, and regular columns. Queries can be sent to [email protected] .

If you know about hunting, trapshooting, or skeet shooting, Shotgun Sports wants to hear from you. Email the editor at [email protected] .

Rates:  $50-$200 depending on article type

Sports Afield is the world’s premier hunting adventure magazine dating back to 1887. The magazine is aimed at hunting and shooting enthusiasts. While the magazine has a staff of regular contributors, they also accept feature articles from freelancers. Email your story ideas to editor-in-chief Diana Rupp at [email protected] .

This is the largest American publication covering the sport of triathlon, and they have an editorial focus on ” multi-sport training tips and workouts, nutrition, gear guides, athlete profiles, triathlon-related travel stories, and timely news pieces relating to the sport and lifestyle.” Reach out to their chief editor Kelly O’Mara at  [email protected] to propose a story.

The U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding association publishes a monthly magazine called USHPA Pilot. This publication includes news and information about the sport, and they’re always looking for original flying-related articles from freelancers. Send your story ideas to [email protected] .

Published six times a year, this magazine is always looking for features around the hobby of climbing, lifestyle, and wellness. Take the time to look at all the magazine’s departments before pitching. You can find  editor Matt Samet  on  LinkedIn .

Rates:  $0.35 a word

While you might think of Slate as a politically-focused site, they actually cover a wide range of topics, including some sports. Have a story idea? Pick the right editor from this list .

Rates:  $300 for a 1,000 to 2,000-word op-ed, according to The Web Writer Spotlight

Ready to start getting some great freelance sports writing jobs? Start pitching so you can make more money! And don’t forget to check out our guide to freelancer invoicing so you can get paid for your work!

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How Do I Get My Sports Articles Published? From Start to Finish

A number of people ask me every day if it’s difficult to be a sports journalist and my response is usually the same:

“It’s not difficult to write a story, it’s difficult to get one published.”

Getting your sports articles published can be nerve-wrecking and a real pain in the butt to say the least, but hopefully after you follow these tips you can one day have a piece published.

From a start-up blog to a credible publication with millions of readers, starting on your path to a career in sports journalism begins with the steps I have listed below.

How Do I Get My Sports Articles Published?

Think of an idea that is original and has not already been thought of. Also, think if it is actually possible for you to write about it. That is a very important part of writing successful sports articles that is often overlooked.

Can you find credible sources related to this topic to get quotes from? Will these sources supply you with quotes good enough to intrigue an editor of a publication – so much that they will want to buy the piece from you? Is there enough information available for you to thoroughly research the topic and actually write a strong piece? If you can do all of these things than you’re off to a good start.

Is Your Sports Article Worth Writing?

Secondly, how do you know if this article is even worth writing in the first place?

Well, you need to contact every publisher you can. Use any and all networking connections you have in the industry and contact editors, publications or writers of sports articles and see if they would indeed be interested in your piece.

Almost every connection I have made in the sports industry has come through writing discounted or free pieces or doing unpaid internships. Do not overlook the value of scratching someone’s back first by offering them good quality services for a low price. You’ll make great contacts this way and who knows when one of them will pan out in a major way.

Send A Pitch Letter

Once you’ve found the people you want to sell your story to, send them a pitch letter laying out your idea and prove to them in the pitch that your story would make a great read for their audience and show them that you have access to the credible sources needed to make this a strong story.

If you can do this, there isn’t an editor around that will turn you down – why would they? You’re providing them with what they want and can deliver it to them in an efficient way that will benefit all parties; everybody wins!

The Process of Actually Writing Sports Articles

Once an editor has accepted your pitch and given you a word count and deadline, get busy on contacting your sources immediately for quotes. Some sources will take ages to get back to you and this could really burn you if you have a tight deadline. Contact them every which way possible, but try and get them on the phone for an interview. This way you don’t have to go out of your way to set-up a face-to-face meeting that could potentially be cancelled or wait for an email response that could take forever.

Most editors want the story yesterday and they’ll gladly pass up your story for something else if they have to. They have their own deadlines to produce sports articles or otherwise for their readers and they can’t sit around waiting for you.

Research, Research, Research

Once you’ve received strong quotes from your sources, you need to do your research. Make sure you’re only using reliable sources – Wikipedia is not a reliable source – and make sure you can fact check the information you’ve been provided through other sources. Providing research that is not factual can get you into a lot of trouble in the writing world (watch the film Shattered Glass to see what happens to a journalist who lies about his facts).

Time To Write!

After getting your strong quotes and doing your research it’s time to write your story. Make sure it comes in or around the word count the editor provided. Editors won’t mind a few words over or under, but sending them a piece 1000 words over their count will irritate them and it’s likely they’ll just send it back to you and ask for it to be trimmed down.

Make sure you do an edit on your piece and even have an editor friend of yours do the same. The more eyes you have read a piece, the better. This will prevent mistakes from being made and this should allow you to submit a stronger story in the end.

The Editing Process

Once you’ve submitted your piece, your job isn’t done. There’s a very high chance that the editor who accepted your piece will send it back to you with comments and criticism. Don’t take this personally; one important part of being a writer is accepting criticism and abiding by what the editor wants. They’re the one paying for your story, so follow their guidelines.

After some back and forth trimming and chopping of your story with an editor, you’ll eventually come to a final piece, which the editor will publish.

Get Ready To Be Published!

Congratulations! You’ve just gone through the steps of publishing any sports articles (Something Tom Jolly from the New York Times would know about. Go ahead and check out the video above to get some extra tips from him).

It sounds simple doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t. It’s a lot of work, but if you use these tips and work hard, you’ll have an excellent chance of getting your words out to the world.

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14 freelance sports writing jobs for beginners

Are you a sports fan who loves to write? If so, sports writing might be the perfect way to make a living by combining your passion with your talent.

It’s a growing popular culture niche, making it possible for beginner freelance writers to break into it. To help kickstart your sports writing career, here are some tips for getting started. You’ll also find some of the best freelance sports writing jobs for beginners.

What is a sports writing job?

A sportswriter crafts material about sporting events, players, coaches, and other topics related to sports. They might interview players, write a recap of a local ball game, or dive into player stats and make predictions.

While you’re probably familiar with the sports page in the newspaper, that’s not the only place you’ll find these types of articles. You can also find them in:

• Online publications
• Press releases
• Social media
• Advertisements

Sports journalists cover all types of activities. They write about football and basketball, but also cover golf, cycling, and more. You’ll find these writers at local high school games and events at the professional level.

This means there are loads of possibilities, so start thinking about what type of material you’d like to create.

What skills do you need to be a sportswriter?

To succeed as a sports writer , you obviously need to have a knowledge of sports and enjoy the culture. If you aren’t a true fan, your readers will be able to tell. You’ll also likely get burned out, since it’s a lot harder trying to write engaging articles about a topic you couldn’t care less about.

While you might be an expert in one type of sport (such as football), you must have a basic knowledge of all major competitions. You also may not be able to write exclusively about your favorite sport, so being open to others can help you succeed. There are many sports to write about , so try getting experience with at least a few different ones.

In addition to being a sports fanatic, you must be a good writer. People don’t want to read material that’s full of spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.

