Newsletter Investigative Journalist (Sports Gaming)

Operation Sports is the premier destination for sports video game enthusiasts and we’re expanding our premium content offering with Not Just Another Roster Update, our flagship monthly newsletter.

We’re hiring a freelance investigative journalist to contribute one premium feature per month to our paid newsletter audience. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for someone passionate about uncovering hidden stories in the sports gaming industry.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a true journalist, someone who can chase leads, conduct interviews, and craft compelling longform stories that shine a light on the people, politics, and production behind sports games.

You might be reporting on a new development at EA Sports. Or interviewing a top Madden YouTuber. Or digging into the forgotten history of a classic college football game. If you’ve got the instinct to find the story—and the reporting chops to bring it home—we want to work with you.

This is a remote freelance role with a monthly retainer.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver one premium newsletter article per month
• Pitch original reporting ideas focused on the sports gaming industry
• Chase down sources, secure interviews, and conduct real journalism
• Write compelling, well-sourced features that appeal to sports gamers and insiders
• Collaborate with the newsletter editor and Managing Editor on topic selection and sourcing support

The Ideal Journalist

• Has investigative experience in news, feature, or sports reporting
• Knows how to find and interview credible sources
• Is passionate about the sports gaming industry
• Can balance creative storytelling with rigorous reporting
• Is self-sufficient, deadline-driven, and highly professional

Example Story Targets

• Interview a Madden Community Manager, developer, or former EA employee
• Investigate the history of an underappreciated sports game
• Profile a popular YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or X (Twitter) account in the sports sim space
• Report on industry trends impacting fan-favorite franchises

Pay Expectations

• $500/month
• One premium investigative feature required per month
• Ongoing monthly retainer with the opportunity for expansion and additional assignments

Interview Process

1. Resume & Application Review

2. Interview with the Managing Editor

To Apply

Please include:

• Your resume
• 1–3 investigative reporting samples
• A brief cover letter explaining (one to two paragraphs is fine!):
• Why you’re interested in sports gaming journalism
• What types of stories you’d want to report on for the newsletter
• Your experience tracking down sources and chasing a lead