Position Summary
The Player Relations Manager serves as a key member of the Basketball Operations department, responsible for fostering a supportive, professional, and inclusive environment for all players. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the personal well-being, off-court development, and community engagement of WNBA players, their families, and the team’s broader player network. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the WNBA landscape, and the ability to navigate sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
Key Responsibilities
Marketing, Community, Organizational Engagement Collaborate with the Marketing, Community, and Corporate Partnerships teams to coordinate player appearances and charitable activities. Directly support Marketing team to assign, schedule, support, fund, and track player involvement in brand campaigns, storytelling features, sponsored content, community events, and other marketing-driven appearances.
Player Support & Integration Act as a liaison between players, their families, and the organization. Coordinate all aspects of player onboarding, including relocation, housing, transportation, and city orientation. Support international players with visa processes, cultural adaptation, and language resources. Manage family relations and logistics for home and away games, team events, and community appearances.
Personal & Professional Development Develop and oversee programs to support players’ personal, educational, and financial growth. Partner with the WNBA and WNBPA on league initiatives related to player wellness, continuing education, and career transition. Serve as a confidential resource for players regarding personal, family, and lifestyle matters. Build trusted relationships to anticipate player needs and proactively offer solutions and support.
Community & Organizational Engagement Collaborate with the community relations, marketing, and corporate partnership teams to coordinate player appearances and charitable activities. Align player involvement with team initiatives to strengthen fan engagement and the organization’s public image. Support team-building, mentorship, and cultural initiatives within the locker room and organization.
Administration & Compliance Ensure all player-related programs and activities comply with WNBA and WNBPA regulations. Maintain strict confidentiality of player information and interactions. Provide detailed input on team logistics, family travel, and off-season activities as needed. Support the Basketball Operations staff in planning and executing organizational initiatives that enhance the player experience.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Communications, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in player relations, athlete management, or team operations within the WNBA, NBA, NCAA, or other elite-level sports organizations.
Deep knowledge of WNBA structure, policies, and player support programs.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with proven experience handling confidential and high-profile situations.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and possible travel during the season and off-season.
Demonstrated cultural awareness and the ability to connect with diverse backgrounds and personalities.
Core Competencies
Relationship Management & Trust Building
Emotional Intelligence & Discretion
Organizational Awareness
Problem Solving & Adaptability
Cultural Competence
Professionalism & Integrity
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with WNBA-level experience
Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision)
Opportunities for professional development and advancement within Basketball Operations
Access to team events, training facilities, and organizational resources
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
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Key Responsibilities
Marketing, Community, Organizational Engagement Collaborate with the Marketing, Community, and Corporate Partnerships teams to coordinate player appearances and charitable activities. Directly support Marketing team to assign, schedule, support, fund, and track player involvement in brand campaigns, storytelling features, sponsored content, community events, and other marketing-driven appearances.
Player Support & Integration Act as a liaison between players, their families, and the organization. Coordinate all aspects of player onboarding, including relocation, housing, transportation, and city orientation. Support international players with visa processes, cultural adaptation, and language resources. Manage family relations and logistics for home and away games, team events, and community appearances.
Personal & Professional Development Develop and oversee programs to support players’ personal, educational, and financial growth. Partner with the WNBA and WNBPA on league initiatives related to player wellness, continuing education, and career transition. Serve as a confidential resource for players regarding personal, family, and lifestyle matters. Build trusted relationships to anticipate player needs and proactively offer solutions and support.
Community & Organizational Engagement Collaborate with the community relations, marketing, and corporate partnership teams to coordinate player appearances and charitable activities. Align player involvement with team initiatives to strengthen fan engagement and the organization’s public image. Support team-building, mentorship, and cultural initiatives within the locker room and organization.
Administration & Compliance Ensure all player-related programs and activities comply with WNBA and WNBPA regulations. Maintain strict confidentiality of player information and interactions. Provide detailed input on team logistics, family travel, and off-season activities as needed. Support the Basketball Operations staff in planning and executing organizational initiatives that enhance the player experience.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Communications, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in player relations, athlete management, or team operations within the WNBA, NBA, NCAA, or other elite-level sports organizations.
Deep knowledge of WNBA structure, policies, and player support programs.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with proven experience handling confidential and high-profile situations.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and possible travel during the season and off-season.
Demonstrated cultural awareness and the ability to connect with diverse backgrounds and personalities.
Core Competencies
Relationship Management & Trust Building
Emotional Intelligence & Discretion
Organizational Awareness
Problem Solving & Adaptability
Cultural Competence
Professionalism & Integrity
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with WNBA-level experience
Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision)
Opportunities for professional development and advancement within Basketball Operations
Access to team events, training facilities, and organizational resources
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
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