A man who has worked on the sidelines of a major sports league for over a decade is ready to share his story. The sacrifices and the accomplishments he made have helped establish a successful career in communications.
From building relationships to trusting people, Brian McIntyre was not only a leader in the game but also became a mentor to those interested in media relations.
McIntyre is the former Vice President of Communications for the NBA, and he spoke in Victory Hall in late February to interested students.
McIntyre describes how his years working in the NBA have made him an important part of the organization.
“The ability to communicate and work alongside people is one reason why I made a career in the league,” said McIntyre.
McIntyre has worked in communications for over 30 years in the NBA, overseeing major league events and helping launch the WNBA and the NBA Developmental League. He has also held roles as Director of Public Relations and senior advisor to the commissioner throughout his career.
His responsibilities involved communicating with referees, the organization, and witnessing the greatest athletes to play the game. The challenges he faced working with people were trying to change minds when something is not always right. He insists that being wrong is a lesson in understanding the correct way when something does go right.
McIntyre explains how being honest and getting to know people were his biggest lessons when working in the field.
“Since working in the NBA, I learned that you have to communicate with people to work in the media field,” said McIntyre.
McIntyre shared stories about his experience in front of a crowd of athletes and students who were given the opportunity to ask him questions about the field. Some of the important people he worked with included Phil Jackson, David Stern, and Stephen A. Smith. The audience was eager to learn about his challenges, the relationships with his colleagues, and advice for life.
While speaking, he appeared to be wearing a champion ring from the Team USA 1992 Summer Olympics victory. McIntyre worked with USA Basketball as public relations for multiple Olympics from 1992 to 2008. He described it as a special moment for the USA, which featured several NBA Hall of Famers, who nicknamed them the “Dream Team.”
Jay Zalinger, Ph.D., Communications Arts Program Head, was instrumental in inviting McIntyre to campus and creating the event.
Before the curtain closed, McIntyre left the audience with a message that “if there is no plan A, also look for another plan and do not give up on yourself.”
He motivated the students that the more engaged you are in life, the better opportunities you will have to work anywhere.
Brian advised that anyone who is an athlete or follows sports has an opportunity to join a sports organization. His career in the NBA forced him to make sacrifices with his family. McIntyre being gone for many years affected the time he gets to spend with his wife and children.
McIntyre shares how his relationships and trust with people outside basketball helped him succeed in communications.
“I had to take an interest in people in order to build relationships and get to know them outside the sport,” he said.
McIntyre retired from the NBA in 2014 after a long, impactful career in communications with the organization. He realized that his experience communicating and having relationships with his peers made him a better person. His career in the NBA gave him the honor he deserves for his dedication to the league.
Brian continues to serve as an advisor and guest speaker on insights into modern sports public relations and digital strategies, drawing on his era of media relations. The Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) presents the “Brian McIntyre” award to the top NBA Public Relations for media excellence.
To learn more about Brian McIntyre and his career as the Senior Vice President of Communications in the NBA, reach out at [email protected]
