Zain Bando: A Rising Star in Sports Journalism
Zain Bando, a freelance writer for The Sporting News, is carving a niche for himself in the world of sports journalism. A proud alum of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Bando specializes in covering the Big Ten, although his reporting spans various athletic programs, including Illinois, Northwestern, and Kansas State.
Since launching his writing career in June 2019, Bando’s work has appeared in a multitude of reputable platforms, such as MSN, Yardbarker, Deadspin, and Reuters. His diverse expertise extends beyond collegiate sports to the dynamic worlds of MMA and boxing, where he contributes to MMA Knockout on Sports Illustrated.
Bando also showcases his talents through podcasting. He is the host and co-host of two shows within the Empty The Bench Podcast Network: “Bando’s Breakdowns” and “The MMA Outsiders.” These weekly podcasts, available on YouTube and various podcast platforms, feature insightful discussions and analyses of the latest in sports.
As a Chicago Suburban native, Bando is not only an established journalist but a passionate media personality actively engaged with the sports community. He is a proud member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), constantly striving to refine his skills and expand his reach in sports media.
When he’s not immersed in writing or podcasting, Bando enjoys binge-watching old UFC fights, spending quality time with loved ones, recalling every Super Bowl, and dreaming of future travels—all while keeping his laptop close by. With his dedication and talent, Zain Bando is undoubtedly a name to watch in the sports journalism arena.
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