writing for sports websites

15 Winning Places for Beginners to Score Sports Writing Jobs

by Pat Blakely

on Jul 22, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s play ball!

What is Sports Writing?

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

As a sportswriter, you might:

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

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

15 Great Places to Find Sports Writing Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cue the Rocky theme song now.

1. SBNation

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

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

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

2. TheSportster

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

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

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

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

3. Athlon Sports

Love college football and the NFL?

Then check out Athlon Sports .

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

Submit your application here to get started.

4. The Hockey Writers

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

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

Check here for immediate openings or send an email to [email protected] .

5. Bodybuilding

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

If you have valuable experience with coaching, nutrition, or fitness, get in touch with the editors at [email protected] and pitch them your story ideas.

6. Last Word On Sports (LWOS)

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

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

And the best part?

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

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

7. FanSided

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

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

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

8. Sport Fishing Magazine

Love fishing as much as writing?

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

If you’re savvy with saltwater fishing, check out their detailed editorial guidelines here . Pitch your ideas to the editor at: [email protected] .

9. Outdoor Life Magazine

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

Then Outdoor Life Magazine is right up your alley.

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

So if you know more about fishing rods and duck calls than hockey sticks and helmets, get in touch with the editor at: [email protected] .

10. Climbing Magazine

Live for the adrenaline rush of rock climbing?

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

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

11. Sports Betting Dime

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

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

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

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

12. Trail Runner

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

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

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

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

13. MMASucka

MMA is here to stay.

You know what that means, right?

More sports writing jobs!

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

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

14. Deadspin

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

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

Feel like pitching them an idea?

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

15. WorthPoint

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

So why is it on this list?

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a sports writer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Do Sports Writers Get Paid?

According to ZipRecruiter , fulltime, in-house sports writers make an average of $48,691 per year . Alternatively, Indeed cites an average sports writer salary at $41,293.

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

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

Here’s what we found:

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

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

Are Sports Writing Internships Worth it?

Trying to land a degree in Journalism or Sports Media?

Then think about an internship.

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

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

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

Where Can I Find College Sports Writing Jobs?

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

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

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

The caveat:

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

The good news?

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

Is Sports Writing a Good Career?

Absolutely.

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

Let me paint a picture:

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

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

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

Should I Start a Sports Blog?

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

But first, a truth bomb:

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

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

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

Let’s tell it like it is, sports fan:

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

Well, it’s time to chase that feeling.

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

So dig deep.

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

This is your all-star moment.

And only one question remains:

Who are you going to pitch?

Pat Blakely

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35 Top Sports Writing Jobs For Beginners (& Where to Find Them)

Do you want to make a living from your love of sports and writing?

Then becoming a sports writer might just be the perfect job for you.

My twins – especially my son – are into sports, making me a big fan of soccer, swimming and hockey!

As a new freelance writer, picking up a sports writing job can be a dream come true! I mean writing about your passion? Sign me up!

Wouldn’t it be sweet to have your name in a Sports Illustrated column?

While sports writing jobs might not be as common as some of the other writing niches I have covered here, there is still a demand for them.

If you want to become a paid online writer and want to incorporate your love of sports, consider sports writing.

Sports writing jobs are in demand and can certainly lead you on your path to becoming a well-paid, full-time content writer.

Why being an aspiring sports writer in demand?

While many freelance writers can write about things they are passionate about just to make a living, sports writers really have to know what they are talking about.

So it certainly helps to be a sports fanatic. Whether you are covering college or pro sports, tennis or curling, you need to know your stuff and be passionate about what you are writing about.

If you are a sports fan, love to write, and bonus points if you have a degree or experience in journalism (but not required), then you have the skill set to become a great sports writer.

To get you started on the right path, let’s discuss what sports writing is all about, the various types of sports writing, and some tips and tricks to becoming a sports writer as well as where to find sports writing job.

What is Sports Writing?

The sports writer definition is to report on sporting events and the players. This can include scores, player stats, and even interviewing players and coaches.

Many sports writers also attend live sporting events, which can be a pretty sweet deal. However, they are not limited to these.

Sports writers might also be responsible for writing press releases about events and copy for ads or other pieces of publications to get people interested in attending sporting events.

If you want an example of top-notch sports writing, then check out ESPN.com or barstoolsports.com .

But it’s not all serious stats, there are some sites, like BarStool Sports, that puts a fun spin on traditional sports writing and brings in a little bit of the gossip factor.

One of my Writeto1k course students, Deana Weinheimer, does digital marketing writing but also writes in the sports niche!

How cool is that?

And, she’s not shy about sharing that information in her author bio.

For me, since I immerse myself in hockey culture, it’s possible to do what Deana does and become a sports writer while still doing other forms of writing .

If you are not interested in sports, then you might find writing about sports difficult or unfulfilling.

If you are not a fan of sports, then becoming a sports writer is probably not the best option. However, if you love sports and are good at writing, then this is the perfect writing niche for you!

You need to be able to take, sometimes complicated and boring sports stats and put an interesting spin on them.

Sports writers can write for giant sports sites like ESPN, Barstool Sports, and Buzzfeed Sports. They can also write for smaller sports blogs and even local publications.

Sports writers aren’t just limited to online writing gigs.

They can also write for magazines and local newspapers.

Sports writers can cover local events, such as high school teams, college events, semi-pro, and pro sports. As well as the more obscure sports.

Freelance sports writers should be able to cover breaking stories about players and events, check out leads for stories, arrange and conduct interviews about sporting events, be able to verify stats and facts from reliable sources, attend and gather information from live sporting events, investigate breaking news stories, understand the political aspect of sports, as well as maintain contact with connections within the sports community.

Sports writers are often working as part of a team of writers that cover different events or a larger editorial team.

Many times, positions require a degree in journalism, however, there are still many sports writer positions available for new freelance writers.

So how do you break into becoming a freelance sports writer?

How to Become a Sports Writer

You can make a great living as a full-time sports writer.

The average sports writer salary according to Zip Recruiter in the States is around $48,691 .

It really requires two skill sets; engaging writing and understanding sports.

Not many writers possess these two skills together, which can put you at an advantage over generalized freelance writers.

If you don’t already have some experience in journalism or the sports field, you can always start in another writing niche and work your way to expand into sports writing.

Just as with writing in any other niches and finding other type of paid writing opportunities, there are many different sports writing jobs available on job boards for writers.

If there is a particular online or print publication that you really want to write for, don’t hesitate to reach out to them to see if they are looking for writers.

You never know what kinds of opportunities might be available. You just have to ask! While cold pitching companies is quite time consuming and can be a bit scary, it can certainly be worth it in the long run.

When you are cold pitching a company, be sure to highlight the skills that you are able to bring to the table.

Being a remote freelance sports writer, like a technical writer , need to possess great research skills.

As previously mentioned, sports writers can conduct research through interviews, historical stats, and other sports publications. As a sports writer, you should be able to take stories and sports stats and present them in a way that will interest the reader.

Sports Writing Jobs You Can Do

There is a wide variety of sports writing jobs available to both novice and experienced sports writers.

Check out the list below to discover the various types of writing jobs available. If there is one that really piques your interest, then do your own research on it to learn more to help you become a sports journalist.

1. MultiMedia Journalist

If you don’t already have experience as a sports writer, then you might want to look into becoming a multimedia journalist.

This is a writing position the covers both news and sports and even sometimes celebrity gossip. Multimedia journalist often work as part of a team and might have to pair up with a photographer to cover stories.

Multimedia journalists can also work on a local level or cover more national stories.

2. Sports Technology Writer

A sports technology writer is just as it sounds. It is a freelance writing position that intersects sports and technology.

This could be something like how team social accounts were hacked or how a certain soccer team is launching their own Alexa skill.

3. Sports Editor

Sports editors can either stick to strictly editing what comes from the writer or a little bit of everything.

Often sports editors, especially in New York,  have to work with a variety of correspondents and team members on stories. They might also have to write and take pictures of events as well.

4. Sports Anchor

While often sports anchors are associated with being on air, people don’t realize that they do a lot of the writing of the stories as well. Sports anchors need to be on top of breaking sports stories and convey relevant facts to their audience.

5. Sports Copy Editor

A position as a sports copy editor you should be great at not only editing but have strong storytelling skills. Sports isn’t just all stats and facts, each player and each team has a story to tell. Fans that follow sports also have an interest in athletes’ personal lives as well.

6. Sports Staff Writer or Sports Book Writer

While freelance writers have the ability to pick and choose which stories they focus on, staff writers are often assigned stories to cover.

They are part of a larger media company that cover multiple publications or topics. Staff writers need to be quick and be able to cover breaking news stories.

7. Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting Writer

People get just as fanatic about fantasy sports as they do for live games. Fantasy sports and betting writers – ticket writer – focus a lot on the analytics side of sports and offering a deep-dive analysis into trends to help their readers make informed decisions on the sports bets and picks.

Another name or related job for this is a sports book writer or sports book ticket writer.

Sites That Pay Sports Writers

There are many different sites online that will pay freelance writers to cover sports topics. Here are a few of those sites that will pay you to write sports articles for their audience in sports journalism.

8. SBNation

Looking to work with a large independent blog network or love college sports?

SBNation is a sports blog network that has several different sites in a variety of different major teams and subjects. While SBNation’s job description does not disclose how much their pay their contributors, you can pitch them an article idea.

Contena is a job board that has plentiful of entertainment writing jobs – including sports writing jobs.

Sometimes finding sports writing jobs can be time consuming. But, with Contena’s job board, you can filter all the non-relevant jobs and just focus on sports writing or entertainment writing.

10. Problogger

While there are many different writing jobs available on Problogger , there are many sports writing jobs available on there as well. This is the perfect place to start for new freelance writers that might not already have sports writing experience.

Go here go check out some of the available sports writing jobs on Problogger. With Problogger, you can find both one off gigs or part-time or even full-time sports writing position.

If you would like to write about a specific sport, then you should check out LWOS. LWOS is a network of 20 different specialty sports sites. LWOS in an international brand that has a network of over 400 contributing writers.

Click here to check out the benefits that they offer their writers. 

Athlon seeks good writers, passionate about sports, to write for their media group.

This is a great writing opportunity for those looking to write about NFL and college football teams. To become a content contributor, you will need to submit this form and link to two sample articles.

*Pro tip: If you are a total newbie at sports writing and don’t have any published articles yet, write your own articles. You can either start your own blog or write for a site like Medium.

Magazines that Pay Sports Writers

Magazines and print publications also offer a large pool of options for sports writers. From golf to snowmobiling, you are sure to find a magazine to flex your sports writing skills.

The basic functionality for writing magazine articles is to grow your network, build a portfolio to show to prospects and improve your writing.

13. DirtBag

Do you have a passion for off-road cycling? DirtBag is an online magazine that focuses on everything off-road cycling. From the best and most beautiful places to ride to the newest gear, DirtBag looks for fun and inspiring articles.

You can email them your brief or full article submission for consideration.

14. Sports Collectors Digest

Sports writers can write about a wide variety of topics, including topics related to collecting sports memorabilia and cards.

Up-to-date pricing for collectables are included in each new issue as well as stories about collectors, information about shows and auctions, and feature stories on sports museums. Find out more about what it takes to write for Sports Collectors Digest here.

15. Sport Fishing

As a sports writer, no sport is off-limits. From the most common to the most obscure, every sport has a following that wants to read about what is going on in the sport. Sport Fishing is all about North America saltwater fishing.

Readers of Sport Fishing magazine are affluent boat owners that enjoy reading accurate and in-depth information about saltwater fishing. Learn more about their editorial guidelines here.

16. The Chronicle of the Horse

This magazine has been around since 1937.

The national magazine focuses on variety of equestrian sports such as foxhunting, steeplechase racing, and dressage. Each article from freelancers is reviewed on a case by case basis. Learn more about how to write for The Chronicle of the Horse here.

More Paid Sport Writing Opportunities

Indeed is an online job board where you can find a variety of jobs.

However, you can definitely find sports writing jobs here! You’ll find a bunch of jobs from content writing to social media management and even writing jobs in different niches such as finance and video games.

It’s a good place to find long-term work as most employers are looking to hire writers to add to their staff.

18. FanSide

FanSided is a sports website that incorporates all kinds of sports such as baseball, basketball, and racing.

There are even entertainment and lifestyle sections!

They cover the world of sports from every angle and are always looking for freelance writers to share their stories.

According to the site, their rates vary depending on the length of the content, topic, timeliness, and uniqueness of the piece.

You can check out their writing guidelines here .

19. Adventure Cyclist

Adventure Cyclist is North America’s only bicycle travel magazine. This online publications requires a subscription and they publish feature stories, photographs, and illustrations.

Their response time to submissions can be around six months and they offer $0.25-$0.50 per word. However, according to their site , the pay is negotiable.

20. Black Belt Magazine

Black Belt magazine is all about martial arts and has been around for 60 years. Their online publication accepts submissions via email and requires a portfolio as well as a pitch.

So if you’re into the martial arts, you can check out the contact information here .

21. Gripped

If you’re into rock climbing, you should check out Gripped. This online magazine welcomes submissions from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches, and climbing enthusiasts.

They offer between $150-$250 per piece depending on the nature of the content (feature story, interview, etc.) and length.

22. Sports Afield

For hunting enthusiasts, Sports Afield Magazine focuses on those who share a passion for high-end hunting and shooting in North America and Africa.

While most of the magazine is written by staff writers, they do accept feature articles from freelance writers. You can send them a query or completed piece for consideration.

Head here to see their submission guidelines .

23. Backcountry Magazine

Backcountry Magazine is all about back country adventures! They publish gear guides, stories, and educational pieces.

You can submit your original ideas and they will pay $0.35 per word for approved content.

24. The Sport Digest

The Sport Digest in an online sports magazine for sport professionals, fans, athletes, and anyone interested in sports.

They are looking for written content that focuses on contemporary issues and is written in an interesting and informative matter.

Here are their submission guidelines .

25. Gray’s Sporting Journal

G ray’s Sporting Journal is an online magazine that offers fine sporting literature, art, and photography all focused on hunting and fishing.

They will only buy a story if you send them a complete manuscript but will pay between $600 and $1,250 for features stories.

26. Sport Fishing Magazine

Here’s another online magazine for fishing enthusiasts! Sport Fishing Magazine will pay $750 for print features and $200 (<1000 words) and $300 (>1000 words) for digital features.

You can check out their editorial guidelines and policies here .

27. The Chronicle of the Horse

The Chronicle of the Horse is an online magazine that focuses on, you guessed it, horses. So if you’re an equestrian sports buff, you should look at sending in a pitch!

They not only report sport horse news but also feature content about horse care.

They will pay $165-$220 for a 1,500 word news stories and $150-$400 for a 2,500 word feature article.

28. Abilities

This Canadian publication is a cross-disability lifestyle magazine. They provide information about all kinds of topics but have a section dedicated to sports.

They prefer to receive story proposals by email and will pay $50-$325 for content depending on the length and complexity of the article.

29. Fun for Kidz

This is another online magazine that isn’t specifically sports-focused, per se, but it does have a sports section geared toward kids!

They are looking for nonfiction pieces and pay a minimum of $0.05 per word.

