Celebrating its 15th year, the NBPA’s broadcasting program is designed to help current and former players prepare for careers in broadcasting and media

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 5, 2023 - The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today the start of its multi-day Broadcaster U. Program at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA. Over the last 15 years, the NBPA’s broadcasting program has served as a training ground for over 88 current and former players interested in pursuing careers in broadcasting and media. 

Alumni of the NBPA Broadcaster U. Program include Antonio Daniels, Brevin Knight, Dahntay Jones, Danny Granger, Richard Hamilton, Richard Jefferson, Ryan Hollins, Robbie Hummel, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Novak, and Vince Carter. 

What does the NBPA Broadcaster U. Program entail?

• Players will attend classroom sessions on broadcasting fundamentals led by USC Annenberg’s esteemed faculty members with deep knowledge and experience in the field. 

• Players will gain practical experience through simulated debates, interviews, one-minute segments, game commentary, and more. 

• Players will have one-on-one feedback sessions with experienced talent communications coaches and receive constructive feedback on their work at Broadcaster U.

• Players will receive a video portfolio of their work at Broadcaster U. at the end of the program for use toward future employment opportunities in broadcasting and media.

“This is our 15th year hosting a broadcasting program for our players, and it’s an incredible milestone for everyone involved since its inception,” said Deborah Murman, the NBPA’s Director of Career Development. "At its core, Broadcaster U. has always been one of our signature programs to meet the interests of our players and help them prepare for potential careers in broadcasting and media. Broadcaster U. is a unique opportunity for our players to gain practical experience in the media industry, and we’re excited to get started this week.”

“As audience interest in and engagement with sports media continues to grow, we’re excited to offer NBPA members the opportunity to develop their skills as versatile storytellers across broadcast, audio, and digital media platforms,” said Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. “Our location in the media capital of Los Angeles, paired with our highly experienced faculty and state-of-the-art media center create a dynamic learning environment for the players to build their expertise.” 

“This NBPA program is an amazing opportunity for players to get hands-on training and a simulated experience in a studio as a game analyst and podcaster,” said Gerry Matalon, long-time NBPA Broadcaster U. Instructor and talent communications coach. “Each participant will be more informed, educated, and experienced in the best practices required to be an excellent multi-platform analyst for college and professional basketball. Should the players in the program decide to pursue the media industry as a vocation after their playing career, they will be better prepared to succeed and qualify for future opportunities.”

All media inquiries should be directed to communications@nbpa.com.

About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.

###