HBCU Fellowship
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, aims to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Fellows are selected by NBA teams and the league office to work within a variety of departments, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, IT, social responsibility, and marketing.
Creating Opportunity Within the Business of Basketball
About the Fellowship
Year to year HBCU Fellows were welcomed with a two day orientation at the NBA offices. Fellows are provided the opportunity to learn about the business of basketball, engage in career development and leadership opportunities, and connect with NBA executives.
Get Involved
The Fellowship is a paid 10-week summer internship program that runs from June-August. Applications for the 2026 Fellowship cohort are open now through December 5th.
Success Stories
Over 20% of the program’s alumni have secured full-time positions with NBA teams, highlighting the exceptional talent that continues to thrive across both at the team level and the League office.
HBCU Fellowship Alumni
The Journey Begins Here—Just Ask Those Who’ve Walked It
Learn about our alumni and their career journeys.
Atlanta Hawks Class of 2022
Aaron Pittman is a 2022 Fellow alumnus from North Carolina AT&T. As a result of the internship, Pittman decided to stay connected with the Hawks through a virtual sales academy during his senior year. He credits the fellowship for solidifying his career in the sports industry. Today, he works with the Memphis Grizzlies’ Community Engagement team, focusing on education, civic service, and HBCU outreach, including the Grizz Ticket Assist program.
League Office Class of 2022
Channing Williamson is a 2022 Fellow alumna from Southern University Law School. After completing law school, Williamson returned to the same department, working in domestic programming for the NBA league office. She now serves as senior manager of programming and content analysis, a full-circle moment that reflects the strength of relationships formed during her internship. Williamson shared that the fellowship heavily influenced the direction she took her career.
Philadelphia 76ers Class of 2023
Kameryn Ward Stokes is a 2023 alumnus from Delaware State University..Today, he works with the Brooklyn Nets as an Account Manager in Partnership Marketing. His advice to new fellows? “ Never sell yourself short. You’re ready for the moment, no matter how big.”
“The NBA HBCU Fellowship equipped me with practical tools, resources, and lasting connections that continue to support my career journey today. The business experience I gained was instrumental in shaping my transition to a career focused on Social Impact within sports.”
Olivia Fenwick, Class of 2023, Philadelphia 76ers
Current Role: NBA Social Impact and Inclusion Coordinator