Those two things are essential qualifications for these types of jobs. However, they’re not the only requirements. You should also be:

• Punctual : A freelance writer in this niche maintains crucial deadlines. People want to read about sporting events right after they occur, not days or weeks afterward. You’ll need to create content quickly and get it submitted on time.
• Thick-skinned : There are so many opinions surrounding this niche. Not everyone will like what you say, so you shouldn’t take comments personally.
• Collaborative : You’ll be working with others. This could be a team of other writers and editors or figures in the sporting world. Either way, if you don’t play well with others, this isn’t the job for you.
• Willing to cover events : If you’re looking for an online writing gig so that you never have to leave your home, you may want to select a different niche . Most writers are eventually asked to attend the game, so travel could be in your future.
• A good communicator : Since you’ll be working with others and expressing yourself in writing, good communication skills are vital.

Each company may also have specific requirements. For instance, some may want you to have a degree in communication or journalism or previous experience. Make sure you read the job ads you apply for. This helps improve your chances of landing a job.

Pros and cons of being a sportswriter

Sports writing isn’t for everyone. Just like any job, there are good and bad aspects.

Pros of sports writing

You get paid to create content on a subject you’re passionate about. You also have an excuse to watch any game, since you’re doing it for work.

Additionally, it’s a job that won’t feel too monotonous and boring. You can write about a variety of games and create different types of content. This keeps things feeling fresh, and can help reignite your passion for your job.

Though many full-time sportswriter jobs require you to live in large cities such as New York, NY, San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ, or Washington DC, you can find freelance positions all across the United States. It’s fairly flexible.

Also, you can write about professional sports or up-and-coming high school stars. It's a broad niche, with room for lots of writers in almost any area.

You’ll also get to interact with others, so it won’t be a lonely position. You may have the chance to interview famous players, talk to inspiring coaches, or get advice from other writers. Most companies want a team player who can get out and build relationships. You won’t be working behind a cubicle all of the time.

Cons of sports writing

Though there are many good things about sports writing, there are also some downsides. For instance, if you’re covering a game, you probably won’t be able to enjoy it with family and friends. Instead, you’ll be keeping track of the stats, monitoring plays, and taking notes to incorporate into your writing.

This means that game nights, or sports in general, might not be as leisurely as they once were. It will be your responsibility to watch plays with a critical eye, not as something you do just to relax.

Increasing the stress is the need to turn in great content soon after the game is over. There are crucial deadlines to provide your content to your client, so you'll need to work quickly.

Another challenging part about sports writing may be the pay. Many sites that accept contributors pay low rates. Others don’t pay anything at all. You’ll need to read the guidelines carefully to avoid surprises about payments.

How do you find sports writing jobs?

As a freelance writer, it's your responsibility to find each sportswriter position you desire. To grow your business, make sure you keep looking for work even after you land your first client. By continuing to market yourself for at least a couple of hours per week, you can get your name out and secure more work. That way, you don't end up stuck in the dreaded freelance feast and famine cycle.

To help you find a continuous stream of clients, here are four ideas to try.

1. Search job boards

Make it a point to frequently peruse job boards and apply for the gigs you’re interested in. Here are several freelance writing job boards to help you find work:

• Blogging Pro
• Freelance Writing
• Freelance Writing Gigs and its job board
• All Freelance Writing

You can also search for job ads on general job boards, such as:

• Ziprecruiter

If you set up an account on these sites, you can usually upload your resume. This makes it easy to apply for a variety of positions.

Craigslist can also be a potential source of gigs. You can check in both the “gigs” and “jobs” sections. If your local Craigslist doesn’t have much, change the location to New York, NY, Washington DC, or Los Angeles, CA. These larger metropolitan areas often have more potential.

Set up job alerts to make sure you don’t miss any potential gigs. This way, you’re notified when a freelance sportswriter position comes up. A job alert makes it easy for job seekers to find what they're looking for without spending hours reviewing new job listings.

2. Cold pitch companies

If you’re already familiar with the local sports industry, a local company might be your best bet for your first gig. Contact your local newspaper, and see if it hires freelance writers to cover the sports beat in your city.

Are there any colleges in your town? You can see if one of them needs content for its athletics website or help covering events in your area. You can also reach out to local teams. Ask if they need a new writer to tackle press releases or manage their social media.

However, don't feel limited to local companies. Reach out to companies in Washington DC, New York, NY, San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ, and other major sports towns. You never know which company might need some additional help.

You can use cold pitching templates when asking for a job to boost your success rates and simplify the process.

3. Search on Google

Job seekers can find job ads for sports writing through Google searches. Try using the following search terms to find relevant results:

• “ Write for us + sports ”
• “ Paid sportswriter jobs ”

Then scroll through the results to see what positions you have the knowledge and experience to succeed at.

4. Search on freelance writing employer bids sites

Freelance employer bids sites such as Upwork or Freelancer can be potential sources of writing gigs, so consider creating an account on each of them. If you see a job you’re interested in, send in a bid. Make sure you include your resume and any additional material employers request.

You’ll be competing against the other applicants, so make sure your pitch clearly explains why you’re the best writer for the job. Also, let the employers know you can submit your stories on time. It’ll show them that you understand the importance of deadlines.

How much do sportswriter jobs pay?

According to Salary.com , the average sportswriter in the United States earns $36,384 per year. However, this rate varies greatly depending on your experience, education, and writing abilities.

If you take a full- or part-time sports writing job with a business, you can expect to earn a salary that’ll likely be in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. If you prefer to be your own boss and work as a freelancer, you’ll work out payment arrangements with your clients on a per-post, per-word, or per-hour basis.

Going this route means you have the potential to earn even more, especially if you work with multiple clients and have income coming in from different streams. Still, you’ll need to set aside money for taxes and any business expenses you have.

What types of sports writing jobs are available?

Now that you know more about sports writing, let’s look at some of the possible gigs you can get. You can use each job type as a search term to help you find open positions.

1. Online sportswriter jobs

There are lots of online publications that hire freelance writers. Here are a few of the best opportunities for beginners.

If you have a firm grasp of online writing and a love for sports, you can apply to work with one of the numerous sites FanSided manages. You can select between pay-per-piece and pay-per-pageview options.

Athlon Sports

Is football the sport you love? If so, you might be a great contributor to Athlon Sports. Though its pay rate isn’t specified, contributors are paid. You’ll want to work out the details with the editor.

SB Nation has a vast reach, with over 300 different websites and millions of followers. It’s a great resume builder for your sports writing career. To apply, you’ll want to check its parent company (Vox Media) and scroll down to the SB Nation section.

TheSportster

If you love wrestling, try becoming a contributor to TheSportster. It’s looking for solid writers to contribute to its Wrestling News or Wrestling Lists categories. If accepted, you’ll get paid and receive a byline on your articles.

Last Word on Sports (LWOS)

Whether you want to write about sports news, provide analysis of games, share your opinion, or hash out some rumors, there’s room for your work over at LWOS. It offers a remuneration program based on views, so the more popular your content is, the more you get paid.

Screen Rant

If you’re into sports video games and the gaming industry, be a contributor to Screen Rant. With Screen Rant, you’ll get credit for your work as a freelance writer and also get paid.

You can be a game reviewer, write about the best sports games, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in the gaming culture who wants to combine their sports and video games knowledge.

2. Sports copy editor

If you’re a pro at catching grammatical errors and can see a typo quickly, a job in sports editing might be in your future. You work with companies to proofread and edit their material before it goes live.