It’s not much but it could be a good way to get your foot in the door as a sports writer – especially if you have experience in the parenting or educational niche!

30. Runner’s World

Runner’s World is a magazine focused on all things running and includes things like tips to training plans for both beginners and seasoned runners.

They accept story picthes and pay anywhere between $350 to $5,000 per story (depending on things like length, research, etc.)

31. Cruising World

This sports magazine is all about cruising and speed boating. They look for 2,000 word articles from writers and will pay around $300-$1,000 per piece.

They prefer queries instead of complete manuscripts. They also have very specific submission guidelines, which you can check out here .

32. Birdwatching Magazine

For those who are avid bird watchers as a sport, you should check out Birdwatching Magazine. This online publication is geared toward bird lovers of all experience levels.

They will pay up to $400 for features articles (1,750-2,250 words) as well as shorter articles (700-900 words).

33. Launcher

Launcher is actually not an online magazine but a section in The Washington Post that covers video games and e-sports.

They look for 1,000-1,200 word original articles and will pay $300. Find their pitching guidelines here .

34. SAILING Magazine

SAILING Magazine focuses on topics such as learning how to sail, sailing navigation, maintenance, and more.

You can pitch your query to them but they do look for 3,000 word articles – and they will pay up to $500 for them.

35. Hang Gliding & Paragliding

The world of sports is vast and there’s even a monthly magazine for hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts!

This may be a narrow niche but if sailing through the air is your thing, you could make $35-$150 for 100-2,500 word articles. Here are their submission guidelines .

Sports Writing for Beginners

There ya go!

I’ve listed different types of sports writing you can do as well as where to find these sports writing jobs.

As a beginner sports writer, you can easily break into this niche with your expert knowledge in certain sports, sport players or sport teams.

If sports really is a true passion, then why not monetize your passion?

Do what you love by writing about sports!

If you want more types of freelance writing jobs , make sure to check out these:

• Technical writing jobs
• Travel writing jobs
• Grant writing jobs
• Fashion writing jobs
• UX writing jobs
• Comedy writing jobs
• Health and medical writing jobs
• Legal writing jobs
• History writing jobs

Over to you – are you interested in sports writing jobs?

Share with me in the comments!

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30 Places to Find Freelance Sports Writing Jobs Online and Off

Updated on: june 29, 2024 by amy kennedy.

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Calling all sports fanatics!

Have you ever wondered not just how to write about sports, but also how to get paid to do it?

Of course, if you really love sports and writing, you’ll enjoy writing about your favorite athletes, games, and more even if you don’t get paid.

But getting paid to do it is even better.

This post is going to show you exactly where to go to get paid for writing about your favorite sports and everything they entail, both in print magazines and online publications.

Where to Find Freelance Sports Writing Jobs Online

12UP is an online publication dedicated to sports, from coverage of sporting events to game predictions, and everything in between.

The site relies on sports writers just like you to fill its pages with sports-related materials.

When you contribute articles, you won’t get paid directly for them.

Instead, you can use it as a platform for sharing your expertise and establishing yourself as an authority in the sports world (you can even link back to your own blog, if you have one).

But that doesn’t mean you can’t make money writing here.

12UP has an affiliate program that pays you to send visitors to the site.

You can write articles, share them, and make money every time someone reads them!

Athlon Sports

Athlon Sports comes from Athlon Media Group, the same people who publish Parade and Relish .

Although Athlon Sports doesn’t mention anything about how much it pays its writers to talk about football and related topics, it does mention that it looks for paid contributors to join its team of writers.

Just fill out the online form and the company will sift through applications to find the most qualified football enthusiasts for the team.

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Pinecone Research, a leading name in online survey panel honesty, absolutely guarantees $3 cash for every survey you complete! Take advantage of their time limited New Membership drive and register NOW. Join today: 100% free!

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Black belt mag.

Black Belt Mag is a go-to publication for all things martial arts.

The site covers topics like interviews with trainers, new techniques, and other news relating to the martial arts.

Black Belt Mag doesn’t list its requirements or pay structure on its site, but it reportedly pays about $300 for 3,000-word articles.

Dirt Rag Mag

Dirt Rag is a magazine dedicated to mountain biking.

It covers topics like reviews of new bikes and parts, opinions and essays, trail information, and fun events.

Freelancers can submit photos and articles to the magazine for payment.

You can send in a query for a print or web article.

The website pays about $50 for web articles but doesn’t state how much a print article will run (although these are typically more).

FanSided is an online publication about basketball.

Basketball writers can get paid to write about their favorite sport if they have a passion and high-level experience with NBA-level basketball.

You must be at least 18 years old to become a contributor and be willing to submit at least eight articles per month.

These are paid employee positions that offer your choice of flat-rate pay or revenue sharing (getting paid per article views).

Gray’s Sporting Journal

Gray’s Sporting Journal covers various hunting and fishing topics.

The publication looks for writers to enhance the site with unique posts of almost any length.

Pay will depend on the length and complexity of each article, but typically ranges between $100 and $1250.

You can also submit travel pieces, poems, essays, and more.

Gripped is an online magazine for climbers who want to stay up-to-date on the latest products, news, events, trails, and more.

Articles typically pay between $150 and $250 for between 500 and 2500 words.

LWOS Baseball

Last Word on Baseball is a part of the Last Word on Sports (LWOS) network.

It focuses on in-depth commentary and news about professional baseball.

The site currently uses a team of about 50 expert writers but continues to look for more to keep growing its database of articles.

Specifically, the publication wants writers who are willing to contribute a weekly article.

The site pays according to traffic, but also hires writers to become on-staff writers if they excel at what they do.

You’ll need to write a sample article before becoming a part of the LWOS Baseball team.

RantSports has a team of over 300 writers from the US and Canada to help write its articles!

You must be at least 18 years old and have at least one sports-related writing sample to be considered.

All pieces that meet the quality standards for the site will get paid, although RantSports doesn’t list a specific amount.

Some writers even have their work featured on other sports sites, like ESPN.com!

Runner’s World

Runner’s World is a print and online magazine for running enthusiasts.

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Although most of the magazine’s articles are written by staff members, the publication does enlist the help of freelancers for some content, especially essays.

SBNation is like a one-stop online shop for all things sports!

This site covers topics in UFC, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and women’s and college sports.

You can visit the SBNation publisher’s website here to pitch a story idea.

Sports Afield

Hunting enthusiasts might be able to get paid to publish their work on Sports Afield .

This magazine has been in existence for more than 100 years, so it’s definitely a leader in the industry.

Sports Afield articles are typically written by regular contributors, but freelancers can always pitch new article ideas for consideration.

Features should be under 2500 words, while shorter pieces can be between 500 and 1000.

Pay will depend on the length and complexity of each submission.

Sports Collectors Digest

This print magazine is the go-to source for collectors of sports items, like cards and autographed pictures.

You can submit ideas for features, essays, profiles, news, and event coverage.

Payment is on a per-story basis and will depend on the length and type of content.

The Athletic

The Athletic is one of the more sophisticated sports publications on the web that covers both local and national sports news.

The site doesn’t detail anything about contributing articles, but it does have a link for writing inquiries in the footer of the page that brings you to a contact email to use for inquiries.

According to this article , if you’re lucky enough to score a spot on the team, you could end up with a higher-than-average salary for the industry plus benefits.

TheSportster

TheSportster comes from Valnet, a publisher that’s responsible for several high-ranking websites on the web, like TheThings.com and ScreenRant.

This one is all about sports and you could become a regular contributor with a byline.

Valnet typically pays a flat fee per article plus extra cash for pageviews, so if your article goes viral, you could end up with a decent paycheck.

Triathlete Magazine

Triathlete is a magazine established in 1983 that covers everything in the world of triathlons.

You can submit queries online for consideration for a spot in the magazine.

Once your accepted piece publishes, you’ll receive payment.

Freelance Marketplaces and Job Boards

Finally, there are freelance marketplaces and online job boards dedicated to helping freelance writers find gigs.

If the above places aren’t working out for you, or you’d rather find more consistent blogging or writing work, then you might want to try out this idea instead.

Freelance marketplaces (like Upwork) have more than just writing jobs, but you can also find plenty of writing gigs on them.

Just search in writing-related categories, and then further narrow your search by looking specifically for sports writing jobs.

You might have more luck on sites dedicated to writing jobs, though, like ProBlogger.

You’ll find new writing jobs every day (or close to it) on these sites to apply for, and I’ve seen some sports writing gigs pop up now and then.

Here are some of the best places to check out:

• PeoplePerHour
• BloggingPro
• Journalism Jobs

Read More: These 37 Freelance Online Writing Jobs are Perfect for Beginners

Other Ways to Get Paid to Write a Sports Article

There are some other ways to get paid to write about all things sports without having to submit articles to publications.

Here are a few other ideas to try:

Write a Sports Blog

Writing your own sports blog gives you total control of what you write, when you publish, and how you make money.

Blogs are excellent for making money if you know how to use them correctly.

Think of your blog as a platform for various other income-earning opportunities, like sponsorships, promoting eBooks, or even selling products.

You can promote just about anything else you sell or do with your blog, so if you have any other form of sports-related income, you can use your blog as an advertising hub.

Of course, you can also make money off just posting about sports, games, and athletes – or even just your own sporting adventures – by placing affiliate links and advertisements within your blog posts.

Not sure how to get started with a blog?

Check out our Blogging 101 series that details everything from setting up your blog to grabbing the right plug-ins to getting started with affiliate links.

Read More: 16 Best Paid Blogger Opportunities to Make Money Online!

Manage Sports-Related Social Media Accounts

If social media is more your thing than blogging, then you can make money there too.

Social media managers take control over their clients’ social media accounts.

They’ll post new content, be responsible for sourcing images, and respond to comments from their audiences.

You might be able to do this for other sports content writers, authority figures in the biz, or even top publications who need some help managing the social media aspect of business.

You’ll still be writing about sports, but in a different way than the traditional article writing.

Aside from finding jobs like this on freelance marketplaces, you can also reach out directly to companies or individuals (like sports journalists) to see if they need help with your services.

This is an excellent industry to get into now because it just seems to be growing as social media becomes one of the most popular communication methods for people all over the world.

Become a Video or Podcast Script Writer

Plenty of sports enthusiasts and journalists talk about games, sporting events, and more on podcasts or YouTube videos.

Use your love for sports writing to write scripts for them!

Again, freelance marketplaces are good for finding scriptwriting jobs, but you can always reach out to people you follow to see if they need help.

Depending on the length and depth of the script, you could make somewhere between $100 to $500 per page of a script!

Contract with the Local Newspaper

Were you into campus journalism in college?

Then this option might be the best one for you.

See if your local newspaper works with freelance writers for articles, columns, essays, or other pieces of writing (many do).

Be armed with several ideas for topics or columns you’d like to write before you pitch yourself to the paper.

Or, you might even consider snatching a regular contributor role with the newspaper if you’re looking for something more consistent.

Who knows? You could end up your local paper’s go-to sports fanatic for sports-related news and opinions!

Copywrite for Sporting Goods Companies

Another way to write about sports is to venture into copywriting instead of typical articles or blogs.

Copywriting is more salesy, so it’s better for people who have a way with words that can convince others to buy stuff.

You could become a copywriter for sports-related products, like products sold by sporting goods companies.

Some of the things copywriters do are write website copy, write copy for social media ads, write marketing materials, and write newsletter emails.

Again, the best way to start in this business is by pitching your services directly to companies you’re interested in working with.

Try contacting the marketing department, if possible.

Most companies already have a marketing team but might also be willing to have a freelancer onboard who can take on extra side projects.

Freelance for Sports Magazines or Websites

Many sports magazines and websites hire freelance writers to contribute articles on various sports topics.

This can be a great way to get paid for your sports writing skills while gaining exposure and building your portfolio.

Research sports magazines and websites that align with your interests and writing style, and reach out to them with your writing samples and pitches for article ideas.

Some publications may have specific guidelines or submission processes, so make sure to follow their instructions carefully.

Freelancing for sports magazines or websites allows you to explore different sports topics, showcase your expertise, and potentially establish ongoing working relationships.

Create and Sell Sports eBooks

If you have in-depth knowledge or expertise in a particular sports niche, creating and selling sports eBooks can be a lucrative option.

eBooks provide a platform for you to share your insights, analysis, training guides, or any other valuable sports-related content.

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it easy to self-publish eBooks and reach a wide audience.

You can monetize your eBooks by selling them directly on platforms like Amazon or your own website.

Marketing your eBook effectively, leveraging social media, and utilizing email marketing strategies can help generate sales and maximize your earnings.

Creating and selling sports eBooks allows you to monetize your expertise and potentially generate passive income from your written work.

Making Money as a Sports Writer

Wouldn’t it be awesome to combine your enthusiasm for sports with a passion for writing – and get paid to do it?

As a sports writer, there are several opportunities available for you to make money, as I’ve listed above.

I hope you find the one that’s right for you!

Feel free to let us know in the comments if you know of other sports publications that pay writers, or you have other ideas for making money by writing about sports.

Related Posts:

• Places to Find Inspiration for Writing
• Ways to Promote Your Writing
• How to Start an Online Freelance Writing Career
• 6 Strategies for Writing More
• Jumping Into The World Of Writing

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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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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.

• Freelance Tips

Sports Writing Jobs: 20 Publications That Will Pay You To Write

• By  Mike Fisher
• Aug 05, 2024
• 11 min read
• Finding Work

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If you’re a sports enthusiast with a knack for writing, freelance sports writing jobs are a fantastic way to combine your love of sports with your writing skills. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a sports writer , this post is for you!

There are numerous publications that will pay you to write. In this post, we share information about 20 websites, blogs , and magazines that accept submissions or hire freelance sports writers. For each publication, we’ll:

• Discuss key details about the sports in which it specializes 
• Provide links to its homepage and its freelance writing applications
• Highlight pay rates (if this information is available)

We’ve also included a bonus section on essential skills for sports writers. Read on to discover your sports writing opportunity!

1. Last Word On Sports (LWOS)

Established in 2011, LWOS is a sports website with over 300 writers. LWOS is ideal for writers specializing in a specific sport or team, such as the Dallas Cowboys, an American football team. The site features baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer content. Prospective writers need to submit a sample writing piece as part of the application process . The site pays writers on a remuneration plan based on how much traffic their writing generates. LWOS is also a great way to move up the ladder because the organization hires from within.

2. Sport Fishing

While not your typical sports magazine, Sport Fishing is a wonderful opportunity for writers to contribute to the world of sport saltwater fishing. If sport fishing is your jam, Sport Fishing is for you! The publication seeks writers who have fresh ideas on saltwater fishing that will make readers say, “Whoa! Did not know that!” Sport Fishing pays up to $750 US for print features and $200 to $300 for online features of at least 1,000 words. Sport Fishing provides guidelines for manuscript contributions .

3. FanSided

FanSided is a network of fan-focused sports and entertainment websites. It offers opportunities for freelance writers to contribute articles about favorite teams and sports. However, you should know that such opportunities with FanSided would be with one of the numerous sites the organization manages, not FanSided itself. If this doesn’t bother you, FanSided is a good option – especially if you have a specific sporting genre and sports team in mind about which to write.

