Event Planner, NBA & WNBA Experience

WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.

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Event Planner - NBA & WNBA Experiences

Position Summary

Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of premium fan and hospitality experiences across NBA, WNBA and USAB programming. This role will work closely with the Experiences Program Lead to support day-to-day operational and logistical needs for VIP programs, hospitality activations, and ancillary experiences during marquee events such as All-Star, Draft, Summer League, Global Games and other tentpole moments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Experiences Program Lead in the planning and on-site execution of NBA and WNBA Experiences events and hospitality programs
• Manage hospitality programs and communication for key stakeholders (e.g. NBPA, SLT, Teams).
• Oversee onsite guest experience delivery, including itineraries, venue coordination, transportation inputs, staffing, and run-of-show support
• Coordinate logistics and scheduling across internal league departments and external partners to ensure seamless program execution
• Work with venue operations teams to:
  • Schedule court access for shootarounds, clinics, and other experiential elements
  • Coordinate behind-the-scenes arena tours and access
  • Oversee in-arena photo opportunities for package buyers
• Facilitate communication and operational coordination with arena catering and hospitality teams and Experiences event leads
• Work with Player Marketing to:
  • Coordinate appearances and participation from current players and Legends
  • Receive approval of marketing materials featuring players and Legends
  • Coordinate on site arrival and guest interactions at events
• Distribute event style guides, review branded materials, and ensure brand consistency across event signage, collateral, and marketing assets
• Coordinate with NBA Photos and Experiences content teams to manage photography needs, shot lists, and event coverage requirements
• Assist with coordination of security, medical, credentialing, and transportation needs
• Serve as an on-site point of contact as needed during load-in, event execution, and load-out, helping troubleshoot operational issues in real time
• Support execution of partner activations and hospitality deliverables, ensuring contractual obligations and brand standards are met
• Help ideate and develop new experiential program elements, hospitality concepts, and fan engagement opportunities unique to each market and event
• Work with Experiences team to ensure detailed run-of-shows, production schedules, staffing plans, and operational documents are provided for all events
• Assist with shipping logistics, gifting fulfillment, and event material organization as needed

Required Experience

• At least five years relevant experience in hospitality management, event operations, or major event guest experience delivery
• Bring strong operational program management skills, including managing complex timelines, inventories, and multiple stakeholder groups
• Manage detailed, high-volume processes with accuracy (e.g., allocation tracking, attendee data, booking details, deadline management)
• Operate effectively in a matrixed organization, influencing partners across lines of business without direct authority
• Engage confidently with external stakeholders and service providers, including resolving issues under time pressure
• Communicate clearly and professionally, including creating executive-ready materials and stakeholder updates
• Apply strong risk awareness and judgment in handling high-visibility hospitality programs and sensitive information
• Travel as required to support planning moments and major event delivery

Salary Range:

$100,000 - $120,000

Job Posting Title:

Manager

Employees currently are eligible to receive an annual discretionary performance bonus, awarded at the sole discretion of the Company and subject to any terms and conditions set by the Company. Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company-sponsored employee benefit programs: medical; dental; vision; life/AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; fertility and family-forming assistance; wellbeing allowance; educational assistance; mental health coaching/therapy; tax advantaged accounts such as HSA and healthcare/dependent care FSAs; a 401(k) retirement plan; and time off benefits that include vacation, sick time, and personal days.

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, Veteran Status, Familial Status, Status As A Victim Of Domestic Violence Or Any Other Status Or Characteristic Protected By Applicable Federal, State, Or Local Law.

The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA’s own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.