Some sports copy editors also oversee a team and plan the content calendar for the company. It can be a great step up in the world of sports writing.

You can find sports writing editor jobs with a variety of companies. To see which ones are hiring, use a site such as Indeed or SimplyHired . If you set up a job alert, you won't miss any possible openings.

3. Sports magazine writer

Many magazines hire freelance sportswriters to create content. Here are a few that you can send a query to.

Trail Runner

If you enjoy trail running, make sure you send a query to this magazine. There’s a digital and a print publication. You can write featured articles about running destinations, race reports, and more. It also accepts shorter pieces in the 800- to 1,200-word range.

The Sports Digest

Can you create short (300 to 500 words) articles about sports? If yes, send a pitch to The Sports Digest. It accepts posts about athlete development, ethical matters related to sports, sports governance, and other relevant topics.

Adventure Cyclist

Adventure Cyclist pays $0.25 to $0.50 per word for articles related to cycling. This publication accepts work from freelancers for two different categories: first-person tour accounts and essays about a singular experience while biking.

If climbing is your sport of choice, check out the submission guidelines for Gripped. It pays $150 to $200, depending on the length and category. This publication does use Canadian grammar, so if you’re in the United States, you'll need to review your article carefully before submitting it.

A magazine for sporting officials, Referee accepts posts from contributors for feature and sports-specific stories and its columns. The pay is typically $0.03 per word. However, you’ll need to work out the details with your editor.

The Chronicle of the Horse

Equestrian sports are growing in popularity. If you enjoy writing about them, pitch the editors at The Chronicle of the Horse. This publication frequently works with freelancers to generate content about horse news or horse feature stories. Payment ranges from $150 to $400 per article.

FourFourTwo

If you’re a soccer fan, send a pitch to FourFourTwo. This magazine accepts pieces from freelance writers for several different columns. There’s also the potential to publish work on its website. If FourFourTwo commissions your work, you’ll work closely with an editor to get it in tip-top shape before it gets printed.

When Saturday Comes

The editors of When Saturday Comes put together a comprehensive set of writer’s guidelines. So if you’re interested in writing about soccer, you’ll want to check it out. Payment is typically £75 for 750-word articles.

4. Sports copywriter

Good copy sells. If you’re a copywriter who loves athletics, try to find a position that allows you to put your persuasive writing skills to work. Companies that sell sports products or services would be happy to have you on board. You can occasionally find these positions on job boards, though your best bet is a cold pitch. You can pitch:

• Sporting good stores
• Sports camps
• Sporting wear companies
• Fantasy sports leagues

You can create ad copy, social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and more.

5. Local sports journalist

Your own city newspaper can be an excellent way to land your first freelance sports writing gig. Don't worry if it doesn't have the readership of a larger newspaper such as the San Diego Union-Tribune or The New York Times . It’s often easier to get started with a small-town newspaper because you don’t have as much competition.

Contact the editor to see if they hire freelance writers to provide sports stories. Since you’re local, you can cover the games in town and write an analysis of them. If you can take decent sports photos as well, this can be a nice upsell for the newspaper.

6. Sports multimedia journalist

If you enjoy writing about sports and capturing the game’s highlights through photography, a job as a sports multimedia journalist could be in your future. In this position, you’ll prepare sports coverage for publication in the newspaper or on television. Your client may also ask you to cover stories that aren’t about sports, so make sure you’re flexible.

To find these positions, go to the career section of a media company (such as FOX Corporation ) and search for careers as a sports multimedia journalist. Don't limit yourself to the major media powerhouses. Search for openings with smaller companies, such as Woodward Community Media.

General job boards also occasionally have this job type posted, so add this one to your job alert system.

7. Sports betting writer

Do you have a deep understanding of sports betting, game predictions, and other similar topics? Consider becoming a sports-betting writer. This could also include sportsbook ticket writer jobs.

To help you get started in this field, here are a few publications to consider writing for:

Sports Betting Dime (SBD)

If you’re an expert on all things odds analysis, apply to be a contributor to SBD. It’s looking to expand its sports writing crew by hiring new team members who are experts in the NFL, golf, MMA, NBA, and more. It covers just about any sport, so it could be a great fit no matter where your passion lies.

QL Gaming Group

Are you well-versed in the art of betting? QL Gaming Group hires sportswriters to tackle this subject. Rates aren’t listed on the website, so ensure you verify the terms with the editor before you accept.

CappersPick Blog

Though this website has a fairly low pay rate ($5 to $10 per article), it can be a great way to build up your writing portfolio. The site asks for articles in the 500- to 700-word range. It accepts posts about all major sports leagues, as long as your post relates to the gambling industry.

Sports Bet Listing (SBL)

If you’re passionate about sports and know how to successfully bet as well, apply to join the SBL’s team of paid writers. This company has precise pitching directions, so make sure you read them carefully before reaching out.

GamblingSites.org

While this publication doesn’t only cover sports, the company is looking to add additional sports betting writers to its lineup. To succeed, you must have technical competency, strong writing skills, and a passion for the industry.

In this role, you’ll create a variety of resources to help sports bettors succeed. This could include a roundup of betting sites, strategy guides, betting picks, and more.

8. Sports anchor

If you don’t mind going live on the air, consider becoming a sports anchor. Before you get in front of the camera, you have to prepare for your segment in writing.

In this role, you need to interview players and coaches, have a general knowledge of all sports you cover, and become the face of the program. You can find openings by searching the careers page of your local stations. They’re also occasionally posted on sites such as ZipRecruiter or Indeed .

9. Sports social media coordinator

If you’re passionate about sports and understand how social media works, you can get paid to create sports-related social media posts. In this role, you interact with others online to help build a following and manage your client’s online presence.

You can often find these positions on job boards, so make sure to set up a job alert, so you always see new openings. Cold pitching sports-related companies without a good social media presence can also help you land work.

10. Fantasy sportswriter

Fantasy teams are rapidly growing in popularity. These websites need writers to create material for publication. While many of these sites don’t pay writers, there are a few that do.

Here are some potential sites to pitch:

FantasyData

This company is looking for fantasy football writers who have at least seven years of experience playing. Read the job description for details, and then you can apply by filling out the application form on the website.

You can apply for a paid position with RotoBaller. Writers work closely with the editing team to create content that’s helpful to readers. The use of advanced stats is essential, so make sure you understand how to integrate stats into your writing before you apply.

The Scorecrow

Want to write about fantasy football or baseball? You can do that for The Scorecrow. While you won’t get paid per piece, the site offers quarterly payouts per 1,000 views, cumulative.

11. Sports tech writer

As technology evolves, sports and sports coverage changes as well. Tech sportswriters stay up to date on the intersection of sports and technology. They examine how sports teams use technology to stay in touch with their fans or how new tech can help players gain skills.

12. Sports staff writer

While not as flexible as many freelance positions, many companies hire staff writers to cover sports. In this role, you’ll be assigned topics to write about and have strict deadlines to meet.

To find these positions, connect with your newspapers and television stations to see if they have any openings.

13. Sports blogger

You can start your own blog dedicated to sports. Then as you grow your readership, you can earn money through affiliate links, ads, and other monetization techniques. You can also guest blog for established sports blogs. Here are a few to pitch:

While contributors to this website aren’t paid, it can be a great way to get backlinks and exposure. Additionally, this company does hire writers occasionally. So if you enjoy blogging about soccer, it might be an excellent opportunity for some paid work.