4. SBNation

SBNation is a network of sports blogs with millions of followers. It covers a wide range of sports and teams and offers freelance writing opportunities via its parent company, Vox Media , at certain times of the year. Scroll down to the SBNation section to apply for SBNation jobs. We recommend frequently checking with Vox Media for content-contributing roles with SBNation.

5. Adventure Cyclist

An example of a sports magazine, Adventure Cyclist features articles related to – you guessed it – cycling! More specifically, the magazine focuses on year-round cycling travel. For example, you might find an article about a summer biking tour through northern France. Adventure Cyclist offers payment rates between $0.25 and $0.50 per word for articles. Freelancers can contribute articles to two distinct categories: personal cycling tour narratives and essays exploring unique biking experiences.

6. TheSport Digest

The Sport Digest is another sports magazine. It accepts 300- to 500-word articles from freelancers. The Sport Digest focuses on college, professional, and recreational sports as well as health and fitness. It welcomes submissions via The Sport Journal on athlete development, ethical issues in sports, sports governance, and other pertinent subjects. It’s worth noting that The Sport Digest isn’t an up-to-date magazine. At the time of this writing, the last article was published on February 19, 2024.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Gripped is a magazine for climbing enthusiasts. If climbing is your preferred sport, take a look at the submission guidelines . Gripped offers payment ranging from $150 to $200 depending on the article’s length and category. The publication is Canadian-based, and it follows Canadian spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. If you’re unfamiliar with Canadian English , be sure to thoroughly review your article before submission.

8. Trail Runner

Powered by Outside, Trail Runner is a magazine for runners! If you love trail running, consider contributing content to Trail Runner . The publication offers both digital and print editions, paying $200 for the former and $0.25 per word for the latter. You can contribute feature articles on running locations, race recaps, etc. The publication seeks articles of at least 1,200 words but also welcomes shorter submissions from 800 to 1,200 words.

9. Adirondack Life

Adirondack is an outdoor enthusiast’s magazine focusing on kayaking, hiking, and backcountry skiing. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, Adirondack is your opportunity to contribute outdoorsy articles . The publication values articles about the wildlife, history, places, and people of the Adirondacks. The magazine expects writers to contribute articles of 1,000 to 1,800 words.

10. Climbing  

Are you a mountain climbing expert? Do you have some climbing-related tips and insights to share with the world? Consider contributing content to Climbing , which features articles related to mountain rock climbing! The magazine welcomes article submissions on area histories, epic tales, and controversial opinion pieces. Climbing accepts articles ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 words. It also accepts shorter pieces ranging from 400 to 800 words.

11. Cross Country Magazine

Does the adrenaline rush of paragliding or hang gliding fuel you? Do you want to share this passion with the world? Then we recommend contributing to Cross Country Magazine . Established in 1988, the publication has been the one-stop place for free-flying skills. Cross Country reaches a following in over 80 countries. If you’re passionate about the free-flying world, submit an article to Cross Country . The magazine also welcomes articles related to all things aerial, such as balloons, wingsuits, and powered rocket men. Articles should range from 1,500 to 2,000 words with 20 to 30 supporting photos.

12. Deadspin

Deadspin focuses on sports news with a satirical twist. The site looks for freelance writers who can deliver humorous and critical takes on sports events and personalities. Deadspin specializes in college and professional baseball, football, and basketball and professional hockey, golf, and soccer. At the time of this writing, Deadspin doesn’t feature a link to article submissions; however, the site does welcome email applications through [email protected] . We recommend including “interest in freelance sports writing opportunities” in the subject line. We also recommend submitting a sports writer–related cover letter and resume to Deadspin. Finally, we urge you to follow up promptly if you don’t hear back from the platform. Persistence pays off!

13. Equestrian Living  

Equestrian (EQ) Living is a magazine that informs readers about the world of horseback riding. You should consider writing for EQ if you’re a horseback riding aficionado! EQ welcomes articles ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 words and pays $200 to $300. We encourage you to read the submission guidelines carefully before applying.

14. Gray’s Sporting Journal

Gray’s Sporting Journal is the ideal writing place for hunters. It has been providing literature on bird and big game hunting since 1975. If you enjoy sharing tales, expeditions, and poetry related to hunting and fly fishing, Gray’s welcomes submissions from writers . Gray’s Sporting Journal expects writing pieces to range from 2,500 to 3,000 words and poetry submissions not to exceed 1,000 words. The pay rates are $600 to $1,250 for non-poetry and $100 for poetry.

15. Horse Network

Like EQ Living , Horse Network is a digital platform for horse lovers. Horse Network features articles on various horse topics, such as news, rider profiles, health, and lifestyle. The platform welcomes submissions from freelance writers if you can contribute horse-related stories and articles. It seeks articles ranging from 500 to 700 words and pays $100, provided that your post is shared 1,000 times or more on social media. However, the Horse Network will pay $50 or more if your post isn’t shared a thousand times. Please note that the platform requires a link to your website and a 75-word “About the Author” bio as part of the submission process.

16. Paddling Magazine

Are you a kayaker, canoer, or stand-up paddler? If so, Paddling Magazine is your paddling writing opportunity! The publication values pieces about paddling tips, skills, and gear. It invites submissions from paddling enthusiasts and seeks articles ranging from 400 to 3,000 words. Please note that for those who haven’t written for it, the magazine requires links to previously published work.

17. Sailing Magazine

Do you have a passion for sailing? Since 1966, Sailing Magazine has been informing sailing enthusiasts about sailing safety, tips, and destinations, to name a few subjects! It’s the oldest continuously published sailing magazine in the United States. Sailing Magazine welcomes submissions from sailing sports writers . It pays $50 to $500 for sailing stories. At the time of this writing, the website doesn’t indicate the required word count for articles. However, Sailing does ask that all submissions adhere to AP Style . Additionally, articles should follow US English conventions.

18. Sports Afield

Since 2002, Sports Afield has been a magazine for hunters of big game. Field Sports Publishing in California, USA, owns it. The magazine focuses on big game destinations, such as North America and Africa. It aims to inspire hunters with epic stories about the most desirable game species. Sports Afield is always looking out for exciting hunting stories from writers . Articles can range from 800 to 2,500 words. If you can deliver clear, concise, and engaging hunting articles, Sports Afield would love to hear from you via email.

19. Triathlete

Are you passionate about the sport of triathlon? Triathlete is the most prominent American magazine dedicated to everything triathlon, concentrating on various aspects, such as multisport training advice and exercises, nutrition, equipment reviews, athlete profiles, triathlon travel, and current news related to the sport and lifestyle. Triathlon writers are encouraged to submit to Triathlete . The magazine accepts full-length news and nutrition features ranging from 800 to 1,500 words and training articles ranging from 500 to 800 words. Triathlete asks all prospective writers to be familiar with the history and personality of triathlon.

20. Powder  

For the skiing enthusiast, Powder magazine has been providing articles and stories about popular ski destinations, equipment, and reviews since 1972. If you can pitch an exciting and relevant ski story, Powder would love to hear from you . Please note that the magazine accepts email submissions only and prefers stories accompanied by supporting photos.

Sports Writer Essentials

Although sports writing experience isn’t always required, besides good writing skills, you must satisfy the following essentials to secure sports writing jobs.

• Ability to Meet Deadlines : When you take on a writing piece (voluntarily or assigned), it will usually have a deadline. Deadlines can range from a few days to a week. It’s vital to write and proofread your writing piece by the deadline. Missing deadlines is the cardinal sin of sports writing. In other words, if you miss deadlines, get ready to return to job searching!
• Good Communication : Although you’ll likely be working remotely, you’ll still have supervisors to report to. As a result, you’ll need to frequently communicate with them regarding assignments (i.e., your sports writing pieces). Good communication involves responding to supervisor emails promptly.
• Sports Vocabulary and Terminology : As a sports writer, you must be knowledgeable about sports-related vocabulary and terminology. Of course, the required vocabulary will depend on your sports niche. For example, if you’re writing about baseball, you should be familiar with home run , strike , and inning , to name a few. If you write about American football, you need to know (to name a few) fumble , touchdown , and line of scrimmage .
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Savvy : You should write SEO-friendly posts . Doing so includes writing articles with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion to optimize readability. You should be able to write posts that are easy to find using Google search, for example. To appear at the top of search engine results, your posts need to feature relevant keywords . Let’s say you wrote a blog post about the New York Rangers’ Stanley Cup win in 1994. For readers to find your post online, you might want to include the keywords in bold: The New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994 in seven games over the Vancouver Canucks. Captain Mark Messier was the Rangers’ talisman on their road to victory. It was the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 54 years!

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Are you interested in learning more about how to become a freelance writer? Consider our comprehensive course, Becoming A Freelance Writer . You’ll learn everything you need to know about launching a successful freelance writing career. You can learn at your own pace, free from looming deadlines, and have access to our tutor support whenever you need it! We offer free lessons for this course.

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• 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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LWOS Network

LWOS has grown to include 25 specialty sports sites from leagues around the world. We are looking for contributors for various teams across all professional sports. Interested?

What LWOS Can Do For You:

• Join a network of over 400 writers
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• Upward mobility — we hire from within!
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What is a Contributor?

Contributors are writers who can commit to writing a weekly article. We understand life can be hectic. We pride ourselves on being flexible. Each contributor chooses a department to join and is introduced to the managing editors, editors, and fellow writers.

Do you pay?

We are pleased to announce LWOS Remuneration! Tired of writing for sites with no possibility of earning anything for your hard work? LWOS has a remuneration plan that will offer some monetary incentives for your hard work. And not only that, but LWOS hires from within so there are always ways to grow with our company! Our remuneration is based on traffic with no ceiling!

Application Process

LWOS requires a submitted sample from each applicant. We ask for 500-1000 words focused on an analysis of a game, player, team, or a league issue. Please let us know which sport and team (if applicable) you are most interested in covering .

Be sure you proofread your article before submitting. Our usual timeframe to review your application is 48-72 hours. ***Due to labour law, you must be 16 years or older to write at LWOS.

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Five things you start today to become a sports content writer

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Sports writing has been around since the time the first goal was scored, or the first six was hit.

Every sports event in the world - from a simple press conference announcing a sponsorship to a nail-biting match that went down to the wire - has hundreds of thousands of words written about it.

These can range from a simple match report to a long-form journalism piece explaining the story behind the event, player, team or league.

There is a common belief that writing is a talent that someone is born with.

And while it may be true in some cases of an extremely gifted writer, it is also true that everyone can and should become a good writer. Yes, even you, dear reader.

Writing, just like any other skill, requires you to practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you become - just like with any other skill.

Here at Sporjo, we have tied up with some of the best content writers in the industry to bring you programs and mentorships that will help you become a better sports writer if you wish to.

However, to get started on your journey towards becoming a better sports writer, here are five things you can do on your own starting today.

Write, write, and write.

There is a story of a famous sports writer who was asked to take a sports writing class at a college. The professor entered a class full of enthusiastic young sports writers and asked them a question:

“Who all here wishes to become a sports writer?”

Everyone raised their hands.

“Well then,” he said, “I suggest you go home and start writing”

While some may wonder if the teacher did the right thing, the fundamental lesson in the story is this - if you want to become a sports writer, start writing about sports.

You may ask, “Well…what do I write about?”.

The simple answer is, anything you want to write about.

Start sports writing because you want to write, not because you want to be read.

This can be about your favourite sports team, your favourite sportsperson, or even just your favourite sport.

It could be about a winning streak, a recent transfer, or even a tactic you felt your favourite team should have used in the last game.

Do not worry about whether you are right or wrong, or whether you wrote well or not. Just write. Get started.

Read, read, and read.

All sports writers read.

You will never meet a good sports writer who does not read.

Good sports writers read a lot. They read almost everything from articles, to reports, to books, to long blog posts, and everything in between.

Reading a lot helps sports writers in two specific ways:

• It allows them to broaden their mind and creativity
• It helps their originality by identifying a point of view that has not been shared by other writers

As we said earlier, there are hundreds of thousands of sports writers out there.

So in order to stand out from the rest, sports writers have to either seek out a point of view that no other sports writer has expressed, or present a point of view in a way that no other sports writer has.

It is important to remember that when you get started, you are bound to “sound like” another sports writer. This is normal.

But as you continue to practice and get better, you will begin to find your own voice.

Start a sports blog

With sports fans and sports content moving to digital screens, it is important for sports writers to have a presence online.

As a young and new sports writer, you may get fewer writing opportunities than someone more established.

However, remember the earlier advice we shared?

Keep writing.

So in order to keep writing, you cannot only rely on external opportunities.

Take the time to start your own sports blog.

There are plenty of free resources online to help you set up, and start writing your own online sports blog.

If you feel it to be too technical to build your own site and blog from scratch, then find a free publishing platform like Medium or Substack to publish your sports writing.

Find a freelance gig - paid or free

There are hundreds of sports sites online today.

This means there are thousands of opportunities to find sports writing gigs online today.

While some websites do offer a small token amount to young and aspiring sports writers, almost any sports content website accepts freelance contributions.

Sure, they may first have to like and approve your article, but if they do, then getting your sports writing published on a popular sports website can do wonders for your future sports writing career.

It is important to not get disheartened in the face of rejection.

That is something even the most experienced and established sports writers face well into a long and successful career.

Just keep writing and publishing - either on your own blog or on a popular sports website - as often as you can.

SporPrep or Sporjo Mentorship in Digital Content writing

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To do this, a Sporjo candidate is given the opportunity to interact and learn from experienced and established sports industry individuals.

Our SporPREP and Sporjo Mentorship offerings in the area of digital content and sports writing promise to do just that.

Both programs are curated by experts and designed to teach you everything you need to get started with sports writing.

The SporPREP module covers digital media as a general topic while providing specific knowledge on sports content creation.

While the Sporjo Mentorship Program gives you the opportunity to learn from a veteran and experienced sports content writer one-on-one.

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• How to Become a Freelance Sports Writer
• For Writers
• March 25, 2019

If you love writing as much as you love sports, freelance sports writing could be the perfect career choice for you. Fortunately, becoming an independent sports writer has never been more accessible to more people. The internet is crawling with sports websites, and they need talented writers to create content for them. Whatever your sport of choice is, you can count on finding a website that covers it!

If you’re new to the world of freelancing, however, you may be wondering what the best practices are for pursuing professional sports writing as an independent writer. The more prepared you are for the challenges of your new career, the more success you’re likely to find! Here are some tips that will help you launch yourself into the world of freelance sports writing.

Know what the best sports websites are.

Sports writing isn’t scarce on the internet. Type the name of your favorite sport into a search engine and you’ll likely come across hundreds of sites dedicated to it, if not thousands. However, the sites that are useful or fun for sports fans aren’t necessarily the most useful ones for a sports writer. Your question should be: What are the most informative and accurate sites that I can use for research? If you want to locate baseball statistics easily, for example, you should have one or two reliable sites bookmarked, so that you don’t have to waste valuable writing time looking for them on Google.

Have a niche, but don’t hesitate to branch out.

Most sports fans have a couple of sports that they are most interested in. If you’re going to try to make a career as a sports writer, however, having diverse interests will be helpful for you. If you focus exclusively on one sport, you’re limiting the number of opportunities you have, which will make it harder for you to find writing jobs. It’s a good idea to have at least a glancing familiarity with all of the major sports in the U.S. and Canada, from baseball to tennis to hockey.

