Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Become a Basketball Announcer?

Elle Jay
Elle Jay

Basketball announcers provide live play-by-play and commentary during basketball games from high school all the way up to the professional leagues. The skills needed to become a basketball announcer include solid technical expertise, encyclopedic sports knowledge, and a knack for performing in front of an audience. Sports announcing is a highly competitive field, and the higher up you go, the harder it is to get the jobs.

Your path to become a basketball announcer can begin as early as high school. Most schools have sports teams, and many have the ability to broadcast games on television or over the Internet. High school sporting events need announcers, so volunteer your services as soon as possible to start getting hands-on experience. Become a part of the audio-visual department to start learning the ins and outs of the broadcasting process so you will be well rounded from the beginning.

A basketball.
A basketball.

A college career is vital in order to become a basketball announcer. Broadcasting positions typically require a four-year degree, either from a college or technical school. Most sports announcers major in broadcasting or communications. Courses in journalism, mass media, audio-visual production, and singing or acting will help you develop the special skills required for professional-quality basketball announcing.

A basketball court in a school.
A basketball court in a school.

Although most basketball announcers have college degrees, it takes years of on-the-job training to achieve a high level career as a basketball announcer. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience as well as college credit, but the chance to work and learn from professionals may be their biggest value. Sports entertainment is a field that requires major networking skills, and internships can offer an opportunity to get close to some important contacts.

Entry-level jobs in broadcasting or sports entertainment lay the foundation for the years of experience needed to become a basketball announcer. Take a job as a production assistant or equipment manager to get involved in broadcasting, expand your knowledge, and start to show off your talents. Few basketball announcers rise to the top of their field without working their way up the career ladder.

Making it to the top as a basketball announcer takes years of experience and a broad spectrum of training. Take every opportunity possible to practice the craft of announcing at a sporting event, even if it is not a basketball game. Stay up to date on the rules of the game as well as the latest news in the world of basketball. Continue to meet people in your field of interest and network throughout both the broadcasting and sports entertainment industries. Always stay prepared and connected, because you never know when the door to your dream basketball announcing job will be open.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

Sporkasia - What bothers me even more than the basketball announcers who are just going through the motions is the ones who think they are more important than the game.

I don't tune into basketball to listen to the announcer, but some of them don't get that the game is more important that the broadcasters. I won't mention any names, but I think some of those guys need to take a few courses on how to become a broadcaster.

Sporkasia

Drentel - I agree that Enberg is one of the best basketball announcers of all time. The work he did on NBC with Billy Packer and Al Mcguire was great.

What separates the great basketball hall of fame announcers from the rest of the pack is their love of the game. Enberg played college basketball and coached some. When he called a game, you could tell he knew the game and loved the game. Some announcers just seem to be going through the motions.

Drentel

One of the best basketball announcers and play by play announcers of all time has to be Dick Enberg. Enberg earned a 4-year degree then a master's and doctorate in health sciences. Early on, he broadcast his college's basketball games.

Animandel

The article mentioned how important a four-year degree is to becoming a basketball announcer. I can remember when so many professional announcers didn't go to college. I remember hearing about how some of them started at local radio stations and went from there. Another sign of how times are changing, I guess.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A basketball.
      By: Feng Yu
      A basketball.
    • A basketball court in a school.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      A basketball court in a school.