Sportskeeda

You can occasionally write articles for this site as a guest columnist or become a regular writer with a contract. The editor will discuss remuneration for your posts with the editor. Per-month or per-article terms are typical.

Eyefootball

This website is searching for more football (soccer) writers and editors. It has a variety of intern and paid positions available. While you’re waiting on your blog to get up and running, this can be a good option for generating some income.

14. Sporting events writer

If you can complete sports stories in a timely manner, you can find a position that allows you to cover sporting events. In this job, you'd go to the game and watch it. Then, you'd quickly write your article and submit it for publication. If you aren't comfortable working with tight deadlines, it may be better to consider other types of sports writing jobs.

Get paid as a sports fan

With so many freelance sports writing jobs available, you’re sure to find something that’d be a good fit for you as a sports fan. So pick one and give it a try. Your future career as a sportswriter is waiting for you.

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How to write an engaging sports article

Jul 20, 2020

• Organizations

Your sports organization is filled with powerful stories. Some of these will end up in newspapers or on television. The bulk of your organization’s news, however, will never reach a journalist. You will have to write it yourself. (If you’re having trouble, identifying newsworthy stories, check out module 3 to learn more.)

This module will teach you the nuts and bolts of writing an effective article, whether it will be published in a newsletter, on a website or in a media kit. In the next module, we’ll narrow our focus to writing for the web.

But first…did you know that bad writing kills?

It’s true. Many scholars believe that poorly written memos were partially responsible for the 1986 Challenger disaster , and that unclear writing has led to several dangerous automotive defects. While your writing will likely never turn deadly, poor communication can be costly to your organization. An unclear article about a program or league might lead to a decrease in registration. News outlets might not read a news release if they can’t easily find the hook. You might not get a grant if you can’t communicate your organization’s purpose in an effective manner.

That’s why plain language is important.

What is plain language?  

According to communications scholar Richard Wydick, plain language is “clear, concise and correct” communication. It avoids jargon and delivers its message simply but effectively so that the reader gets the message as quickly as possible.

Above all, however, plain language is about meeting your readers’ needs, so you need to identify what you know about them. How much detail do they want? Are they busy or will they be browsing your article for pleasure? How much knowledge do they have about your sport and/or your subject matter?

Module 4: How to write an engaging sports article

In Module 4 you will find:

• What is plain language?
• The two types of articles

Writing hard news articles

Writing soft news articles.

Once you know your audience, use both the content of your article and its structure to deliver your message. Here are some simple ways to make your writing meet plain language standards:

• Use headings, short sections and short sentences to make your writing easy to digest.
• Use active voice whenever possible. (Example: “Bob walked the dog” not “The dog was walked by Bob.”)
• Edit each sentence to get rid of excess words. Sometimes it helps to set a goal of cutting 25 or 50 words or staying under a certain word count.
• Use precise, specific language. Concrete words are better than abstract ones. For example, say “Jane has a 41% shooting percentage” instead of “Jane is a great shooter.”
• Get rid of jargon. In some sports this is unavoidable, so if you must use jargon try to convey its meaning through the context.
• Use bullet points to highlight information.
• Get rid of sports clichés.
• Try reading your piece out loud. If you stumble over a sentence or find yourself out of breath at the end of a paragraph, some editing is likely needed.

The two types of articles  

Every journalism student quickly learns the difference between hard news and soft news . Hard news is factual and relies on timeliness. Its purpose is to inform the reader. Soft news, however, does not need to be timely. Its purpose is to entertain the reader or give advice. For example, an article about the Chesterville Cheetahs winning the high school championships would be a hard news story. A profile about the Chesterville Cheetahs’ star player, whose mother and grandmother also won the same title, would be a soft news story.

Hard news is read quickly, so the most important facts must come first. In journalism school, they call this the “ inverted pyramid ”. The first paragraph contains the most important information (who, what, where, when, why, how) and the following paragraphs add an increasing level of detail. The reader could read just the first paragraph and come away with a good idea of what happened.

The lede, or first sentence, is the most crucial part of the article. Your lede should concisely tell the reader who, what, where, when, why and how. For example, “The Chesterville Cheetahs beat the Brownville Bruins 54-52 to win the 2015 Bob Smith Memorial Basketball Championship yesterday.” Your lede should feel complete but not crowded, so it’s okay to split your lede into two sentences to ensure that it flows nicely.

If your lede is effective, writing the rest of the article will come easily. Keep building details and background information, including quotes, until you have succinctly summarized the event. Make sure to keep your paragraphs short for maximum readability.

In the soft news article, you are not bound by the traditional rules of journalism. While a hard news story is meant to be read quickly, a soft news story is in no such hurry. Many sports writers use the form to step back and examine a trend or a larger issue within the sport or delve deep into an interesting person’s life. When done well, soft news articles can inspire, motivate and teach.

Soft stories are usually longer and sometimes even use techniques found in fiction. If creative writing isn’t one of your skills, however, don’t worry. In the sports world, a soft news piece could be a simple interview with an athlete, an opinion piece about a rule change, or a how-to article on how to select the best piece of equipment. It could even be a Buzzfeed-style list.

Often, the success of the soft news article rests on how interesting your “characters” are, so a good story starts with a good interview. For an example of a good use of quotes, check out this article on wheelchair rugby’s Zak Madell by Vancouver Sun journalist Gary Kingston. He uses Madell and his mother’s own words to tell the story, but shapes the narrative with his personal insights.

Here are some tips to help you write a strong soft article:

• Identify the “so what” of the piece. Why is this person or topic interesting to the reader?
• Make sure to do your research. The more you know about the subject, the richer the story will be.
• Soft news is a great way to get out your organization’s key messages. Does an athlete, coach or volunteer have a story that illustrates the good work your organization is doing?
• Read newspapers and magazines to find examples of great soft news writing.
• While it’s okay to use some stylistic flourishes in certain types of soft news articles, make sure to use good plain language techniques.
• If you’re having trouble finding a structure for your article, try pretending that you are telling it to a friend.
• As with a hard news article, remember to consider your audience. If your audience includes people outside of your community, consider how much these readers might know about your sport.

By following a few simple writing techniques, you can write articles that will engage your audience and deliver your organization’s message more effectively. In the next module, we’ll build on the skills we’ve learned and apply them to writing for the web. Do you have a question about writing articles? Do you have a best practice we didn’t mention? Get in the conversation by emailing [email protected] or tweeting @ViaSportBC .