Remember to stay impartial.

If you’re like most sports fans, you probably have a long, ever-changing list of favorites: Favorite teams, favorite players, favorite moments. In order to write well about sports, however, you need to be able to put your personal feelings aside so you can write about teams—and players—you’re not such a fan of. While some sports writing will call for a more subjective approach, much of the writing you’ll be doing should be relatively neutral in tone, as it will be targeting a general audience.

Learn how to use social media.

In today’s freelancing world, knowing how to make smart use of social media is nearly as important as knowing how to write! Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media giants are indispensable to promoting website content, so it’s important that you know how to use and post on all of them. If you’re interested in finding steady freelancing gigs, knowing how to manage social media accounts and write well-crafted, optimized updates is a must.

Read the sites you want to write for.

It might sound obvious, but it’s still true: If you want to write for a site, you need to be reading it. When you visit a sports website that’s new to you, spend some time reading its latest articles. Don’t rush through them—take your time. Study how the writers present information, the voice they use, the audience they seem to be targeting, and even the length of the sentences and paragraphs. If the site lists its most-read articles, take a close look at them. What do you think it is about those articles that is attracting so much attention?

Study the best sports writers.

If you really want to stand out as a sports writer, you can’t just repeat the same things every other sports fan is saying—you need to be bringing something new to the table. In order to be a truly exceptional sports writer, you need to study the work of the best writers in the field. Pick up books that collect the best sports journalism of the years. Go to the Sports Illustrated website and read classic athlete profiles. Find the best writers currently chronicling your favorite sport and follow their work. Don’t just read the best articles you find once—go back and read them again and try to break down what makes them so good.

Start your own sports blog.

If you don’t already have a blog, there’s no better time than now to start one. However much time you have to spend updating your blog, having one will provide you with a convenient outlet for your writing. Thus, it will give you a reason to practice and hone your writing skills. There are plenty of great, easy-to-use platforms out there for beginning bloggers, such as Medium or WordPress. Once you’ve got your blog up and running, be sure to repost—or post links to—your latest posts on all of your social media accounts.

Remember to be persistent.

It’s easy to feel a little discouraged if you don’t find work right away. The important thing, however, is that you keep at it. If you continue to spend time every workday looking for new writing opportunities and sending out queries and applications, you’re increasing your chances of landing gigs. You should also be sure to carve out some writing time for yourself every day. The more you practice, and the more you hone your skills, the better a writer you’ll be—and the more rewarding your new career will be for you.

Have you always aspired to become a professional freelance writer ? Writers Work can provide you with the tools you need to make your way in the freelancing realm. When you join our site, you’ll have access to our handy document editor, our informative videos, and much more! If you’d like to learn more about how a Writers Work membership can help you build your portfolio and find writing jobs, visit our website today and check out our introductory video.

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Sign Up For Paid Writing Opportunities

11 sports & athletics websites and magazines that pay freelance writers (up to $1,000+ per article).

Dear Writers,

Here’s a list of eleven publications focused on writing about sports in one form or another.

You’ll note that payment rates vary for each of these publications, with pay ranging from $50 per article, up to $5,000.

If you’re not sure how to approach these publications, please watch this free lecture.

— Jacob Jans

Runner’s World is a magazine and website that publishes “stories about every aspect of running, from tips on how to get started to human interest pieces to training plans for competitive runners aiming for a new PR, and everything in between.” They accept story pitches from writers. According to their health and fitness director , they pay $350 to $5,000 per story depending on length, research/reporting, turnaround time, etc. For more information, refer to their pitch guide .

Defector is a sports blog and media company. They pay at least $1,000 for longer essays and reported pieces, and at least $500 for shorter pieces. You can submit your pitches to [email protected] . To learn more, refer to their pitch guide and freelancer policies .

Adventure Cycling Association publishes articles about bicycle travel and other recreational cycling subjects, and feature-length stories about tour accounts. They also accept shorter pieces for The Final Mile, which are about a singular experience while on a cycling trip, and humor pieces. Their submission period ends on 31 October 2017. Word count: 2,000-3,500 for features; 1,200-1,500 for The Final Mile. Pay: $0.30-$0.50/word Details here .

The Ringer is a major website covering sports and pop culture. They are owned by Vox Media. They also host a wide variety of podcasts. They pay professional rates for the writing they publish. You can send apitch to their editor here.

SimpliFaster is a blog dedicated to athletic speed development. They are looking for original articles for their blog. Topics for articles may include “training, skills (e.g. hurdles, long jump), coaching, recovery, sleep, athlete testing, team management, bio-mechanics, mental preparation, injury prevention and rehabilitation, weight training, physiotherapy, planning, periodization, equipment, and technology.” Their articles are generally 1,500 to 2,500 words long. They pay 6 cents per word. To learn more, visit this page .

Snows Best is the blog “for those in the snow.” They cover recreational & professional skiing and snowboarding around the globe. The editor confirmed that they pay a minimum of $50 for at least some of their articles. To learn more, read their contributor’s page.

Launcher is a section in The Washington Post that covers video games and esports. They are seeking “original reporting — features, profiles, reported analysis and more.” They “want reported stories that reveal some kind of tension.” Target length: 1,000-1,200 words. Pay: $300. To learn how to pitch stories to them, visit this page .

Road & Track is an American magazine for automotive enthusiasts. They cover new cars, car culture, car shows, motorsports, and more. They are looking for pitches for stories. Their rates start at $400. To learn more, read their Twitter post . To contact them, visit this page .

Front Office Sports is “a prosumer publisher at the intersection of two passion points: sports + business.” They cater to sports business executives and sports fans by covering teams, leagues, athletes, properties, and brands. According to one payment report, they paid $0.17 per word for a 900-word profile or interview. Contact them here .

Cross Country Magazine is an international magazine about paragliding, paramotoring, and hang gliding. They publish 10 times a year. They pay €300 for a 6-page article. To contribute, refer to this page .

Hang Gliding & Paragliding is a monthly magazine published by US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USPHA). Its content includes information about the association activities and articles covering all issues related to free flight. The magazine’s readers are knowledgeable and active participants of the hang gliding and paragliding, and articles must be well-researched and well-written. All article submissions must include photographs or illustrations, or information about where editors can find supporting photography/artwork. Editors buy first-time publishing rights; they do not consider simultaneous submissions. Payment is $35-$150 for 100-2,500-word articles. To find out about payment rates, click on “Contributor Rates” at the bottom of Editorial Guidelines. To learn more, read writers’ guidelines: https://www.ushpa.org/page/editorial-guidelines .

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5 Sites That Will Pay You To Write About Sports

Do you usually stay up late at night to watch Sportscenter on ESPN, spend hours of time listening to sports commentary podcasts, or read blogs about your local teams? Are you interested in getting paid to write about sports, or looking for sports related work at home jobs ? Then read on!

The dream job for an aspiring sports writer would be penning articles for a major newspaper, or contributing to one of the big sports media giants like ESPN. But those are tough gigs to land. There are thousands upon thousands of sports fans out there who would love to become writers, so the competition is pretty fierce.

If you're just starting out, you're going to have to aim a little lower. You may have to do some small time freelance writing, or contribute articles for blogs in exchange for revenue share.

To eventually get into more lucrative and exciting work, you'll need to gain some exposure and build your credibility as an authority on your chosen sport.

Fortunately, though it will probably take a while to reach the top of the sports writing ladder, you can still make some decent money along the way.

And if you approach things with the right attitude, you're sure to learn a lot in the process. Below we've listed a few useful sites that can help you get started on the path.

Get Paid To Write About Sports

One of the best ways to get your feet wet in the sports writing biz is to become a freelancer. You get to be your own boss, and you get some great experience doing what you love while building up a base of reliable, paying clients.

Upwork always has quite a few job postings looking for writers who can produce sports content quickly and professionally. The pay rates are all over the place, but new jobs get posted all the time, so you never know what you might find.

Go here to browse the sports writing jobs on Upwork  or read our Upwork review first.

SBnation is a big independent sports blog network. They have sites for just about every major sports team or subject, and they occasionally hire new regular contributors.

You can also pitch them article ideas by going here , and selecting “I want to pitch a story” from the contact drop-down menu. There's no mention anywhere about how much you'll get paid, but this is a pretty popular sports portal, so the exposure might be worth something all on its own.

Go here to sign up at SBnation. Note openings are not always available.

Athlon media group is looking for NFL and college football fans who have solid writing chops to join their team of regular content contributors. You'll need to fill out a form and submit links to two published sample articles. The pay rate is unspecified.

Go here to sign up at Athlon.

Fansided is looking for basketball writers to create content for their Hoopshabit site. They offer both revenue share and flat pay per piece.

You can pitch article concepts or apply for a regular contributor position, which apparently offers a very flexible schedule and the freedom to come up with your own article ideas.

Go here to sign up at Fansided.

Though LWOS is known as a baseball network, they actually have several sites devoted to various professional sports leagues.

They're looking for writers who can become a regular part of their staff. If selected, you'll spend most of your time covering one particular team, and you need to specify in your application which teams you'd be open to writing about.

The pay is based on traffic with no ceiling.

Go here to sign up at LWOS.

This is a high-pay sports writing position. Preference is given to candidates located in AL, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, or WI. A four year college degree is required.

They offer competitive salaries. $46,668-$58,542 depending on experience and qualifications. Writers are eligible for a monthly bonus plan based on performance and production.

Go here to learn more about the position.

The sites above are just a sample of the many sports writing gigs available. Unfortunately, most of them either don't specify pay or rely on a revenue sharing scheme, and that's generally what you'll find when you go looking around the web for writing jobs in this niche.

As I mentioned in the intro, there a lot of very talented people who love sports, including some who are happy to work for free, so you have to put in a lot of effort to make the big bucks.

If you're really passionate about becoming a professional sports writer, and know that you have what it takes, then stick with it and do what's needed to build a solid reputation.

Better opportunities will eventually open up when you make some connections and start creating a nice portfolio of work.

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It includes the following e-books ($1 each if you buy them individually):

• Your Quick Guide to Legit Work From Home Jobs
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Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 13 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.

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.

Be a Freelance Blogger

Make REAL money blogging for hire.

By Sophie Lizard

Sports Writing Jobs: A Big List of Sport & Leisure Sites That Pay Writers

What if you could get paid to write about your favorite sport, hobby, or whatever it is you like to do in your free time (besides sleeping, snacking, and binge-watching series)?

Seriously. Even that one weird hobby you can’t stop talking about and some of your friends think you’re a little too obsessed with… Check and see if it’s on our list!

Pro tip: If expensive gear is involved, chances are you could get paid very well to write about it. If you want to get paid to write about a topic, someone else has to make money selling products on said topic.

You’ll find a few exceptions to that rule. But especially with leisure activities and fun things to do in your free time, follow the money if you want to turn your writing into more than a hobby.

Want more blogging gigs on other topics? Check out our Ultimat e List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs here.

How Much Do Sports Writers Earn?

This is the internet. If it exists, there is a blog or online publication for it. Sports and leisure topics are no exception to that rule.

But not all of them pay writers… and not all of those that do pay writers pay them well .

If you find yourself with a favorite hobby that pays peanuts (and you still dream of writing about it), look a little deeper. Look at the businesses that make money from this activity. What are they? Do some research.

If you want to get paid to write about anything, you have to find people who make money from it. This is where you start.

We’ve got a big list of hobby sites, sports blogs, leisure publications, and so on right here that pay freelancers $50 or more per article (up to $3,000 and $4,000 in some cases).

Can I Really Get Paid to Blog About Hobbies & Sports?

Just curious… what do you think a sports writer does?

Yeah, yeah, write about sports. But do you have any idea HOW MANY sports exist out there? Go take a look at how many different medal-awarding sports the Olympic Games list. And then add a few more because even they don’t include them all.

Do you want to write about your favorite (insert most popular sport in your country) team? Yeah, you and a few million other raving fans willing to do it for free.

You *can* write about those big sports (and even get paid to do it). Just be prepared for some competition.

Got a question for you: Do you like any less well-known sports? Because if you can corner a niche topic, you can get some sweet sportswriting gigs there (and get paid more, too).

As for leisure activities, hobbies, and such, if you know how to do even something as simple as crochet then you can get paid to write articles explaining it to others. But don’t look only at hobby blogs about hobbies — look for businesses with blogs or online articles on the topic, too, because they may have a bigger budget.

With some persistence and a passion for a specific sport or leisure activity, you could land yourself a high-paying one-off gig or even a regular paid spot in a publication.

Where to Find Your Next Hobby or Sports Writing Gig

Adironback life magazine.

Adirondack Life  magazine publishes stories about its six-million-acre natural park in New York State. Think outdoor fun, hiking, kayaking, backcountry skiing (and everything in between). They also love articles about the wildlife, history, places, and people of the Adirondacks. One way to get started with this publication is their magazine departments (1000 to 1800 words on average). They have a very small staff (good news for getting freelance writing jobs). If you don’t hear back from them in 30 days, follow up with them about your query.

• Homepage:  https://www.adirondacklifemag.com/
• Contributor info:  https://www.adirondacklifemag.com/blogs/magazine/writers-guidelines/
• Pay:  30 cents per word for features and news stories (1,000-3,500 words).
• Contributor byline:  Yes.
• Contributor bio:  No.

Adventure Cyclist Magazine

Want to tell stories about your cycling adventures? The Adventure Cyclist magazine and blog want to hear about it (and might even pay you to write it). They are looking for first-person stories about your bike trip. If you’re also very handy with a camera, you’ll have an even better chance of scoring the job. Photos are important for these types of articles (and you get paid extra for them). Keep in mind that their editorial calendar is often planned 12+ months out. And their very small team can take up to 6 months to get back to you about your query or submission.

• Homepage: https://www.adventurecycling.org/blog/
• Contributor info: https://www.adventurecycling.org/adventure-cyclist/adventure-cyclist-submissions/
• Pay: From 25 to 50 cents a word (for articles from 1200 to 3000 words).
• Contributor byline: Yes. with a photo.
• Contributor bio: Yes, on a separate page with a photo and links.

Adventure Motorcyle

Do fun road trips on your motorcycle much? Then take a look at Adventure Motorcycle magazine and blog. You can send queries for ride reports, feature articles, news, reviews, and spotlights. They’re especially interested in travel stories and personal stories of overcoming hardship and challenges on the road. Photos are extremely important for most stories (and you’re usually responsible for them too). Read through the magazine and the blog to see if your ideas fit their style (and check out the photos to make sure it’s something you can do). If you’ve got seasonal ideas, get in touch at least 6 months early (or more).

• Homepage: https://adventuremotorcycle.com/
• Contributor info: https://adventuremotorcycle.com/submission-guidelines
• Pay: $150 and up (for 1400 to 1800 word articles).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences with a photo. and a link.

The Alpinist magazine and blog hire freelance sportswriters. If you’re already passionate about mountain climbing, go make some money talking (and writing) about your favorite subject. What do they want to publish? First-person stories, investigative reports, and documentaries about topics adventure climbing fanatics love to read. Do your research and then send in a pitch.

