An independent sports media outlet delivering deadline-ready reporting, press-box event coverage, and multimedia analysis across Big Ten athletics, combat sports, and the major leagues.
MMA Knockout · PFL
An exclusive one-on-one with PFL CEO John Martin on Usman Nurmagomedov, the promotion’s summer schedule, and its global growth plans.
Published In
Ohio State On SI · Football
A late-May look at Ohio State’s playoff path, national perception, and schedule pressure waiting for Ryan Day’s Buckeyes.
MMA Knockout · UFC
Fight-news analysis on the Chimaev-Strickland rivalry and how the middleweight title picture shifts over the next six months.
MMA Knockout · MMA Business
Payout-focused reporting on MVP MMA’s Netflix debut, Ronda Rousey’s return, and how streaming reshapes the combat economy.
Empty The Bench Network
Weekly solo broadcast providing prepared notes, scouting breakdowns, and athlete-centric perspectives on national sports headlines.
BJPenn.com · Bellator 288
On-site Bellator 288 reporting from Chicago with promoter Scott Coker detailing future arena plans and market viability.
Fight Capital Global
Interview with Ryan Vevon Rapaport on freelance sports journalism, the necessity of on-site presence, and shaping the MMA narrative.
The reporting, before it scrolls past you. Credentialed on-site notes, fight-week dispatches, and audio drops delivered weekly.
Big Ten Insider Notes
Behind-the-scenes reporting, kickoff timing, and CFP beat coverage.
Fight-Week Dispatches
On-site observations, UFC/PFL insights, and executive analysis.
Audio & Broadcast Drops
Early notifications for Bando’s Breakdowns episodes and guest spots.
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ZB Sports Media provides dedicated coverage across three core sporting lanes — combining press-box access, rigorous reporting, and person-first storytelling.
ZB Sports Media covers UFC, PFL, Bellator, and regional cards. Fast post-fight fallout, business analysis, and credentialed in-arena reporting.
Comprehensive Big Ten football and men’s basketball reporting, leading vertical coverage at The Sporting News and On SI channels.
Fast-paced newsdesk reporting, major event features, and digital analysis covering the four major North American professional leagues.
Showing up on-site makes the difference between summarizing a game and capturing what actually occurred.
Press-Box Presence
Credentialed coverage at UFC 319 (Chicago), NCAA Final Four (Indianapolis), Big Ten Tournaments, and major bowl games.
Direct Athlete & Coach Access
Press conference scrums, 1-on-1 sit-downs, fight-week media days, and post-game locker room availability.
100+ Audio Broadcasts Produced
Solo analysis and roundtable commentary across national podcast distributions.
2026 NCAA Final Four · Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Contact sheet · 2025–2026 season
“My approach to journalism is person-first. The story matters, but the human in the middle of it matters more — how they got here, what they carry, what they’re still chasing.”
Zain Bando
Founder & Editor, ZB Sports Media · Northwestern Medill MSJ ’23
On deadline · Memorial Stadium Press Box
ZB Sports Media partners with sports outlets, digital publishers, podcast networks, and brands seeking ongoing sports coverage, high-impact commentary, and trusted editorial presence.
Co-published features, syndicated fight-week dispatches, and regular Big Ten analysis for external publishers.
Multi-outlet publishing
Brand integration inside The ZB Dispatch reaching engaged sports readers, editors, and industry insiders.
Audience access
Expert commentary on Big Ten football/MBB, UFC/MMA fight weeks, and sports journalism panels.
On-air commentary
On-site reporting partnerships for fight nights, bowl games, tournament weeks, and national championships.
On-location briefs
ZB Sports Media is available for commissioned reporting, on-site event coverage, multimedia production, and ongoing editorial retainers.