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/journalism1/journalism-writing-the-hard-news-story

https://collegejournalism.wordpress.com/2008/07/15/hard-news-vs-soft-news

http://grammarist.com/usage/lead-lede/

http://www.plainlanguage.gov/howto/quickreference/checklist.cfm

http://www.komarketingassociates.com/images/2014/09/news_writing_inverted_pyramid.jpg

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Madell+used+rough+tumble+with+video/6821458/story.html

http://senateshj.com/news/top-tips-soft-news-tv#.VcAtyZNViko

http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-a-news-report.html

Related Resources

Creating a communications action plan

Creating a Communications Action Plan – Part 2

Finding newsworthy stories within your sport organization

Seven tips to improve your SEO

Eleven common press release mistakes

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All individuals who are involved in producing any content for The Athletic are required to abide by the following Editorial Guidelines. The success of The Athletic is based on the editorial integrity and independence of our reporting. We are here to serve the readers and our commitment to them is that we will reach the highest standards of journalism. As a subscription business, our primary focus is on the consumer. The digital publishing world is moving quickly, so while these standards form the foundation of our company's policies we expect that they will evolve over time. Exceptions to these guidelines will likely arise but the principles are basic, and blanketing these guidelines and their principles is the fundamental need for all of our work to be accurate, to be complete, and to be fair. If you have any questions or concerns, please check with the company's chief content officer. The failure to follow these editorial guidelines can result in disciplinary action, up to and including the termination of your relationship with The Athletic. These guidelines do not affect any other policies of The Athletic, including, but not limited to, our anti-discrimination and harassment and social media policies.

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• Our reporters must disclose the identity of any anonymous source to their editor and discuss whether to use their quotes. There is an additional level of scrutiny that should be placed on stories in which anonymous sourcing is being used. Considerations include: How does the source know the information? Is it firsthand or secondhand? What is their motivation for sharing the information? Could the source be mistaken, and how does the information square with other reporting elements? How can we corroborate the information, ideally with multiple sources? Where a story relies on anonymous sources to report material, negative information about the subject, you must review the matter with the company's chief content officer.
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• Off the record: The information provided is not for publication. However, the information you are provided can be used without attribution to verify its veracity with another source. When accepting "off the record" information, it is a good idea to tell your source that you may report it (without attribution to your source) if obtained elsewhere.
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• For background: the information provided by a source cannot be quoted directly, and the source cannot be named directly. Here too, your source should be told that the information may ultimately be reported if obtained elsewhere.

In sum, remember that it is better to be last and right than first and wrong.

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When reporting and writing stories we do not have an agenda and it is important that our readers understand that. If our readers question our adherence to that basic tenet of journalism, our credibility will be at stake. To maintain the highest form of authority we should avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest and reveal those sources or affiliations that may put into question our ability to be credible. For instance, writers who have collaborated with a source—athlete, GM, team official or broadcaster—on a book should not report on that subject going forward. In addition, written permission from editorial leadership is needed to pursue a project of that nature.

It should go without saying that you cannot accept travel, accommodations, gifts or money if there is any risk that it is intended to influence your work, or that it will create such a perception. You wouldn't write a favorable restaurant review to eat for free for a month. Gifts with a minimal value—$25 or under—may be accepted so long as there is no quid pro quo. For special circumstances, such as traveling with a subject on a private aircraft, please consult with the company's chief content officer. In addition, while you are providing content for The Athletic, you cannot endorse products or services unless The Athletic consents.

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Journalists should not turn over newsgathering materials unless legally compelled to do so. At no time may a staff member turn over notes, interviews documents or other working materials to any third party, including agents, producers, studios or outside production agencies, or share those materials with them unless approved by The Athletic or in the event you are legally compelled to do so. Staff members are advised that in such circumstances, The Athletic's legal department will provide assistance (including following your departure from the Company).

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• If grievous errors or offensive content appear in our stories we need to fix expeditiously while also adding an editor's note at the top of the article to acknowledge the changes. This should be done after consulting with editorial leadership and/or the Chief Content Officer.
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How To Write A Correction

Basic Style

Do not repeat the error in the first sentence. Every correction should give the correct and incorrect information. And that correct/incorrect information should be in a separate sentence at the end of the correction. It is A , not B . Example: An earlier version of this article misstated the given name of the new president of the Dodgers. He is Andrew Friedman, not Brian. If the error was inserted during the editing process, add, Because of an editing error , at the beginning of the correction.

All corrections start like this: An earlier version of this article... An earlier version of a picture caption with this article... An earlier version of the headline with this article...

Make sure the "earlier version" refers specifically to the thing you are correcting: the article, caption, headline, etc. It is ALWAYS "earlier version," not "previous version" or any other variation. We do not append or publish corrections concerning misspellings in bylines, reporting credits, picture credits and so on. Simply fix the error online. This applies to any type of credit line that might have been omitted. If you feel an exception needs to be made, check with someone from the enterprise team.

Special Circumstances

In those cases in which corrections are warranted because of inappropriate and/or offensive language, we do not repeat the unsuitable words as noted in the Basic Style. Instead, the editor's note should contain a message along these lines: "The original version of this story used inappropriate and offensive language. The article has been updated and we apologize to our readers."

Caption:    what we call cutlines in corrections text Chart:    what we call graphics in corrections text Given Name:    what we call someone's first name in corrections text Surname:    what we call someone's last name in corrections text Misidentified:    the term used when what we called it also exists. Example: An earlier version of this article misidentified the location of a Yankee Stadium. It is in New York, not Philadelphia. Misstated:    the term used when what we called it does not necessarily exist. Example: An earlier version of this article misstated the location of a building. It was on Jones Street in Smallsville, not James Street. Misattributed:    the term used when a quotation (not a "quote") or a fact is attributed to the wrong person. Example: An earlier version of this article misattributed a quotation about Kris Bryant. It was General Manager Theo Epstein — not Manager Joe Maddon — who said, "He's not ready for the major leagues." Omitted:    when we had a fairly specific list but left someone or something off. The correction usually says something like, An earlier version of this article omitted one of the players who has hit more than 50 home runs in a season. Barry Bonds also accomplished that feat. Described incorrectly:    another way of saying we said something wrong. Referred incorrectly:    A catch-all phrase we try not to overuse. It's best reserved for corrections of things that are generically wrong and don't fit into other examples.

Misspelled/misstated names

In name errors, generally use "misspelled" for your run-of-the mill typo, like transposed letters or homonyms (He is Derick Brassard, not Derek). Some desks suggest using "misstated" instead of misspelled if the mistake changes the pronunciation. Another way of thinking about is: Does the misspelling change it into another name? Thus: An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname of the Atlanta Braves' assistant general manager. He is John Coppolella, not Coppalella. But: Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article misstated the given name of the top-placing American in the combined event at the Alpine skiing world championships. She is Laurenne Ross, not Laurence.

We don't like using question words in corrections like "how many," "who" or "where." Instead, do this: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of hits Kris Bryant had. It was zero, not three. An earlier version of this article misidentified the location of the game between the Cubs and the Padres. It was in Chicago, not San Diego. An earlier version of this article misidentified the player who struck out in the first inning. It was Kris Bryant, not Jorge Soler.

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Staff members are prohibited from betting on the leagues (e.g., NFL, NBA, EPL) that they cover and from using information obtained through work or relationships developed through their work with The Athletic to bet on other sports. Those staffers who work regularly as part of our Betting vertical desk and need to understand the ins and outs of sports wagering to remain experts in the field are allowed to wager on sports. However, those staffers or freelance contributors must not write or produce audio about companies they may have a relationship with outside The Athletic to avoid any conflict of interest.

What is ChatGPT? Here's everything you need to know about ChatGPT, the chatbot everyone's still talking about

• ChatGPT is getting a futuristic human update. 
• ChatGPT has drawn users at a feverish pace and spurred Big Tech to release other AI chatbots.
• Here's how ChatGPT works — and what's coming next.