• Homepage: http://www.alpinist.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.alpinist.com/p/magazine/contribute
• Pay: We hear 25 cents a word.
• Contributor bio: No.

Amazonas Magazine and Coral Magazine

Amazonas and Coral magazines and websites write about aquariums (and everything you need to know if you have one or want to build one). Amazonas focuses on freshwater aquariums and Coral on salt-water aquariums. If you’re already slightly obsessed with aquariums, take a look at their site and magazine. You’ll find sample editions on the website. And remember to check out the photos (an important part of most articles for these publications). You can also write blog articles for them, but they pay much more for the magazines.

• Homepage: https://www.reef2rainforest.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.reef2rainforest.com/contributor-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear $100 to $600.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

American Angler

Are you a somewhat obsessed fisher and a freelance writer? American Angler  magazine and website are looking for passionate fishing fans who also know how to write words people want to read. Check out their submission guidelines and you’ll know what I mean. If you know how to tell a story that’s not a fish tale (with research and interviews), you’ll have a much better chance of getting published here.

• Homepage: https://www.americanangler.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.americanangler.com/submissions/
• Pay: We hear $200-$600.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a sentence or two with a link (maybe even a photo).

American Falconry

Know someone who practices the ancient tradition of falconry? When we say there’s a publication for nearly everything, we’re not kidding. American Falconry magazine and website pay writers for stories about its history, techniques, gear, and more. You can read more about it on the site or in the magazine. As with most of these hobby and sports magazines, taking photos to go with the story is indispensable (and can make or break your pitch).

• Homepage: https://www.americanfalconry.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.americanfalconry.com/writersguidelines.html
• Pay: Starting at $100.

American Gardener

Are you an avid gardener? I’ve got some good news for you. American Gardener the American Horticultural Society’s primary publication is mostly freelance written. Their readers are amateur gardeners with lots of experience. Some of the topics they’re looking for are horticulturalist profiles, garden design, plant research, plant conservation, and much more. Read through the website and digital version of the magazine (you can read some articles without being a member). They only want pitches for stories.

• Homepage: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/gardening-publications/archives/
• Contributor info: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/gardening-publications/the-american-gardener/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: From $150 to $200 for department articles (600 to 1000 words normally) and $300 to $600 for most features (1500 to 2500 words usually).
• Contributor bio: Yes, a very short one.

Audubon Society

If you’re already into birdwatching and reading about them, maybe it’s time to start making some money writing about it. The Audubon Society’s magazine pays freelance writers. You can dive into the articles on the website or a selection of articles from the magazine. The writer guidelines are on the light side (but you do get a list of the editors). Use the stories available online to create a pitch that fits their publishing style.

• Homepage: https://www.audubon.org/
• Contributor info: https://www.audubon.org/about-audubon-magazine
• Pay: We hear from 20 to 40 cents a word (for 1000 to 2000 word articles).
• Contributor bio: No, but you get a writer’s page.

Backcountry Magazine

Backcountry magazine and website are about skiing off-piste or outside of ski resorts. They’re always on the lookout for talented writers with fresh ideas for their readers. Current events, interesting destinations, and profiles of interesting backcountry skiers, for example. If you’re already familiar with their audience (and backcountry skiing), do some research on the site. And pitch away.

• Homepage: https://backcountrymagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://backcountrymagazine.com/magazine/submission-guidelines/
• Pay: 35 cents a word.
• Contributor bio: No. but you get a writer’s page.

Do you like to hike? Please check out this magazine and blog dedicated to “foot-based” travel, Backpacker. Half of their feature articles are freelance-written. Even better news, OVER 50% of their magazine departments are written by freelance writers. Their advice to new writers: pitch to the departments or online-only articles. Stick to North American destinations, Read their blog and magazine and you’ll notice a strong preference for off-the-trail trips, out-of-the-ordinary destinations, and practical information their readers can use.

• Homepage:   https://www.backpacker.com/
• Contributor info:   https://www.backpacker.com/page/guidelines
• Pay:  From about $150 to $2,000 or more; typical pay starts at 40 cents per word, with article lengths ranging from 400-600 words to 1500-5000 word destination feature articles.
• Contributor byline:  Yes.
• Contributor bio:  Yes, on a separate page, no links.

Bee Culture

Bee Culture magazine and blog write about American beekeeping. Yes, lots of how-to, gear, and pollination articles for sure, but also political issues, marketing, dealing with disease, and pesticides too. Everything a new (or experienced) beekeeper needs to know. Profiles of important figures in beekeeping and how to market your products are both on their wish list for topics. Over one-third (closer to half) of their articles are freelance written (yay for you). Send them a proposal or outline after you’ve read their blog and magazine. You can send completed articles (but they’d really prefer proposals). Read their detailed writer guidelines and then get to it.

• Homepage: https://www.beeculture.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.beeculture.com/write-us/
• Pay: $150 to $200 for 1000-2000 word articles (sometimes more for assigned pieces).

Bicycle Retailer

Bicycle Retailer is a trade publication for businesses that sell bicycles. They put out a printed or digital magazine (along with the website). Keep in mind that they receive lots of press releases and other pitches from non-writers (so make sure your pitch clearly states that you’re a writer). Read through the site, send them a letter of introduction with a few great pitches (especially if you love cycling).

• Homepage: https://www.bicycleretailer.com/
• Contributor info: Read their submission guidelines and have a look at the staff directory .
• Pay: It’s a trade publication, so they won’t publish rates (but they pay well enough to be on this list).

Blackbelt Magazine

Blackbelt magazine (and its blog) is one of the oldest martial arts publications in the US. We hear they hire freelance writers (but you won’t find much direction in their writer guidelines). If you’re a somewhat obsessed fan or regularly practice any martial arts, check out their website. They cover all of them. Chances are they could use a talented writer that has martial arts experience.

• Homepage: https://blackbeltmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://blackbeltmag.com/article-submission
• Pay: We hear $150 to $330 (for 1000+ word articles).
• Contributor bio: Yes, a very short one on a separate page with a photo. Links are possible.

Blade Magazine

Got a knife collection? Then you probably already know about Blade magazine and its website. It’s where knife collectors go to learn more about the world of practical, historic, beautiful, or even rare knives. They’d much prefer you send them a pitch. Read the magazine (and the site) before you pitch them something they’ve already done. Pitch them on new and interesting situations to use different knives (think outdoor adventures or creative solutions to everyday problems), new knife designs, how certain knives are made, or even celebrities and their knives. Are you handy with a camera too? They’ll love you even more if you can get high quality photos for your stories.

• Homepage: https://blademag.com/
• Contributor info: https://blademag.com/writers-guidelines
• Pay: From $150 to $300 (for 500 to 1700 word stories).
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one on a separate page with a photo.

Climbing Magazine

Good news if you’re a new freelance writer (who also loves climbing up mountains). Climbing magazine and blog work with pro writers and brand-new writers. For feature stories, think climbing area histories, profiles about the people who climb them, and even controversial subjects. Of course, if you’re new, you might want to try the smaller department articles in the magazine. Check out the magazine and blog before you pitch.

• Homepage: https://www.climbing.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.climbing.com/writer-contribution-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear 35 cents a word.

Cross Country Magazine

Cross Country  magazine is all about flying. You know, like paragliding, hang gliding, paramotoring… you get the idea. If it involves humans in the air with or without motors, consider pitching it to Cross Country. And if you’ve also got some high-resolution photos, they will be even more interested. Read the site and magazine first of course. Then pitch away.

• Homepage: https://xcmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://xcmag.com/contribute/
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.

Cruising World

Calling all boating enthusiasts: Cruising World pays writers. You’ll have to read through the site and magazine to get a feel for what their relatively affluent sailing enthusiast readers love reading. Their writer guidelines give advice on the technical side of pitching them (but not so much about topics). If you’re already got your sea legs, time to cash in on your sailing experience and know-how.

• Homepage: https://www.cruisingworld.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.cruisingworld.com/cruising-world-guidelines-writers-and-photographers/
• Pay: From $25 to $200 for short pieces and $300 to $1000 for feature-length stories (2000 words max usually).
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.

Wanna write for Deadspin? If you’re already a raving fan of a particular sport, chances are you can write a winning pitch (with some reading and research). Deadspin wants to help you. They’ve written a very practical post about how to write one. They’re giving you the word-for-word play on pitches that won (and then telling you why). Can’t get much better than that. Follow their advice (plus read the blog and do your research) and you’ll up your chances for a yes.

• Homepage: https://deadspin.com/
• Contributor info: https://deadspin.com/an-actually-useful-and-not-at-all-tedious-guide-to-pitc-1833272366
• Pay: We hear at least 11 cents a word.
• Contributor byline: Yes, with a photo.

Are you an outdoor sports fanatic? Writing about your hiking, kayaking, rafting, climbing, and even offroading trips in the desert could get you a paid article on the DesertUSA blog. North American deserts only, please. Do some research on the site to make sure your idea hasn’t already been written (they’ve been around since 1997). Remember to include photos and do some research on the geology, local wildlife, and native plants of the area for your article.

• Homepage:   https://www.desertusa.com/stories/
• Contributor info:   https://www.desertusa.com/who/du_submissions.html
• Pay:  $50 for 1200-1500 word articles for adventure stories in the North American deserts.

Is skydiving your favorite thing to do on a weekend? Check out Dropzone. This skydiving blog publishes articles on safety, equipment, training, and industry-related topics. Submissions must be in Word or plain text format, without HTML tags. Read the contributors’ guidelines and style guide before you write your draft, and contact the editor to negotiate pay.

• Homepage: http://www.dropzone.com
• Contributor info: Read about our writers and read our guidelines .
• Pay: We hear $50 to $100, for 500 to 750+ words.
• Contributor bio: Yes, up to 35 words including hyperlinks, with a headshot photo.

Equestrian Living magazine or the EQ Living website are looking for stories about equestrian society. Want to cover a local equestrian event or profile a well-known person in equestrian society? Pitch this publication. You can also write about travel, home decor, culture, and even relevant (and exceptional) fiction or essays. Have a closer look at the website and magazine before you pitch them your ideas.

• Homepage: https://eqliving.com/
• Contributor info: https://eqliving.com/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear $100 to $300.

Escapees RV Club

The Escapees RV Club blog publishes posts on anything and everything about the RV lifestyle – from the RVs themselves to traveling, to parenting on the go, to transitioning from recreational to full-time RVing. So if you’re got an RV and love going places in it, write it up and send it to them. That’s right, they do NOT accept pitches, only completed articles. They also love stories about life in an RV.

• Homepage:   https://www.escapees.com/blog-feed/
• Contributor info:   https://www.escapees.com/images/pdfs/WritersGuidelines.pdf
• Pay:  $50 to $200.
• Contributor bio:  Yes.

Fine Gardening

If you love gardening, you’ve got options for publications to pitch. Fine Gardening magazine pays freelance writers. They don’t really offer any guidance on what to pitch (so look through the site and magazine). FYI, Taunton, its publisher,, also puts out a few other magazines (so check them out if woodworking, sewing, or homebuilding is your jam).

• Homepage: https://www.finegardening.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.taunton.com/contact-us/
• Pay: We hear from $35 to $400.

Golf Course Management

Surprised to see a magazine dedicated to golf course management? Get over it. Every subject under the sun has a blog or magazine. The question is, “Do they pay freelancers?” If it’s on this list, they do. Golf Course Management is a trade publication for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. These guys and girls want to know more about how to manage their golf course better. You can read the digital version of the magazine on the website to get a feel for what they want. Then send them a letter of introduction with your pitch.

• Homepage: https://www.gcmonline.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.gcmonline.com/editorial-guidelines
• Pay: It’s a trade publication. Rates aren’t published, but it’s enough to be included on this list.

Gray’s Sporting Journal

Gray’s Sporting Journal is dedicated to hunting. They’re looking for bird hunting, fly fishing, and even big game hunting stories. You’re not limited to these three topics, but they’re the top three for their readers. Feature stories, tall tales, expeditions, and even poetry are on this publication’s wish list. If you have a talent for photography, they also love photo essays (or just photos to go with articles). Take note: they don’t want queries. Write the article and send it to them for consideration. And be patient. it may take them 6 months to answer (if it’s a yes). They are often working more than 6 months in advance of publication.

• Homepage: https://www.grayssportingjournal.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.grayssportingjournal.com/submissions/
• Pay: From $600 to $1250 for articles. $100 for poems. $50 to $300 for photographs.

Gripped Magazine

Gripped is a Canadian mountain climbing magazine and blog. They hire freelance writers and climbing enthusiasts. So consider pitching even if you don’t have much writing experience yet (but know boatloads about the subject). Feature stories, profiles of important Canadians, and profiles of enticing spots to climb are always needed. You can pitch them any ideas that will appeal to their Canadian mountain climbing audience too. Read through the website to get a feel for their style (and pay attention to the magazine’s regular columns). They’re always looking for good fits for their columns.

• Homepage: https://gripped.com/
• Contributor info: Read their writer guidelines and check out the list of editors.
• Pay: $150 to $250 (for 500 to 2500 word articles).

Hoofbeats Magazine

Hoofbeats is the magazine for the US Trotting Association. This association establishes the rules of harness racing and gives licensing exams for future professionals in the sport. If you have an interest in harness racing, this is the publication to pitch your ideas. Great news: 70% of Hoofbeats ‘ stories are written by freelancers. They’d very much prefer you send a query (instead of a completed article). If you’d like a sample copy of the magazine, just ask (and of course read the website too).

• Homepage: http://www.hoofbeatsmagazine.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.hoofbeatsmagazine.com/contact.cfm
• Pay: From $100 to $500.

Horse and Rider

Love riding horses? You may be a perfect fit for Horse & Rider Magazine and blog. Their readers are horse owners who love riding and spending time with their horses. Check out their writer guidelines (so much helpful information about their readers and how to write an article if you’re new to it). Their readers want helpful stories about training, healthcare, trail riding, and more. As always, read the site and magazine to get a feel for their style before you pitch.

• Homepage: https://horseandrider.com/
• Contributor info: https://horseandrider.com/page/submission-guidelines
• Pay: From $25 to $400.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a nice one on a separate page.

Horse Network

The Horse Network is a blog for horse lovers. News, interviews, profiles, health articles, lifestyle stories, and opinion pieces are all doable. They’re especially interested in horse health, interviews, and profiles at the moment. Read the blog, do your research, and send your completed article to the editor. They’ll let you know in 30 days if it’s a good fit.

• Homepage: https://horsenetwork.com/
• Contributor info: https://horsenetwork.com/contribute/
• Pay: We hear $50 and up for 500 to 750 words usually (plus bonuses for social shares).

Do you know how to build small airplanes? Well, that is exactly what Kitplane ‘s readers do. And this magazine and blog pay very good money to freelance writers who can write practical articles about flight trials, airplane design, different construction techniques, and of course product reviews. They’re looking for writers with some experience flying or building kit planes (flight reviews and kit reviews are very popular with their readers). Read the website and magazine before you send a pitch.

• Homepage: https://www.kitplanes.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.kitplanes.com/guidelines-for-writers/
• Pay: $250 to $1000.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences with a photo.

