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NBPA Hosts Virtual Broadcaster U. Program for the 2nd Year in a Row

NBPA Hosts Virtual Broadcaster U. Program for the 2nd Year in a Row

The NBPA’s Virtual Broadcaster U. Program will take place from July 14-15 and give players a unique opportunity to gain experience in TV color commentary and broadcasting, regardless of their location


NEW YORK, NY, July 14, 2021 – The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today the beginning of its Virtual Broadcaster U. Program, which will span the next two days. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBPA adapted its Broadcaster U. Program last year to be done virtually and it will continue in that format this summer so that players may participate regardless of their location. Established 13 years ago, the NBPA’s Broadcaster U. Program is a career development program designed for players who are interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and has seen many of its alumni go on to successful careers in sports media.

Over the course of the program, players will gain valuable experience virtually, receiving instruction on both game call and color commentary and participating in simulated in-studio sessions. Players will practice their technique by “calling” Game 1 of the NBA Finals and will record three separate studio segments, offering their opinions on different topics around the league. At the end of the program, players will receive highlights of their work to use in their demo reels.

This year’s participants will learn from experts in the field including: 

  • Gerry Matalon - Emmy Award-winning sports media coach and Broadcaster U. instructor for 13 years.

  • Zubin Mehenti - Anchor/host at ESPN, currently serving as the studio anchor of ESPN’s morning radio show, Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin.

  • Kyle Montgomery - Play-by-play announcer for FIBA basketball for the past 6 years who will be a part of the broadcast covering 3x3 basketball at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Kyle has also been featured on NBATV and has covered the Los Angeles Clippers on Fox Sports West.

  • Brevin Knight - Former player and Broadcaster U. alumnus who now serves as the color commentator for the Memphis Grizzlies on Fox Sports Tennessee.

The NBPA’s Virtual Broadcaster U. Program will use a platform provided by Looped and headsets for players provided by JBL.

“Broadcaster U. has continued to evolve over the years,” said Deborah Murman, the NBPA’s Director of Career Development. “We are excited to bring it to our players again virtually this year, providing them with additional flexibility as they gain hands-on experience in sports broadcasting.”

“This NBPA program is a fantastic opportunity for players to get hands-on training and a simulated experience as a game-analyst and studio contributor in the untraditional virtual format,” said Gerry Matalon of Matalon Media, and NBPA Broadcaster U. instructor. “Each participant will be more informed, educated, and experienced in the best practices required to be an excellent college and professional basketball analyst. Should the players in the program decide to pursue the media industry as a vocation after their playing career, they will be enormously better prepared to succeed and qualified for future opportunities.”

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

 

About the NBPA

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

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

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