OpenAI's blockbuster chatbot ChatGPT is getting a new update. 

On Monday, OpenAI unveiled GPT-4o for ChatGPT, a new version of the bot that can hold conversations with users in a very human tone. The new version of the chatbot will also have vision abilities.

The futuristic reveal quickly prompted jokes about parallels to the movie "Her," with some calling the chatbot's new voice " cringe ."

The move is a big step for the future of AI-powered virtual assistants, which tech companies have been racing to develop.

Since its release in 2022, hundreds of millions of people have experimented with the tool, which is already changing how the internet looks and feels to users.

Users have flocked to ChatGPT to improve their personal lives and boost productivity . Some workers have used the AI chatbot to develop code , write real estate listings , and create lesson plans, while others have made teaching the best ways to use ChatGPT a career all to itself.

ChatGPT offers dozens of plug-ins to those who subscribe to ChatGPT Plus subscription. An Expedia one can help you book a trip, while an OpenTable one will get nab you a dinner reservation. And last month, OpenAI launched Code Interpreter, a version of ChatGPT that can code and analyze data .

While the personal tone of conversations with an AI bot like ChatGPT can evoke the experience of chatting with a human, the technology, which runs on " large language model tools, " doesn't speak with sentience and doesn't "think" the way people do. 

That means that even though ChatGPT can explain quantum physics or write a poem on command, a full AI takeover isn't exactly imminent , according to experts.

"There's a saying that an infinite number of monkeys will eventually give you Shakespeare," said Matthew Sag, a law professor at Emory University who studies copyright implications for training and using large language models like ChatGPT.

"There's a large number of monkeys here, giving you things that are impressive — but there is intrinsically a difference between the way that humans produce language, and the way that large language models do it," he said. 

Chatbots like ChatGPT are powered by large amounts of data and computing techniques to make predictions to string words together in a meaningful way. They not only tap into a vast amount of vocabulary and information, but also understand words in context. This helps them mimic speech patterns while dispatching an encyclopedic knowledge. 

Other tech companies like Google and Meta have developed their own large language model tools, which use programs that take in human prompts and devise sophisticated responses.

Despite the AI's impressive capabilities, some have called out OpenAI's chatbot for spewing misinformation , stealing personal data for training purposes , and even encouraging students to cheat and plagiarize on their assignments. 

Some recent efforts to use chatbots for real-world services have proved troubling. In 2023, the mental health company Koko came under fire after its founder wrote about how the company used GPT-3 in an experiment to reply to users. 

Koko cofounder Rob Morris hastened to clarify on Twitter that users weren't speaking directly to a chatbot, but that AI was used to "help craft" responses. 

Read Insider's coverage on ChatGPT and some of the strange new ways that both people and companies are using chat bots: 

The tech world's reception to ChatGPT:

Microsoft is chill with employees using ChatGPT — just don't share 'sensitive data' with it.

Microsoft's investment into ChatGPT's creator may be the smartest $1 billion ever spent

ChatGPT and generative AI look like tech's next boom. They could be the next bubble.

The ChatGPT and generative-AI 'gold rush' has founders flocking to San Francisco's 'Cerebral Valley'

Insider's experiments: 

I asked ChatGPT to do my work and write an Insider article for me. It quickly generated an alarmingly convincing article filled with misinformation.

I asked ChatGPT and a human matchmaker to redo my Hinge and Bumble profiles. They helped show me what works.

I asked ChatGPT to reply to my Hinge matches. No one responded.

I used ChatGPT to write a resignation letter. A lawyer said it made one crucial error that could have invalidated the whole thing .

Read ChatGPT's 'insulting' and 'garbage' 'Succession' finale script

An Iowa school district asked ChatGPT if a list of books contains sex scenes, and banned them if it said yes. We put the system to the test and found a bunch of problems.

Developments in detecting ChatGPT: 

Teachers rejoice! ChatGPT creators have released a tool to help detect AI-generated writing

A Princeton student built an app which can detect if ChatGPT wrote an essay to combat AI-based plagiarism

Professors want to 'ChatGPT-proof' assignments, and are returning to paper exams and requesting editing history to curb AI cheating

ChatGPT in society: 

BuzzFeed writers react with a mix of disappointment and excitement at news that AI-generated content is coming to the website

ChatGPT is testing a paid version — here's what that means for free users

A top UK private school is changing its approach to homework amid the rise of ChatGPT, as educators around the world adapt to AI

Princeton computer science professor says don't panic over 'bullshit generator' ChatGPT

DoNotPay's CEO says threat of 'jail for 6 months' means plan to debut AI 'robot lawyer' in courtroom is on ice

It might be possible to fight a traffic ticket with an AI 'robot lawyer' secretly feeding you lines to your AirPods, but it could go off the rails

Online mental health company uses ChatGPT to help respond to users in experiment — raising ethical concerns around healthcare and AI technology

What public figures think about ChatGPT and other AI tools:

What Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and 12 other business leaders think about AI tools like ChatGPT

Elon Musk was reportedly 'furious' at ChatGPT's popularity after he left the company behind it, OpenAI, years ago

CEO of ChatGPT maker responds to schools' plagiarism concerns: 'We adapted to calculators and changed what we tested in math class'

A theoretical physicist says AI is just a 'glorified tape recorder' and people's fears about it are overblown

'The most stunning demo I've ever seen in my life': ChatGPT impressed Bill Gates

Ashton Kutcher says your company will probably be 'out of business' if you're 'sleeping' on AI

ChatGPT's impact on jobs: 

AI systems like ChatGPT could impact 300 million full-time jobs worldwide, with administrative and legal roles some of the most at risk, Goldman Sachs report says

Jobs are now requiring experience with ChatGPT — and they'll pay as much as $800,000 a year for the skill

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How AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the workforce:

10 ways artificial intelligence is changing the workplace, from writing performance reviews to making the 4-day workweek possible

Managers who use AI will replace managers who don't, says an IBM exec

How ChatGPT is shaping industries: 

ChatGPT is coming for classrooms, hospitals, marketing departments, and everything else as the next great startup boom emerges

Marketing teams are using AI to generate content, boost SEO, and develop branding to help save time and money, study finds

AI is coming for Hollywood. 'It's amazing to see the sophistication of the images,' one of Christopher Nolan's VFX guy says.

AI is going to offer every student a personalized tutor, founder of Khan Academy says

A law firm was fined $5,000 after one of its lawyers used ChatGPT to write a court brief riddled with fake case references

How workers are using ChatGPT to boost productivity:  

CheatGPT: The hidden wave of employees using AI on the sly

I used ChatGPT to talk to my boss for a week and she didn't notice. Here are the other ways I use it daily to get work done.

I'm a high school math and science teacher who uses ChatGPT, and it's made my job much easier

Amazon employees are already using ChatGPT for software coding. They also found the AI chatbot can answer tricky AWS customer questions and write cloud training materials.

How 6 workers are using ChatGPT to make their jobs easier

I'm a freelance editor who's embraced working with AI content. Here's how I do it and what I charge.

How people are using ChatGPT to make money:

How ChatGPT and other AI tools are helping workers make more money

Here are 5 ways ChatGPT helps me make money and complete time-consuming tasks for my business

ChatGPT course instruction is the newest side hustle on the market. Meet the teachers making thousands from the lucrative gig.