A digital magazine rather than a blog, Knitty publishes articles batched into 4 issues per year. This site is interested in patterns and tutorial articles for knitting or crocheting. Their writer guidelines are extremely detailed (and will answer all your questions plus a few extras). Check out their submission deadlines. Normally you’ll hear back from them in 2 weeks to 2 months. If you don’t, feel free to send an email and check.

• Homepage: http://www.knitty.com
• Contributor info: http://www.knitty.com/subguide.php
• Pay: From $150 up to $200.

Loaded Landscapes

Got camera gear and love using it? If you’re snapping photos with more than a point and click camera or your phone, you’ve probably got some ideas to pitch the Loaded Landscapes blog. Landscapes, nature, and travel photography are mainly what this blog wants. They also publish blog posts on photo editing (usually for Photoshop and Lightroom). They would love a regular contributor, but you can also pitch them a one-off guest post too. And they’d prefer you send a pitch to see if it’s a good fit. Remember to do some research on the blog before pitching.

• Homepage: https://loadedlandscapes.com/blog/
• Contributor info: https://loadedlandscapes.com/write-for-us/
• Pay: We hear up to $150.
• Contributor byline: Ask.
• Contributor bio: Ask.

Men’s Journal

Why is Men’s Journal listed on a Sports magazine and blog list? This may be a men’s lifestyle magazine and blog, but they publish a lot of outdoor sports, fitness, and regular sports articles. Take a look at their editor list and you’ll notice they’re an active outdoor bunch (or they’ve written for tons of sports magazines or sites). You won’t find any submission guidelines (but we know they hire freelance writers). Read their mag and blog. Then go pitch them.

• Homepage: https://www.mensjournal.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.mensjournal.com/about-team/
• Pay: We’ve heard from $150 to $4200 (for a 3000-word story).

Model Railroad Hobbyist

This online magazine for model railroad lovers welcomes pitches or ready-written submissions from readers. Follow their submission instructions, and include well-lit, high-quality photographs and any other supporting media such as videos or sketches with your draft. They’d prefer you send them a pitch instead of a complete article. Read their extremely detailed writer guidelines for info on everything from how to shoot video and photos for them to how to submit your finished article.

• Homepage:   http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/blog
• Contributor info:   http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/submission-guidelines
• Pay:  We’ve heard $10 per 350 words, up to $1,000 for long articles (maximum 3,000 words) with lots of supporting media.
• Contributor bio:  Yes, a generous length of bio text with a photo and a link to your website if it’s relevant.

Outside Online

Do you have a lot to say about the outdoors?  Outside  is an online and print magazine that publishes mostly long-form content (2,000-10,000 words). They are looking for reports, essays, practical how-tos, and reviews about outdoor sports. You can pitch ideas to the following website departments: Features, Travel, Health, Adventure, Culture, and Gear. If you’ve got a talent for photography (and love shooting outdoor sports), you could get paid for it too.

• Homepage: https://www.outsideonline.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.outsideonline.com/2415584/how-to-pitch-freelance-outside-magazine
• Pay: Starting at 50 cents per word for online stories.
• Contributor byline: Yes with a photo.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences on a separate page with a photo and links.

Paddling Magazine

Paddling  magazine and blog are the merger of three different publications,  Adventure Kayak ,  Canoeroots , and  Rapid . So that already gives you an idea of what they’re looking for. If you are an avid fan of the paddle (no, not that kind of paddle), you could make some money freelance writing about your favorite sport. Read the magazine and blog first. They’re looking for stories about the people in paddlesports, adventure travel, paddling events, helpful how-tos, and investigative reports.

• Homepage: https://paddlingmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://paddlingmag.com/contribute/
• Pay: We hear 20 cents a word.

Popular Mechanics

Like building things and figuring out how machines work? You could put your hands-on curiosity to work (and make some money) writing for Popular Mechanics magazine and blog. For over a hundred years they’ve been satisfying your neverending desire to understand how the world works. This pub’s writer guidelines are excellent with tons of details and examples (so read them carefully). And then go read the blog and magazine. Send them pitches only. Normally if it’s a yes, they’ll get back to you in 30 days.

• Homepage: https://www.popularmechanics.com/
• Contributor info: Read this incredibly helpful guide on pitching Popular Mechanics and check out their list of editors .
• Pay: We hear 40 cents a word.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one on a separate writer’s page with a photo.

Popular Woodworking

Popular Woodworking magazine and blog wants you to have fun building wooden furniture (or really anything interesting made of wood). If you’re a freelance writer who loves making things with wood, you could get a byline in Popular Woodworking. Taking great photos is a major plus too (as in most of the hobby magazines and blogs). Pitch them a DIY project they can’t resist (look through the blog and magazine to get a feel for what gets published).

• Homepage: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/submission-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear $50 and up. Feature stories usually pay $1000 to $3000 for 2500+ words with 20 photos.

Rider Magazine

Got a motorcycle and love riding it everywhere? Send a query to  Rider  magazine and blog to see if they’re interested in your next (or latest) ride. Short day trips and more detailed multi-day rides are both fair game — just remember to take great photos. Anything motorcycle-related is worth pitching too.

• Homepage: https://ridermagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://ridermagazine.com/contact-us/
• Pay: We hear $200+
• Contributor byline. Yes.

Do you love traveling by motorcycle? You might have a great story for Roadrunner magazine and blog. They’re looking for stories about your motorcycle tour in the US and Canada. You could send them a story about your tour somewhere else, but they only allow a few international travel articles per issue. Photos are part of your article package, so make sure to include 30 to 50 high-quality digital photos. And speaking of sending things to Roadrunner , they want your completed article, no pitches.

• Homepage: https://www.roadrunner.travel/magazine/content/current/
• Contributor info: https://www.roadrunner.travel/reader-submissions/
• Pay: $100 for an 800 to 1000 word article with photos.

Runner’s World

Do you enjoy jogging and running? Consider pitching Runner’s World magazine and blog. You’ve got UK and US version to pitch. And more good news: you don’t have to be the perfect running machine to work with these publications. They’re looking for all levels of runners (and even non-running writers). What do they want? Stories that help beginners get started, experienced runners train better, and competitive runners hit new records. You’ll find some great examples and more details in the writer guidelines for both sites.

• Homepage: https://www.runnersworld.com/
• Contributor info: Check out how to pitch Runner’s World in the UK or Runner’s World in the US
• Pay: We hear $1 per word.

Sailing Magazine

Sailing magazine and blog publish stories about learning to sail in your local lakes, crossing oceans in cruisers, and even competitive sailing. And they hire freelance writers (if you have experience sailing your chances of being published go up). Avoid pitching far-flung destinations. Their readers are more interested in sailing (and whether or not they can get to the destination without any extreme difficulties). Read the site and magazine, then go pitch them. And be patient, they may take up to 3 months to accept your pitch or article.

• Homepage: https://sailingmagazine.net/
• Contributor info: https://sailingmagazine.net/flex-32-writers-guidelines.html
• Pay: From $50 to $500 for articles (and $50 to $500 for photos too).

Sky and Telescope

Are you a star-gazing amateur astronomer and a freelance writer? Sky and Telescope magazine and website are always on the lookout for new writers with interesting new ideas. Staff and regular writers write about half of the magazine. The other half is written by journalists, researchers, and amateur astronomists too. What topics are they looking for? Current challenges and new discoveries in astronomy, how to get the most out of your equipment, taking great photos, important people and events in astronomy, and news about observatories. Read the magazine and website. Then send them a pitch. You could send a completed story, but they’d prefer a pitch.

• Homepage: https://skyandtelescope.org/
• Contributor info: https://skyandtelescope.org/writing-for-sky-telescope/
• Pay: Their rates are not published, but they pay enough to be on this list.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one on a separate page.

Slate hires freelance writers! It’s an enormous general interest site known for writing opinions and analysis. But they also publish a ton of sports articles. Do a site search for yourself and see. If you’ve got a favorite sport, go look at what it’s already done before you pitch them. And especially for Slate: do an internet search about your pitch idea (to make sure it’s not old news somewhere else). Slate wants to publish articles that no one else is writing.

• Homepage: https://slate.com/
• Contributor info: https://slate.com/pitch
• Pay: We hear $300
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one on a separate page with links.

Word Play’s Solver Stories in The New York Times

Are you a word puzzle lover? Answer the question, “How do my puzzles help connect me to other people?” And you may get published in The New York Times. You’ll have to do it in a personal essay that tells one hell of a story (about a problem in your life and how puzzle-solving helped you). We highly recommend you read the writer guidelines. Not only do they tell you what they want, but they also give you some outstanding advice about pitching (and story writing too).

• Homepage: https://www.nytimes.com/column/wordplay
• Contributor info: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/29/crosswords/solver-stories-submission-guidelines.html
• Pay: $200 for 800 to 1300 word personal essays.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences with a link.

Sport Fishing Magazine

How much do you love saltwater fishing? If it makes your eyes light up, it’s time to check out Sport Fishing magazine and blog. Their readers are successful, boat-owning fishermen who are always looking to up their game. Think how-to-do-this-cool-new-technique, interesting fishing trip ideas, new gear (and how to use it), and conservation issues. Please only send queries. And read this great set of submission guidelines (with helpful insights about getting published). And you know…read the magazine and blog. Then pitch.

• Homepage: https://www.sportfishingmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.sportfishingmag.com/contributor/editorial-guidelines-and-policies/
• Pay: From $200 to $300 or more for digital articles. They pay $750 for print features (and more for photos).

The Chronicle of the Horse

The Chronicle of the Horse Magazine and website (as well as their equestrian lifestyle magazine Untacked ) pay freelance writers. They publish stories on topics like dressage, foxhunting, and steeple chasing. And they rely on freelancers regularly. They’re always looking for horse sports news stories, horse care articles, profiles about important figures in horse sports, and other ideas their readers will love. Read through their website and magazine to see if your ideas fit their style.

• Homepage: https://www.chronofhorse.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.chronofhorse.com/page/writers-guidelines
• Pay: We hear $150 to $400 (for feature or news stories).

The Two Plus Two online magazine and website publish articles about poker or gambling. Keep in mind they’re looking for more advanced poker topics (so don’t send them a pitch or finished article for beginner poker players). For example, advanced poker strategy, mathematics and game theory in gambling, or interviews with not-so-well-known people in the poker world are all on their wish list. You can pitch them or send a written piece (we recommend pitching first).

• Homepage: http://www.twoplustwo.com/magazine
• Contributor info: http://www.twoplustwo.com/magazine/contribute.php
• Pay: $200 for 1,000 to 2,000 words.

Wooden Boat

How much do you know about wooden boats? Did you know there’s a magazine dedicated to designing, building, and caring for wooden boats. Profiles of past and present personalities, boat building how-tos, photo essays of boating events, or building and restorations, are all good directions for feature stories. Read through the site and magazine. Then send them a proposal or outline (and read the detailed writer guidelines for more tips on getting published).

• Homepage: https://www.woodenboat.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.woodenboat.com/woodenboat-editorial-guidelines
• Pay: We hear $250 to $300 per 1000 words for feature articles (and $25 to $350 for photos).
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences with links.

The Worthpoint blog is hiring freelance writers. They publish articles and other content about collectibles. If it has value for collectors, chances are it’s on this site (or will be very soon). Get your resume ready and apply to work for them (as a freelancer). Once you’re approved, they’ll give you paid writing assignments. The more assignments you complete, the more you get paid. If antiques and collectibles are a topic you love, check out their website and apply.

• Homepage: https://www.worthpoint.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.worthpoint.com/page/careers
• Pay: $50 to $100 (for 450 to 1200 word articles).

Yoga International

Yoga International is a membership website helping its readers learn about and practice yoga. And they hire freelance writers to write about health, well-being, and yoga. Do you already practice yoga? Would you love to write about it (and get paid)? Then check out their writer guidelines and their articles to see if this site is a good fit for you. Then get in touch with the site.

• Homepage: https://yogainternational.com/
• Contributor info: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/write-or-teach-for-yoga-international
• Pay: We hear $50 to $200.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences and a photo.

This List Needs YOUR Help!

Have you written for one of these blogs? Will you tell us about your experience?

Or do you know of another blog that pays at least $50 per post on sports and leisure topics?

If you’ve got a tip about a blog that pays writers $50+, please send it to [email protected] in exchange for our undying gratitude — thank you for your service.

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December 14, 2022 at 2:41 pm

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you for this very informative article. I learned much about sports writing and how I can earn with this career.

WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

How to start a sports blog in 6 steps

• Nirit Braun

Starting a sports blog is like stepping onto the field of your passion and sharing the thrill with a global audience. Whether you're into football, basketball or any sport under the sun, it's your chance to celebrate victories and analyze the heart-pounding moments.

A sports blog connects you with fellow fans, sparks debates and keeps you in the loop with all the latest news and trends. It can also serve as your platform to give voice to your sports-related opinions and insights, making you a part of the game like never before. Or, if you own a sports business, it can be your avenue for reaching customers at a more personal level.

So, if you're itching to dive into the world of sports and share your love for the game, don't hesitate—start that sports blog and let the games begin.

What is a sports blog?

A sports blog is a website or online journal where someone writes about sports-related topics. This can include anything from game analysis and commentary to news and rumors to opinions and editorials. Sports blogs can be written by anyone, from professional sportswriters and analysts to fans who are simply passionate about sports and want to share their thoughts and opinions with others.

Sports blogs are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest sports news and events, as well as to get analysis and commentary from different perspectives. They can also be a lot of fun to read, as sports bloggers often have a unique voice and style.

Why should you start a sports blog?

Starting a blog can be the first step to promoting your sports business or establishing a new monetization tool of its own.

A blog lets you demonstrate expertise and build trust amongst other sports fans. Consistent, valuable posts give you a chance to attract people who share your passion for sports. Plus, it keeps you connected in a fast-evolving industry by offering real-time updates, match commentary, player analysis and sports news coverage.

A strong blog can also generate consistent traffic to your sports business website. As readers find value in your content, they’re more likely to explore other sections of your website, leading to potential conversions.

For Amanda Weiner, CRO expert at Wix.com,

"Blog articles are truly a hidden gem when it comes to conversion. At face value, they may seem to be just more peripherally related content, but when you scratch a bit beneath the surface, you realize that they are effective entry points into your tool and funnel. They might just be the last nudge the reader needs to be convinced that your product is right for them.”

Blogging for business is a tried-and-tested strategy across many industries.

Ready to step into the world of sports blogging? Follow these six essential steps to get in the game:

Choose your sports blog niche

Find a blog maker

Decide on your blog name

Plan, write and publish your blog content

Promote your sports blog

Monetize your sports blog

01. Choose your sports blog niche

Choosing a specific blog niche within the realm of sports is essential to focus your content and attract a dedicated audience. Sports enthusiasts have diverse interests, and tailoring your blog to a niche allows you to cater to their specific preferences. We’ve put together five potential sports-related blog niches you could consider starting.

Fitness and training: Fitness enthusiasts and athletes are always seeking training tips, workout routines, nutrition advice and injury prevention techniques. A fitness and training blog could cover topics like strength training, cardio workouts, sports-specific exercises and recovery strategies. You could also feature athlete interviews and success stories.

