Questions & answers.
Everything you need to know about Arena Pro and Arena Academy.
What is Arena?
Arena connects people across sports, media & entertainment. We offer two programs: Arena Pro, our core membership for established industry professionals, and Arena Academy, our six-week program for students and early career professionals.
Which program is right for me?
Arena Pro is designed for established industry leaders, including manager-level professionals and above. Arena Academy is for college juniors and seniors, graduate students, recent graduates, and professionals below manager level. Explore Arena Pro criteria or Arena Academy to find your fit.
What is Arena Pro?
Arena Pro is the only private network for leaders across sports, media, and entertainment with weekly curated introductions along with invites to industry events and access to exclusive resources to connect to opportunities across the industry.
Who is Arena Pro for?
Arena Pro is for leaders working across sports, media, and entertainment. Members fall into four categories: Industry Leaders (manager-level or above, currently working in-house for an established sports, media, or entertainment organization), Brands (leaders from established brands that actively partner or activate in the industry), Athletes (current or former professional athletes actively building, investing, or creating in the space), and Consultants, Freelancers, Founders & Agencies (limited acceptance for those with established industry careers or active work with leading enterprises). All members must be currently living and working in the U.S. or Canada. View full membership criteria →
Is Arena Pro like LinkedIn, Slack, or industry groups?
No. Arena Pro isn't a feed, a directory, or a generic community. There's no content to scroll or chat to monitor. It's a curated network built around intentional introductions, industry moments, and relationships that compound over time — not surface-level visibility.
I've tried other industry networks. Why would Arena Pro be different?
Most industry networks only offer curated networks or hosted events. Arena Pro has those too, but what makes Arena Pro significantly different is what happens every single week, regardless of whether there's an event on the calendar. Three curated introductions, matched to your experience, goals, and where you operate — delivered every Monday, all year. Not a room you show up to and hope the right person is there. This is a consistent engine that puts relevant people in front of you, on a schedule you can count on. Arena Pro is the only network in the sports, media & entertainment industry that guarantees curated introductions for every member, every week.
I already have a strong network. Why would I need this?
A strong existing network is a great starting point — and a ceiling. The people you already know tend to know the same people you do. Arena Pro expands beyond your existing circle deliberately and consistently, introducing you to aligned professionals across sports, media & entertainment you wouldn't have found through the people you already have access to. The best networkers we know use Arena Pro not because their network is weak, but because they know it can always go wider.
I usually rely on people I know to make warm introductions for me.
Warm intros from trusted contacts are valuable — when they happen. But they're irregular, dependent on who your contacts happen to know at any given moment, and skewed toward your existing circle. Arena Pro makes that same quality of introduction consistent. Every Monday, without having to ask anyone for a favor.
Is Arena an app?
Arena is a web-based platform that works in your browser, on your phone or computer.
How do I apply?
Apply at apply.arenatalent.com/signup. The application takes about 2 minutes. Applications are open. Once accepted, activate your membership to start your two-week free trial.
What does the review process look like?
Our team reviews every application for professional background, industry relevance, and alignment with the community. You'll receive a decision by email within two business days. If accepted, activate your membership to start your two-week free trial.
Can someone refer me?
Yes. A current member can give you their referral code. It gives you $20 off your first year or quarter on Arena Pro if accepted.
What if my application is not accepted?
You will be notified by email within two business days. You are welcome to reapply once you meet our member criteria.
How does the two-week free trial work?
All new Arena Pro members receive a two-week free trial after acceptance and membership activation. A payment card is required. Your selected plan is charged automatically after 14 days unless you cancel first. The trial includes curated introductions only. Paid membership is required for member pricing at in-person events. After your trial, membership is $199/year or $65/quarter. Cancel before the trial ends through your account settings to avoid the first membership charge. Full terms →
How does Arena Pro work?
Once accepted, you complete your member profile — your background, interests, and what you are looking for. Each week, Arena Pro curates 3 personalized introductions to other members based on shared interests, goals, and industry overlap. You review your intros, accept or pass, and if you mutually match, you can schedule to meet each other in one click.
How are introductions curated?
Introductions are matched based on your profile, industry focus, career goals, and what you told us you are looking for. The system prioritizes relevance — connecting you with people who are genuinely useful to know, not random matches.
