How I Help Athletes Get Featured on ESPN and Sports Illustrated
If you’re an athlete dreaming of seeing your name in Sports Illustrated, or landing an interview on ESPN, you’re not alone. These outlets are the gold standard in sports media—but breaking through isn’t just about stats. It’s about strategy, storytelling, and the right connections.
As a sports publicist, I specialize in helping athletes go from being the best-kept secret to being the headline. Here’s how I help athletes secure national media features that elevate their careers—on and off the field.
1. Crafting a Story That Matters
Before I pitch any media outlet, I work with each athlete to find their unique story. It’s not just about performance—it’s about what sets them apart.
Are they overcoming adversity? Leading their team in a breakthrough season? Balancing college sports with parenthood? Those are the angles that resonate with ESPN producers and SI writers.
We shape your story into a narrative journalists can’t ignore—something that inspires, informs, or challenges the typical sports narrative.
2. Building a Professional Media Kit
Media outlets want everything at their fingertips. I create a custom athlete press kit that includes:
- A professional bio
- High-resolution photos
- Highlight reels or footage
- Past media coverage (if any)
- Key stats and accolades
- A clearly defined pitch angle
This makes it easy for editors and producers to say “yes”—because everything they need is already packaged.
3. Targeted Pitching to the Right Contacts
Getting featured in ESPN or Sports Illustrated isn’t about blasting your story to 100 reporters—it’s about knowing which ones to pitch.
Over the years, I’ve built trusted relationships with sports journalists, editors, and producers. I know what they’re looking for and when they’re looking for it. Whether it’s a human interest feature, post-game profile, or pre-draft buzz—I tailor the pitch to fit what each outlet actually needs.
4. Timing It Perfectly
Press timing matters. I help athletes land coverage when it makes the biggest impact—right before draft season, ahead of a major championship, or following a breakout moment.
I also track editorial calendars for top publications so we can pitch in advance for features like “Rookies to Watch,” “Next Gen Athletes,” or “Top Players of the Season.”
5. Amplifying the Win
Once you land the feature, I help you leverage it for long-term visibility. That means posting it to your social channels, sending it to potential sponsors, and including it in endorsement pitches. Press isn’t the end goal—it’s the launchpad.
Final Thoughts
Getting featured on ESPN or Sports Illustrated isn’t just a dream—it’s a strategy. As a sports publicist, I help athletes position themselves for national coverage that transforms their career.
Ready to get the spotlight your story deserves? Let’s talk. I help athletes turn headlines into legacy.