Erjaam Hayes | Director of Player Engagement NBA | "Inside the NBA" | S7 Ep 317

FAMU to the NBA: Erjaam Hayes’ Nearly 20-Year Journey Behind the Game On this episode of the Black in Sports Podcast, we sit down with Erjaam Hayes, Director of Engagement with the NBA, for a conversation about basketball, education, career growth, player development, and the business of professional sports. Growing up in a basketball household where education and HBCUs were celebrated, Erjaam’s path eventually took him to Florida A&M University (FAMU) and, from there, into the NBA.

What started as an internship grew into a career spanning nearly two decades with the NBA, with Erjaam taking on multiple roles and continuing to evolve along the way. But what does that journey actually look like?

Erjaam takes us behind the scenes of his career—from getting his start with the NBA to navigating different opportunities within the league and discovering how each role helped prepare him for the next. He also talks about his experience working with the NBA G League and how that chapter contributed to his professional development.

The conversation goes beyond basketball. Erjaam shares what he enjoys about helping NBA players develop off the court, while also discussing the NBA's broader programs and initiatives and the league's impact around the world—including efforts connected to NBA Africa, coaching, player development, and community engagement.

We also explore an important question for anyone trying to build a career in sports: Is getting your foot in the door the hardest part—or is knowing how to grow once you're inside? From HBCUs and career development to NBA careers, player engagement, the G League, international basketball, and the business behind one of the world's biggest sports leagues, Erjaam provides insight into a career path that many aspiring sports professionals would love to understand.

If you've ever wondered how people build long-term careers in professional sports, what opportunities exist beyond being an athlete, or how an internship can become a nearly 20-year journey inside the NBA, this conversation is for you. 🏀 Watch or listen to the full episode and hear Erjaam Hayes' story. Then tell us: What is the biggest key to building a long-term career in sports—the right opportunity, education, relationships, or continuously finding ways to grow? 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: | Facebook - | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - | Website - | Thank you & we appreciate you! #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason #ticketsales #season7 #erjaamhayes #NBACareers #SportsBusiness #SportsBusinessCareers #Basketball #BasketballBusiness #HBCU #HBCUSports #FAMU #FloridaAM #NBAGLeague #PlayerDevelopment #NBAAfrica #SportsCareers #ProfessionalSports #BasketballCulture #SportsIndustry This episode includes AI-generated content.