What do I get with my membership?
3 curated intros weekly (personalized just for you), virtual networking events (quarterly, members-only), in-person events (early access in select cities), pause anytime (up to one week a month), and new features first (early access to everything).
How much does Arena Pro membership cost?
Arena Pro membership is $199/year or $65/quarter after your two-week free trial. All new Arena Pro members receive a two-week free trial after acceptance and membership activation. A payment card is required. Your selected plan is charged automatically after 14 days unless you cancel first.
Can I pause my introductions?
Yes. You can pause your introductions for up to one week per month directly from your account settings. While paused, your intros are held and will resume the following Monday after the one week pause. If you need a longer pause, you can reach out to our team directly at support@arenatalent.com. Pausing your introductions has no effect on your billing.
What is Arena Academy?
Arena Academy is a six-week program for students and early career professionals pursuing careers in sports, media & entertainment. Learn from industry leaders, get paired with a mentor, and meet new peers each week.
Who can apply to Arena Academy?
College juniors and seniors, graduate students, recent graduates, and professionals below manager level are eligible. You must be based in the United States or Canada and demonstrate that you are actively pursuing a career in sports, media & entertainment through jobs, internships, passion projects, volunteer roles, or similar experience. We especially welcome student athletes who meet these requirements.
What does Arena Academy include?
Your program includes six live masterclasses, 15 curated peer introductions starting in week two, one small-group mentoring session with an assigned mentor, and access to the Arena platform to manage introductions, book mentor time, message peers, discover events, and join community groups. Session recordings and slides are included.
When does the program take place?
The program runs November 11 through December 18, 2026. Orientation is November 11. Live masterclasses take place on Wednesdays from 5–6pm EST on Zoom. See the Academy page for the weekly schedule.
How do I apply to Arena Academy?
Apply for Arena Academy by November 6. You will receive your application decision within 48 hours. If accepted, activate your membership and attend orientation on November 11.
How much does Arena Academy cost?
Arena Academy costs $49 USD for the full six-week program, paid after acceptance. Conversion rates apply for members paying in CAD. The two-week free trial applies to Arena Pro, not Arena Academy.
How do the peer introductions work?
Starting in week two, you receive three curated peer introductions each week, for 15 introductions across the program. Accept or pass on each introduction. You only get a match when both people accept, then you can book a call directly on the other person’s calendar.
Who are the mentors?
Leaders from the Arena network who work in the business of sports, media & entertainment at brands, leagues, teams, studios, agencies, platforms, venues, and beyond. After admissions, you’ll be placed in a small group of aligned peers with an assigned mentor matched to your career goals. The included mentorship benefit is one small-group mentoring session. An individual one-to-one mentoring session is not included. Arena will communicate session scheduling details to participants.
Does Arena Academy include Arena Pro membership?
Arena Academy is a separate program for students and early career professionals. Peer introductions connect you with other Academy participants; the program does not include Arena Pro membership.
Will Arena Academy help me get a job?
Arena Academy is not a job placement program and does not guarantee employment. You will gain a mentor in your field, a deeper understanding of the industry, and real relationships across sports, media & entertainment.
What kind of events does Arena host?
Arena hosts events around major industry moments — think NBA All-Star, Super Bowl, The Emmys, SXSW, Cannes Lions, and more. We also host curated mixers, dinners, and gatherings designed around shared interests.
Where do events take place?
Events take place across major U.S. and Canadian markets including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, and wherever the industry converges for tentpole moments. Our signature events tend to take place in New York and Los Angeles. We will expand to other cities as we grow.
Are events only for Arena Pro members?
No. Arena Pro members get first priority access to register for our events. Remaining space is opened up to non-members to attend, however, all attendees must request access and be accepted. We accept attendees who meet our general member criteria.
Can my company pay for my membership?
Yes. Many members expense their Arena Pro membership as a professional development or networking benefit. We provide a template and instructions on how to request this budget from your company here.
How do I cancel my membership?
You can cancel your membership at any time through your account settings. If you have questions about your account, reach out to support@arenatalent.com.
Still have questions?
Reach out to our team and we'll get back to you.
Applications are open · Two-week free trial for new members