Sports commentary and analysis: If you have a keen eye for analyzing games, this niche is for you. Provide insightful commentary, match analysis and predictions for various sports events. Then, further engage readers with in-depth breakdowns and discussions about game-changing moments. A famous example of this type of blog is ESPN’s very own blog .

Extreme sports: Cover adventure sports like rock climbing, surfing, skydiving and extreme mountain biking. Share firsthand experiences, travel stories, safety tips and equipment recommendations. This niche attracts adrenaline junkies seeking tips and inspiration for their next adventure.

Sports fashion and lifestyle: Combine sports and fashion by focusing on sportswear trends, activewear reviews and styling tips for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Explore the intersection of sports and lifestyle, covering topics like workout routines, wellness and mental health.

Youth sports: Cater to parents, coaches and young athletes by providing guidance on youth sports participation. Cover topics like nurturing talent, managing schedules, coaching tips and ensuring a positive sports experience for children. Share stories of young athletes' journeys to truly inspire and motivate your audience.

02. Find a blog maker

Once you've decided to start your sports blog, the next crucial step is choosing the right blogging platform to bring your vision to life. The platform you choose will greatly impact the functionality, appearance and success of your blog. There are several factors to consider, such as hosting, security, branding and design options. In this part, we'll delve into these aspects, using Wix as an example of a versatile blog maker.

When selecting a blogging platform, it's wise to opt for one that offers integrated hosting. Hosting is where your blog's files, images and content will be stored. Having it bundled with your platform simplifies the setup and management process. Also, look for a platform that ensures 24/7 security to protect your blog from potential threats and provide visitors with a safe browsing experience. Integrated hosting and advanced security removes the need for you to handle anything related to your website infrastructure , allowing you to focus on creating compelling sports content.

When it comes to your blog design , customizable templates are a good place to start with the foundation for your sports blog's design. Wix offers a plethora of blog templates to choose from that can be tailored to your brand.

Branding is essential for any blog, especially a sports blog. It's what sets your blog apart and makes it memorable to your audience. Think about the colors, fonts and overall style that align with the sports theme you're focusing on. Remember that consistency in design and branding helps establish credibility and professionalism.

Blog logos are a visual representation of a blog's identity. They’re an essential element of branding that can leave a lasting impression on your readers. By using a logo maker , you can design a sports logo that encapsulates the essence of your blog. Your logo should reflect the sports you're covering and be adaptable to various platforms and sizes. Incorporate it into your blog's header, social media profiles and promotional materials for a cohesive look.

Learn more about how to make a website .

03. Decide on your blog name

As you start a sports blog, one of the most significant decisions you'll make is choosing the right blog name and domain . Both help to build brand recognition. You’ll want to choose your name wisely, and use a blog name generator or explore blog name ideas if you’ve hit a creative rut.

Your domain name is your blog's online address—the web URL that readers will use to access your content. It's essential that your domain name aligns with your blog's name and topic. Short, memorable and easy-to-spell domain names are preferred. Before finalizing your domain name, check its availability. Many domain registrars, such as Wix, offer domain name search tools that allow you to check if your desired domain name is already taken. If your first choice is unavailable, have a few alternatives ready.

If you really want your blog to stand out, consider a .blog domain extension . It's a clear and unique way to help your blog and content pop.

Examples of strong sports blog names:

SportsSavvyInsights.com

VictoryViewpoint.com

RapidReplaysBlog.com

AthleteAllure.com

04. Plan, write and publish your blog content

Successful sports blogging hinges on compelling and thoughtful content planning. Start with a well-structured content calendar, guiding your publication schedule with a mix of evergreen pieces and timely articles to cater to a broad readership.

When selecting topics, consider your audience's interests, addressing their questions and pain points. Stay updated on trending sports topics and recent events to keep your content fresh. Incorporate multimedia elements like images, photos and videos to enhance reader engagement and break up lengthy text, creating a more dynamic and captivating blog experience.

When writing blog posts we recommend following these best practices:

Be aware of your blog format . Structure your posts with clear headings, subheadings and bullet points for easy scanning. A well-organized post is more reader-friendly.

Ensure your posts are well-edited and free from grammatical errors. Check for accuracy in facts and statistics. It’s always a good idea to create a blog post checklist to make sure you’ve covered everything before publishing.

While there's no strict rule for how long a blog post should be , aim for posts of at least 1,000 to 1,500 words. Longer posts can provide in-depth insights, while shorter posts are great for quick updates.

Your blog post titles are your first chance to grab readers' attention. Craft titles that are concise, intriguing and accurately reflect the content. Experiment with different title formats, such as lists, questions or how-tos to see what resonates with your audience.

Sports blog article ideas:

10 Most Memorable Moments in Sports History

The Evolution of Sports Equipment: From Past to Present

Interview with a Professional Athlete: Insights from the Field

The Psychology of Team Spirit: How Fans Impact Game Outcomes

Learn more: How to make a sports website

05. Promote your sports blog

Creating fantastic sports content is only half the battle; effectively promoting your blog is the key to reaching a wider audience.

As a first step, make sure to optimize your blog posts for search engines. Research relevant keywords related to your sports niche and incorporate them naturally into your content, headings and meta descriptions. As part of your blog SEO strategy focus on creating high-quality, informative content that answers readers' questions and provides value. This will help your blog posts rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).

In addition to SEO, social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting your sports blog. Share your blog posts on platforms like Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn. Create eye-catching visuals and engage with your audience through comments and discussions. Facebook, in particular, offers various features like pages, groups and ads that can help you target a specific audience.

In a similar vein, building an email list of subscribers who are interested in sports content can be incredibly beneficial. Send out regular newsletters containing your latest blog posts or exclusive content. Use compelling subject lines to encourage readers to open your emails and engage with your content.

Pro tip: Understanding how your blog is performing is essential for making informed decisions about your content strategy. Use tools like Google Analytics or Wix Analytics to track metrics like page views, time spent on your site and most popular content. This information helps you identify what's working and what needs improvement, allowing you to refine your content. This is why it’s important to use reliable blogging tools that can enhance your promotion efforts.

06. Monetize your sports blog

If you've built a solid sports blog with valuable content and a growing readership, it's time to explore the various ways you can monetize your efforts and go about starting a business from it. In this section, we'll dive into popular methods of making money from your blogging , including affiliate marketing, running ads (such as Google AdSense), offering subscription sports content and creating online courses.

Affiliate marketing is a popular way to monetize a blog . It involves promoting products or services relevant to your blog's niche. When your readers click on affiliate links in your content and make a purchase, you earn a commission. Look for sports-related affiliate programs, such as sports equipment, clothing or online ticket sales and integrate these links naturally into your posts.

Google AdSense allows you to display ads on your blog and you earn money when visitors click on these ads. Google matches the ads to your blog's content and audience, ensuring relevance. However, a significant amount of traffic is usually required to generate substantial income through AdSense.

Offering premium or exclusive content through a subscription model can be another lucrative way to monetize your sports blog. Create in-depth analyses, insider insights, behind-the-scenes coverage and special reports that are available only to subscribers. This approach works well if you have a dedicated and engaged audience seeking deeper content.

Creating and selling online courses can be a good option if you're an expert in a particular sports niche. Courses can cover topics like sports training, fitness routines, nutrition plans, or even sports journalism.

What should be included in a sports blog?

A sports blog can include a variety of content, such as:

Game analysis and commentary: This could include previews and recaps of games, as well as analysis of individual players and teams.

News and rumors: This could include news about player signings and trades, as well as rumors about upcoming events.

Opinions and editorials: This is where you can share your own thoughts and opinions on the sports topics that you are passionate about.

Interviews and podcasts: Interviewing other sports fans, writers and analysts can be a great way to add additional value to your blog. You can also create podcasts to share your thoughts and opinions on the latest sports news and events.

Fantasy sports advice: If you are a fantasy sports fan, you can share your advice and tips with other readers.

Historical articles: If you are interested in the history of sports, you can write articles about historical events and players.

Humorous content: If you have a good sense of humor, you can write humorous articles about sports.

No matter what topics you choose to write about, make sure that your content is informative, engaging and helpful to your target audience. You can also explore blogging for beginners to jumpstart your blog.

Other types of blogs to start

How to start a finance blog

How to start a real estate blog

How to start a gaming blog

How to start a health blog

How to start a teaching blog

How to start a music blog

How to start a tech blog

How to start a mom blog

How to start a beauty blog

How to start a lifestyle blog

How to start a poetry blog

How to start a craft blog

How to start a consulting blog

How to start a fitness blog

How to start a sports blog FAQ

How often should i publish new content.

Consistency matters more than frequency. Start with a manageable schedule, such as one post per week and gradually increase if you can. Quality content is more important than quantity.

​Do I need technical skills to start a sports blog?

How much do sports bloggers make, related posts.

How to choose a blog name [+ 80 blog name ideas to inspire you]

How to start a blog in 10 steps: a beginners guide

The 8 best blogging platforms in 2024

Was this article helpful?

WRITE FOR US

Feb 7, 2013.

Love the NBA, NCAA and the entire world of basketball? Enjoy writing? Want to join the FanSided network’s most prolific basketball site, have a worldwide platform to share your views and get paid to do it? HoopsHabit.com is for you!

We offer daily news, opinions, stats and analysis on all that makes up the National Basketball Association and the NCAA. You can cover your favorite NBA team for a national website under the Time Inc. brand and get paid to do it. Check out our available positions, as they often change. Have a different idea in mind? Want to focus on Fantasy Basketball, the D-League, International Basketball or something else altogether? Pitch it to us. We’re always looking to improve our team and if you have a way to do that, we’d be happy to listen.

Our writers craft their own headlines and work at their own leisure. That freedom is priceless and makes the sportswriting journey that much more enjoyable.

REQUIREMENTS

• Working-level knowledge of the NBA (expert-level preferred)
• Strong grasp of the basic tenets of writing for an online sports audience (SEO, social media, audience targeting, etc)
• A true passion for writing and the game of basketball
• Willingness to think outside the box, putting an original spin on every piece created
• Ability to write a minimum of eight original pieces per month
• Must be at least 18 years old

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR PAID POSITIONS

All of our writing positions offer the following:

• A national platform, reaching over 5.8 million users during 2016
• Competitive pay-per-pageview revenue sharing (eight published pieces per month minimum) as well as flat-rate payment options
• Experienced, available FanSided employees to provide 1-on-1 feedback and guidance every day of the year
• Opportunities to have your work featured by our Time Inc. partners at Sports Illustrated, as well as  NBA.com , Bleacher Report, ESPN True Hoop and more
• Potential employment — three of our current staff have leveraged HoopsHabit success into employment with FanSided/Time Inc. in the last year

BECOME PART OF HOOPSHABIT.COM

Interested? You’ll have to apply through FanSided at  http://fansided.com/join-fansided/ . Make sure to mention HoopsHabit.com as the site you’d like to write for. You can also send an email to our Editor-in-Chief at phil.watson (at) fansided.com if you have any questions. We can’t wait for you to join our team!

Freelance Sport Opps

A weekly newsletter connecting you to paid freelance sports writing jobs

Our mission: To help freelance sports content writers gain more work and build a successful career.

Freelance Sports Writing Opportunities

Are you a freelance sports writer looking for an effortless way to find freelance writing jobs? At Freelance Sport Opps, we source the best paid freelance content writing opportunities in sport and list them for you via our email newsletter every week, keeping you informed of the latest remote gigs so that you never miss an opportunity. We focus on freelance sports journalism, copywriting, social media and all content writing jobs that are remote friendly. Stay in the loop with the latest gigs across a variety of sports, including but not limited to: - American Football - Basketball - Ice Hockey - Baseball - Tennis - Golf - Motorsport - Boxing - Soccer (Seeking writing work in soccer? You may also enjoy our other newsletter 'Freelance Football Opps.' With every opportunity at your fingertips, you’ll have access to a whole range of work suited to various levels of experience so that you have the maximum potential to earn more and be successful in your sports writing career. Are you a sports betting or esports writer? We've got these covered too! Whether you're a freelance columnist, journalist, reporter, social media editor or a copywriter - we feature the best paid freelance jobs for you every week. Don't just take our word for it though, check out the testimonials below.

5 SPORT PUBLICATIONS SEEKING FREELANCE WRITERS

Download our list of 5 paying sport websites that are regularly seeking freelance sport contributors. The list consists of publications of all sizes ready to receive your pitches!

Testimonials

We are proud to share feedback from subscribers who have successfully found opportunities through our newsletter.

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What is a Sports Writer?

Learn about the role of Sports Writer, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

• What is a Sports Writer
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Examples

Start Your Sports Writer Career with Teal

Definition of a Sports Writer

What does a sports writer do, key responsibilities of a sports writer.

• Reporting on sporting events, including pre-game and post-game analysis, player performances, and game outcomes
• Conducting interviews with athletes, coaches, and other sports figures to gather insights and quotes for articles
• Writing feature articles that explore the human side of sports, such as athlete profiles, behind-the-scenes stories, and issue-oriented pieces
• Researching and compiling sports statistics to support stories with factual data and enhance the depth of analysis
• Staying current with sports trends, developments, and emerging stories to ensure timely and relevant content
• Maintaining an active presence on social media platforms to engage with readers, share content, and provide updates
• Collaborating with editors, photographers, and other media professionals to refine and enhance stories
• Adhering to strict deadlines to ensure timely publication of articles and reports
• Editing and proofreading content for accuracy, clarity, and style consistency
• Attending press conferences and media events to gather information and network with industry professionals
• Developing and maintaining relationships with sports teams, organizations, and PR representatives to facilitate information gathering
• Providing commentary and opinion pieces that offer a unique perspective on sports-related topics

Day to Day Activities for Sports Writer at Different Levels

Daily responsibilities for entry-level sports writers.

• Reporting on high school and small college sports events
• Writing game recaps, player profiles, and feature stories
• Conducting post-game interviews and attending press conferences
• Collaborating with editors and senior writers for feedback
• Researching statistics and historical data for articles
• Building a professional presence on social media platforms

Daily Responsibilities for Mid-Level Sports Writers

• Covering professional sports events and feature stories
• Developing in-depth analysis and opinion pieces
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with sources and athletes
• Contributing to multimedia content, such as podcasts or video segments
• Engaging with readers and audience through social media and other platforms
• Assisting in the editing and mentoring of junior writers

Daily Responsibilities for Senior Sports Writers

• Writing feature articles, investigative pieces, and leading major sports coverage
• Participating in or leading editorial meetings and content planning
• Building and leveraging a strong network of contacts for exclusive stories
• Representing the publication in media appearances or at major sports events
• Contributing to the strategic direction of the sports department
• Mentoring and developing junior writers and contributing to their growth

Types of Sports Writers

Beat reporter, feature writer, investigative journalist, multi-media sports journalist, statistical analyst, what's it like to be a sports writer , sports writer work environment, sports writer working conditions, how hard is it to be a sports writer, is a sports writer a good career path, faqs about sports writers, how do sports writers collaborate with other teams within a company, what are some common challenges faced by sports writers, what does the typical career progression look like for sports writers.