People are using ChatGPT and other AI bots to work side hustles and earn thousands of dollars — check out these 8 freelancing gigs

A guy tried using ChatGPT to turn $100 into a business making 'as much money as possible.' Here are the first 4 steps the AI chatbot gave him

We used ChatGPT to build a 7-figure newsletter. Here's how it makes our jobs easier.

I use ChatGPT and it's like having a 24/7 personal assistant for $20 a month. Here are 5 ways it's helping me make more money.

A worker who uses AI for a $670 monthly side hustle says ChatGPT has 'cut her research time in half'

How companies are navigating ChatGPT: 

From Salesforce to Air India, here are the companies that are using ChatGPT

Amazon, Apple, and 12 other major companies that have restricted employees from using ChatGPT

A consultant used ChatGPT to free up time so she could focus on pitching clients. She landed $128,000 worth of new contracts in just 3 months.

Luminary, an AI-generated pop-up restaurant, just opened in Australia. Here's what's on the menu, from bioluminescent calamari to chocolate mousse.

A CEO is spending more than $2,000 a month on ChatGPT Plus accounts for all of his employees, and he says it's saving 'hours' of time

How people are using ChatGPT in their personal lives:

ChatGPT planned a family vacation to Costa Rica. A travel adviser found 3 glaring reasons why AI won't replace experts anytime soon.

A man who hated cardio asked ChatGPT to get him into running. Now, he's hooked — and he's lost 26 pounds.

A computer engineering student is using ChatGPT to overcome learning challenges linked to her dyslexia

How a coder used ChatGPT to find an apartment in Berlin in 2 weeks after struggling for months

Food blogger Nisha Vora tried ChatGPT to create a curry recipe. She says it's clear the instructions lacked a human touch — here's how.

Men are using AI to land more dates with better profiles and personalized messages, study finds

Lawsuits against OpenAI:

OpenAI could face a plagiarism lawsuit from The New York Times as tense negotiations threaten to boil over, report says

This is why comedian Sarah Silverman is suing OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT

2 authors say OpenAI 'ingested' their books to train ChatGPT. Now they're suing, and a 'wave' of similar court cases may follow.

A lawsuit claims OpenAI stole 'massive amounts of personal data,' including medical records and information about children, to train ChatGPT

A radio host is suing OpenAI for defamation, alleging that ChatGPT created a false legal document that accused him of 'defrauding and embezzling funds'

Tips on how to write better ChatGPT prompts:

7 ways to use ChatGPT at work to boost your productivity, make your job easier, and save a ton of time

I'm an AI prompt engineer. Here are 3 ways I use ChatGPT to get the best results.

12 ways to get better at using ChatGPT: Comprehensive prompt guide

Here's 9 ways to turn ChatGPT Plus into your personal data analyst with the new Code Interpreter plug-in

OpenAI's ChatGPT can write impressive code. Here are the prompts you should use for the best results, experts say.

Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, has a global deal to allow OpenAI to train its models on its media brands' reporting.

Watch: What is ChatGPT, and should we be afraid of AI chatbots?

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Harrison Butker’s commencement speech: Wives should stay at home. His mom’s a medical physicist

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Harrison Butker is a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most accurate field-goal kickers in NFL history.

As such, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker was given a platform to express his views as the commencement speaker at Benedictine College .

The devout Christian used the opportunity to give some radical thoughts and controversial opinions during a 20-minute speech delivered at the ceremony honoring the 485 students graduating from the Catholic private liberal arts school in Atchison, Kan., on Saturday.

Butker took shots at gender roles, abortion, President Biden and Pride month during his Benedictine address. Now the NFL appears to be distancing itself from the 28-year-old.

“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, said in a statement emailed to The Times. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

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At Benedictine, Butker told the male graduates to “be unapologetic in your masculinity” and congratulated the female graduates on their “amazing accomplishment.” He went on to tell the women that he “would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

Butker then told those women that “my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.”

Butker — whose mother, Elizabeth Keller Butker, is a medical physicist at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, where she’s worked since 1988 — then started getting choked up.

“I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me,” Butker said, “but it cannot be overstated that all my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”

That statement was met with 18 seconds of enthusiastic cheers and applause. Butker continued praising his wife and her role in their family.

“She’s the primary educator to our children. She’s the one who ensures I never let football or my business become a distraction from that of a husband and a father. She is the person that knows me best at my core and it is through our marriage that, Lord willing, we both will attain salvation.”

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During his opening remarks, Butker stated that “things like abortion , in vitro fertilization , surrogacy , euthanasia, as well as a growing support for the degenerate cultural values and media, all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder.”

He also said that Biden “has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I’m sure to many people it appears you can be both Catholic and pro-choice.”

At one point, Butker mentioned the word “pride” — then clarified that he wasn’t talking about “the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify Him.”

The comment, a jab at the LGBTQ+ community that celebrates Pride month every June, received a few chuckles from the audience.

When Butker finished his address, the crowd rose for an ovation. Susannah Leisegang , a former Benedictine track and field athlete who graduated Saturday with a degree in graphic design, said she was among the handful of people who did not stand.

“Some of us did boo — me and my roommate definitely did,” Leisegang said in a video she posted on TikTok . “There was a standing ovation from everyone in the room, except from me, my roommate and about 10 to 15 other women. You also have to keep in mind this was at a Catholic and conservative college, so a lot of the men were like, ‘F— yeah!’ They were excited. But it was horrible. Most of the women were looking back and forth at each other like, ‘What the f— is going on?’”

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Leisegang pointed out that she is 21 and has a job lined up in her field.

“Getting married and having kids is not my ideal situation right now,” she said. “So, yeah, it was definitely horrible and it definitely made graduation feel a little less special, knowing I had to sit through that and get told I’m nothing but a homemaker.”

Other members of the graduating class who participated in the ceremony have shared a variety of opinions on Butker’s speech. Elle Wilbers, 22, a future medical school student, told the Associated Press she thought Butker’s reference to the LGBTQ+ community was “horrible.”

“We should have compassion for the people who have been told all their life that the person they love is like, it’s not OK to love that person,” she said.

Kassidy Neuner, 22, who plans to teach for a year before going to law school, told the AP that being a stay-at-home parent is “a wonderful decision” but “it’s also not for everybody.”

“I think that he should have addressed more that it’s not always an option,” she said. “And, if it is your option in life, that’s amazing for you. But there’s also the option to be a mother and a career woman.”

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ValerieAnne Volpe, 20, who graduated with an art degree, told the AP she thought Butker said things that “people are scared to say.”

“You can just hear that he loves his wife,” Volpe said. “You can hear that he loves his family,” she said.

Butker has not commented publicly since the address. His previous social media posts are being used by people leaving comments both blasting and supporting his remarks. Heavy.com reports that all images of Isabelle Butker have been removed from her husband’s X and Instagram feeds in recent days.

Benedictine has not publicly addressed Butker’s controversial statements and did not immediately respond to multiple messages from The Times. The college’s social media feeds have been flooded with angry comments regarding Butker’s speech, and the comment section for the YouTube video of it has been disabled.

An article on Benedictine’s website about the commencement ceremony had initially referred to Butker’s speech as “inspiring.” The uncredited piece includes a reworked version of Butker’s “homemaker” quote that does not include that word, with no indication that the quote had been altered.

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The Chiefs did not respond to a request for comment from The Times. Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt , appeared to express her support for Butker in a lengthy Instagram post Thursday.

“Countless highly educated women devote their lives to nurturing and guiding their children,” she wrote. “Someone disagreeing with you doesn’t make them hateful; it simply means they have a different opinion. Let’s celebrate families, motherhood and fatherhood.”

Gracie Hunt, 25, one of Clark and Tavia Hunt’s three children was asked about Butker’s speech Friday on “ Fox & Friends .”

“I can only speak from my own experience, which is I had the most incredible mom who had the ability to stay home and be with us as kids growing up,” Gracie Hunt said. “And I understand that there are many women out there who can’t make that decision but for me in my life, I know it was really formative in shaping me and my siblings to be who we are.”

Asked if she understood what Butker was talking about, Hunt said, “For sure, and I really respect Harrison and his Christian faith and what he’s accomplished on and off the field.”

A change.org petition calling for the team to release the kicker because of his comments has received more than 185,000 signatures. Eight petitions supporting Butker appear on the site as well. One has more than 11,000 signatures while the rest have fewer than 800 each.

The Chargers poked fun at Butker on Wednesday in their schedule-release video, which is modeled after “The Sims” video game. In the video, Butker’s likeness is shown baking a pie, scrubbing a kitchen counter and arranging flowers.

should we REALLY make our schedule release video in the sims? yes yes yesyes yesyes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yesyes yes yes yes yesye yes yes yes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/MXzfAPyhe8 — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 16, 2024

The official X account for Kansas City also appeared to attempt putting a humorous spin on the matter, posting a “reminder” that Butker lives in a different city Wednesday night before deleting it and posting an apology .

Earlier in the week on X, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas appeared to defend Butker’s right to express his views .

Grown folks have opinions, even if they play sports. I disagree with many, but I recognize our right to different views. Nobody should have to stick to anything. Varied and shall I say—diverse—viewpoints help the world go round. — Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) May 14, 2024

I think he holds a minority viewpoint, even in this state and the bordering one. I also believe more athletes, if freer to speak, would stand up for the voices of many marginalized communities. I hate “stick to sports” when used to muzzle Black athletes. I’m with consistency. — Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) May 14, 2024

Last year, Butker gave the commencement address at his alma mater, Georgia Tech, advising the graduates to “ get married and start a family .”

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Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

Visit Maine's botanical gardens or get a sneak peek of what your neighbors are growing in their back yards.

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One of the loveliest ways to ease yourself fully out of the post-winter blahs and into springtime is to quit being a wallflower and instead surround yourself with living, blooming plants.

From botanical gardens to plant sales and garden tours, it’s time to make like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and while away the hours, conferring with flowers.

The waterfall at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Tory Paxson, Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

TOTALLY BOTANICAL

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is open for the season, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maine Days are May 31 to June 2, when anyone with a Maine driver’s license or state ID gets in for free. Ditto for dads/father figures on Father’s Day (June 16). Advance registration is required. With more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a waterfall, there will be plenty to see, smell and bask in the scenery.

Here are more things to do in Boothbay

A tour group walks on the boardwalk at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Viles Arboretum is a botanical garden in Augusta with 6 miles of trails and more than 20 botanical collections. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. There are 224 acres with all sorts of flora and fauna to discover. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Viles Arboretum offers medicinal plant walks, and although the May 18 session is full, you can still register for the June 15 and Sept. 14 events, lead by herbalist, homeopath and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth. Tickets are $25. Advertisement

The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve has four areas to explore on its property in Northeast Harbor: the Asticou Azelea Garden (dawn to dusk daily), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from July 9 to Sept. 8, reservations required), Thuya Garden (dawn to dusk daily, June 15 to Oct. 14) and Little Long Pond Natural Lands (hiking trails and carriage roads open dawn to dusk daily). On June 26, at the Wildflowers of Little Long Pond event, participants can wander around the garden’s fields and forest, spotting wildflowers along the way while practicing how to identify them.

Joyce Saltman, right, and Beth Anisbeck embrace a tree for 60 seconds during a tree hugging event sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation, at Deering Oaks Park last year. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

TOURS AND MORE

2nd Annual Tree Hugging 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. portlandmaine.gov The tree hugging is a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate Portland’s many trees. Park ranger Liz Collado will lead a sensory awakening and forest bathing session. Along with tree hugging, there will be a storytime, and you can touch a forestry truck and meet naturalist Noah Querido and Portland city arborist Mark Reiland. Just down the road, you’ll find Fessenden Park, on the corner of Brighton and Deering Avenues. The tulips have arrived, and it’s worth a visit to see them.

McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, 97 Main St., South Paris, $5. mclaughlingardens.org You’ll find more than 125 varieties of lilacs at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival. Explore on your own or take a guided tour led by a horticulturist. There will also be family-friendly activities, and you can shop for native and unusual plants.

4th annual Woodfords Community Garden Tour 1-4 p.m. June 8. Woodfords Corner Community in Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale and Deering Center, $20 suggested donation. woodfordscorner.org Presented by Friends of Woodfords Corner, this self-guided tour features at least 10 gardens. As you make your way down the list, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by all of the hidden havens bursting with flowers, plants and impressive yardscaping elements.

Peony Society of Maine 23rd annual Garden Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 15. Both tours start at 1348 Ohio St., Bangor, $5 donation. peonysocietyofmaine.net You’ll visit multiple gardens in Bangor, Winterport, Ripley and St. Albans, and your senses will be filled with countless peonies. A peony plant will be raffled off at the end of each tour. Advertisement

Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath, $40. sagadahocpreservation.org The Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath house and garden tour features several homes in North Bath. Every stop on the tour will be a treat for your senses and may motivate you to make some of your own magic when you get back home.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29. Beckett Castle Rose Garden, Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, $10. gardenconservancy.org You’ll see plenty of roses as well as ocean views at Beckett Castle, which sits right on the water, with views of five lighthouses. The castle was built in 1871, and its rose garden features more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot stone tower doubles as the rose arbor entrance to the castle.

PICK A PLANT SALE

Tate House Museum’s Annual Plant and Herb Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, 207-774-6177.  tatehouse.org The wide selection includes perennials divided from the museum’s 18th century reproduction garden. Visitors can also make their own “seed bombs” and get a sneak peak at a new installation by artist Ashley Page from 10 a.m. to noon.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Spring Plant S ale 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 18, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, 207-854-9771.  arlgp.org   Perennials, house plants and more will be on sale, and plants that don’t have specific pricing are “name your own fee.” Anyone interested in donating plants or pots to the sale should send a message to [email protected] .

Taking Root Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Tom Settlemire Community Garden, Maurice Drive, Brunswick, 207-729-7694.  btlt.org This annual sale is organized by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. Proceeds benefit the Common Good Garden, which provides food and gardening education for the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Master gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers choose their best options.

Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale and Spring Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Broadturn Farm, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough, 207-289-1199.  scarboroughlandtrust.org Visitors will find native plants, food vendors, local artisans, guided nature walks and activities for kids. To preorder plants, visit the Scarborough Land Trust website.

Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330.  maineaudubon.org More than 75 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and tree seedlings will be available, along with workshops, info tables and experts.

Staff writer Megan Gray contributed to this report.

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