How To Become a Sports Writer in 2024

Related Career Paths

Crafting compelling narratives, engaging audiences with powerful words and ideas

Crafting compelling narratives to drive brand engagement and consumer action

Shaping narratives, refining content to captivate audiences and uphold brand voice

Uncovering truths, shaping public opinion through compelling storytelling and reporting

Shaping narratives and engaging audiences through compelling, creative content

Creating compelling visual narratives, capturing moments through the lens of creativity

Career Paths

• Jan 17, 2022
• 12 min read

How to Become a Sports Writer (Duties, Salary and Steps)

Want to combine your love of sports and writing? This could be the perfect career move for you!

Melina Theodorou

Career and Culture Writer

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

If you’re passionate about sports and are also something of a wordsmith, then pursuing a career as a sports writer could be the perfect fit for you.

This is an occupation that encompasses a lot of exciting opportunities to witness and write about major sporting events, industry developments and historic wins. Essentially, being a sports writer will give you front row seats, both literally and metaphorically, to the world of sport.

Does this sound like it could be your dream job ?

Below, we share some insightful information about this career, and helpful tips that will allow you to get started.

What sports writers do

The day-to-day life of a sports writer can be quite diverse and exciting.

Their main duties revolve around attending and following various sporting events to produce engaging content about them. Here’s a list of the typical duties and responsibilities you would have as a sports writer:

• Follow sports media outlets and collect information about sporting events
• Travel to and attend athletic events
• Write articles, reports and recap stories covering events and games
• Conduct interviews with event organisers, athletes, and coaches
• Create content for blogs, radios, television shows, podcasts, magazines and newspapers
• Cover sports-related news, such as player transactions, team bans, coach terminations and athlete injuries
• Work with editorial teams and follow style guidelines for their work
• Attend media and press conferences

What the job is like

Working as a sports writer can be a rewarding career path , especially if you’re compatible with what the job entails.

Work environment

Sports writers often work in an office or from home. If they are employed at a publication, they may have the option to telecommute or they might work on a freelance basis .

It is quite a flexible career, which could allow you to work while on the road or from any location, as long as you have a trusty laptop with you.

Of course, you will also spend a considerable amount of time in athletic centres, stadiums and arenas in order to cover sporting events. Therefore, being surrounded by big — and sometimes rowdy — crowds will also be a common part of your routine.

An important consideration here is that things could get out of hand on some occasions; a football match could get violent, leading to hooliganism and belligerent behaviour by spectators. So, while this is a generally safe job, you may find yourself in these situations when attending different events.

As with any job that requires live coverage, being a sports writer could mean working unpredictable and long hours, even during holidays and weekends.

As most tournaments and games are held during the evening, you will probably need to work during later hours of the day, especially if you have tight deadlines to meet. You will also need to stay up to date with sports-related news and be ready to write and publish content at a moment’s notice, even if you’re technically off the clock.

Furthermore, the job involves a lot of travelling , especially if the event you are covering is not local, which could add to your overall work hours. Some assignments could stretch to days and weeks, especially for international events, such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, which could mean you’ll be on the road for quite some time.

Job satisfaction

If you enjoy writing and love sports, then this could be a dream career for you. That said, your job satisfaction will revolve around a few other factors, including salary prospects, work environment, job growth and personality fit.

Sports writers have the opportunity to write about a subject they are passionate about, but dealing with long hours and frequent travelling can be stressful, especially if you are someone who enjoys having a steady routine.

Moreover, salary prospects and job growth may be limited for a sports writer due to the low demand for this role, although there are definitely opportunities to improve your craft and diversify your skills .

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 9% growth is expected across all writing jobs between 2020–2030. Meanwhile, job growth for news analysts, journalists and reports is projected at 6% in the next decade .

That said, as newspapers and magazines undergo the waves of digitalisation , job stability and career opportunities could become scarcer, as many publications are opting to employ freelancers rather than bring on full-time staff. Moreover, due to the high competition, demand for sports writers is not extremely high.

That said, as bigger news outlets make the move online, there could still be opportunities with smaller, local papers and broadcast stations as well as online sites.

So, we’ve looked at the common responsibilities, work environment, expected hours and job outlook, but what compensation can you expect?

Take a look at the salary data below to form a better understanding of your income prospects as a sports writer:

If you’re based in the US, then the below figures reflect the mean annual and hourly wages earned by sports writers across the country:

Median wage by experience

As your experience grows, so will your salary prospects. In the US, these are the median annual wages for sports writers, based on their level of experience:

Mean wage by state

Where you are based will also play an important role in your earning potential. The table below shows the top five states in the US with the highest mean wages for sports writers, with the Columbia district taking the lead and boasting an impressive $115,980 average yearly wage.

Median wage around the world

Globally, these are the top five countries with the highest median annual wage for sports writers.

Steps to become a sports writer

Whether you are already convinced that sports writing is the right career for you, or are still weighing your options, there are a few steps you need to take before you can begin your journey.

Here’s how you can hit the ground running as a sports writer:

1. Determine if it’s the right job for you

First things first, is sports writing your true calling?

While you may enjoy writing, and are also an avid sports fan, this doesn’t necessarily mean you will love writing about sports. Combining two of your passions will not necessarily be a recipe for success, especially if other factors entailed by this job are not compatible with your personality and interests.

To reiterate a previous point, the job comes with unpredictable hours, involves lots of travelling and long days. Therefore, you must consider whether you would be able to keep up with this pace. If the stability of a 9-to-5 job sounds more appealing, then you may have to seek different career options.

Work environment also plays a key role. If you are an introverted person , you may not enjoy the aspects of the job that require you to be surrounded by large crowds. On the other hand, if you are an extroverted and active person who enjoys being on the field (quite literally), then you will probably enjoy this aspect of the job.

Beyond your personality and interests, you must also possess or work towards developing the following skills as an aspiring sports writer:

• Writing skills
• Research skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Knowledge of different sports
• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Media knowledge
• Social perceptiveness

If you are still unsure of whether you are cut out for this role, then you can also put your skills and personality to the test through an aptitude and career assessment .

Our own career test, CareerHunter , can evaluate your character traits, interests, motivations and skills level to match you with over 250+ careers and offer insight into your work personality.

2. Focus on the right subjects at school

If you are still in school, be it high school or college, then it’s crucial to set some foundations that will allow you to build on your career by selecting the right subjects .

This could encompass a combination of English, media studies, physical education, IT, foreign languages and creative writing.

As a result, you will be able to develop a well-rounded collection of skills that will not only give you the knowledge, but also the confidence to get started as a sports writer.

3. Build your writing skills

Your writing skills are perhaps the most important ability that needs to be mastered.

The more you practise, the more skilled you will become, and more experience means a higher chance of being employable.

So, if you want to give yourself an advantage, consider undertaking some activities like starting your own sports blog and social media accounts, where you can document, offer commentary and publish pieces on athletic events and developments in the sports world. This is a great opportunity to build a portfolio of work , but also to take your first steps as a sports writer.

If you manage to garner a large number of readers and followers, this may also help you get ahead, as you can capitalise on your blog and accounts, and it will especially help when applying for job opportunities.

Speaking of which, trying your hand in freelancing and submitting written work online is another great way to develop your writing skills, whilst also attaining more experience as a writer. Whether it’s a local publication or an online website, you can enquire about available writing opportunities and freelance assignments.

Another great way to refine your skills is to use writing prompts, which are meant to help you practise and get your creative juices flowing. For instance:

• Which athlete would you like to interview and what would you ask them?
• What are your three favourite sports and why?
• What do you consider the most important sporting event and why?

Finally, working for the school paper and contributing to the sports section is an important extracurricular that will provide you with some real-world experience as a student writer.

4. Acquire sports knowledge

This might be a no-brainer for you but having a diverse and deep knowledge of a variety of sports could ultimately put you ahead of others.

Begin by focusing on the sports that pique your interest before moving towards more niche areas. When learning about a sport, make sure to focus on:

• Basic rules
• Key teams and players
• History and major events
• Current and ongoing developments

Another great way to enrich your knowledge is to play some of these sports. Of course, you don’t need to become the captain of the national lacrosse team, or even join a minor league team, but by submerging yourself in your subject of interest you will be able to have more insight and understanding of the politics and mechanics of each sport you’ll cover as a sports writer.

6. Complete a degree in journalism

The majority of sports writers have a degree in journalism, although a high school degree could be the minimum requirement to get your foot through the door as an entry-level writer.

Having an associate or bachelor’s degree will certainly open up more opportunities and also set you apart from other candidates, as you will be more seasoned and experienced in the journalistic field.

Other degrees you could consider pursuing include English and communications, both of which will allow you to sharpen your research, writing and critical thinking abilities .

Alternatively, pursuing more specific degrees in sports marketing, sports event management, sport or exercise science could give you a different outlook in the sporting industry, but also give you more options when it comes to your career trajectory.

7. Complete an internship

The last step to help you become a sports writer is acquiring real-world experience at an established publication.

An internship will not only help you take your first steps in this field but will also allow you to form professional connections as well as a stronger skillset.

While the competition may be fierce, there are numerous opportunities out there, both locally and online . Before you apply, make sure that your résumé is in top shape and that you have put together a portfolio of work that demonstrates your writing abilities.

The role itself does not necessarily need to be focused on sports, either. As long as you get to experience what working in a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting station is like, you will be able to acclimatise faster when you land your first job and kickstart your career successfully.

Final thoughts

Sports writers are, undoubtedly, professionals who are passionate about what they do.

While there are considerable advantages and disadvantages tied to this career, you must weigh them carefully to determine if sports writing is the right path for you.

This is an occupation that offers exciting opportunities, travelling and suspense, but that will also keep you always on-call. The narrow earning potential and the competition for job opportunities may also be a deal-breaker for many.

That said, if you are confident in your skills and motivated by your love for sports, these considerations should not stop you!

Do you want to become a sports writer? What aspect of this career interests you the most? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Ten Sports Writing Tips

Sports writing is a tough process. The written word must capture the excitement, passion, and drama of a game in a way that is both concise and engaging. And it must do so in a way that is understandable to a broad audience, without bogging down the reader with technical jargon or complex terminology. Do you know how to write better sports stories?

According to statistics, there are approximately 7.402 sports writers employed in the United States. To be successful and earn a steady income, you must be a master of the written word. It is, however, the main issue for both experienced and aspiring sports writers. Discover some helpful hints that will allow you to improve your writing skills and write in an engaging manner for readers.

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/xj8qrWvuOEs

What Are the Essential Tips for Sports Writing?

Sports writing is a difficult task, and accuracy is essential if you want your work to be both credible and effective. Here are ten tips to help you do it:

1. Round Up Your Assets

When you are starting as a sports writer, the first thing you need is some good material. The best way to achieve this is to round up any assets you may have – either through writing experience or connections. Some of the assets you can use include:

• Personal relationships with athletes or sports figures;
• Access to exclusive information;
• Connections to journalists or other writers;
• Expertise in a particular field;
• Previous work that’s been published online or in print;
• Look for opportunities to work with other sports writers and journalists;
• Attend sporting events;
• Read as much coverage of the sport you are interested in as possible.

2. Be Professional and Objective

When writing about sports, you should maintain a level of professionalism and objectivity. It means that you should never attack or favor one team over another, and you should always treat athletes with respect.

It is also important to be accurate and detailed when reporting on sports events. Make sure to include all the relevant information, including the score, the time, and who was responsible for what so that readers can follow the story easily.

3. Get Your Facts from Reliable Sources

To be a responsible sports writer, you need to get your information from reliable sources. It means checking the accuracy of your source before relying on it. Verify information by looking it up online, contacting the organization, the team, or the player you are writing about, and/or checking other credible sources.

4. Keep It Short

Even a short article can be full of interesting information. So, do not waste your readers’ time by writing too much or trying to include too many details. Instead, focus on delivering the key points that matter most and leave the rest up to the reader’s imagination.

It will help them get a better understanding of the topic at hand and make it easier for them to absorb what you have written. Additionally, use active and vivid language when describing sporting events and athletes. It will capture your reader’s attention and keep them engaged in your article.

Try to use phrases like “the home crowd went wild” or “the match was full of exciting action.” These types of phrases will bring your story alive.

5. Use Strong Verbs and Adjectives

When you write about sports, you should use strong verbs and adjectives to paint a vivid picture in your reader’s mind. It will make your writing more exciting and engaging, and they will be more likely to read on. Here are some examples of how to use strong verbs and adjectives when writing about sports:

• The ball soared through the air, leaving the player in its wake;
• The quarterback heaved the ball deep into the end zone;
• The outfielder made an over-the-shoulder catch in right field;
• In a tight game, the home team managed to steal the victory on the final play.

Finding the right words can be difficult at times. If you lack skills or need writing assistance, visit writing service review websites such as RatedbyStudents to find the right professional.

6. Strive to Avoid Back-Page Jargon

Back-page jargon is a type of language used on the back pages of newspapers and other publications to draw attention to articles. It can be very confusing for the average reader. Here are some tips that will help you avoid it:

• Use plain English whenever possible. Back-page jargon is often full of complicated terms that most readers will not understand. Try to explain the ideas in simpler terms;
• Avoid using too many acronyms or abbreviations. These words can be hard for readers to remember. Stick to standard English terms whenever possible;
• Use concrete examples whenever possible. It will make your writing easier to understand and more memorable for your readers;
• Avoid making assumptions about your reader’s knowledge or experience. If you need clarification on an idea or sentence, make sure to ask for it directly;

7. Back Up Your Argument

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a sports match and lose track of the fact that you are supposed to be writing. Make sure you always back up your argument by providing strong evidence to support your points. It will help make your writing more persuasive and easier to read.

8. Pose Questions to Your Audience

What do you think? How would you have handled this situation? What would you add/remove from this article? These types of questions will allow you to get feedback on your article and hone in on the areas that are most important to your readers.

9. Use Powerful Images and Graphics

Images can be a powerful way to show off your arguments and encourage readers to pay attention. Make sure that the images you use are of high quality and easy on the eyes.

10. Proofread and Edit Your Work

To proofread and edit your work effectively, you need to have a good understanding of both grammar and style. You should also be familiar with the principles of effective writing, which include establishing a clear goal, developing an argument, using persuasive techniques, and staying organized. Look for help from professionals on writing service review websites like TopWritingReviews .

If you are a sports fan, writing about them is probably a big part of your job. Writing about sports is an important activity that can help shape public opinion, whether you are a journalist, athlete, or fan. Using the tips above, you will be able to capture the excitement of the game, write about controversial topics without alienating your readers, and become a better sports writer.

About the Author

Max Mitchell is a freelance writer. He is very passionate about typing, creating complicated spreadsheets, and consuming an inhuman amount of caffeine. Nevertheless, he is also the creative type of individual who will always find a new perspective on topics of interest.

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Max mitchell, author profile.

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How to Write a Sports Article

Last Updated: July 22, 2024 Fact Checked

Writing a Sports Recap Article

Customizing your tone & style, developing your abilities, expert interview.

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 118,265 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.

• 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. [2] 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. [3] X Research source Readers always start but don’t always finish an article, so make sure they get your best stuff up front.

• 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, [5] 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. [6] 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.

• 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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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Marissa Levis .

• ↑ https://www.esu.edu/writing-studio/guides/hook.cfm
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nra6ez9HZEk
• ↑ https://www.nngroup.com/articles/inverted-pyramid/
• ↑ 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

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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