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ZB Sports Media — everywhere.

Independent sports journalism outlet founded by credentialed reporter Zain Bando (Medill MSJ '23). Covering Big Ten athletics, combat sports, and major leagues.

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Coverage & Media Hub All published reporting, bylines, podcast episodes, and credentialed on-site files. zainbando.com/coverage Services & Capabilities Freelance sports writing, on-site event coverage, multimedia analysis, and custom quotes. zainbando.com/services The Sporting News Author Hub Big Ten vertical reporting and national feature coverage. sportingnews.com MMA Knockout · On Sports Illustrated UFC, PFL, and boxing newsdesk coverage and fighter features. si.com/fannation/mma Work With Us / Get in Touch Commission coverage, send contributor pitches, or book an introductory call. zain@zainbando.com

External Archives

Bylines & portfolios.

Verified clips, credentialed coverage archives, and complete publication catalogs across syndication networks.

Zain Bando on-site at the 2026 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis

2026 Final Four · Lucas Oil Stadium

MuckRack PortfolioVerified journalist profile and clips.muckrack.com Authory Live ArchiveSearchable real-time archive of published work.authory.com Mike Farrell SportsCollege football and recruiting archive.mikefarrellsports.com BJPENN.com Combat ArchiveCombat sports and Bellator news articles.bjpenn.com FanSided NetworkNational team-site contributions.fansided.com FanSided's Writing IlliniIllinois football and basketball archive.writingillini.com Inside NU (SB Nation)Northwestern and Big Ten athletics reporting.insidenu.com Medium PublishingEssays, columns, and long-form notes.medium.com

Audio & Broadcasts

Podcasts & feeds.

Solo shows, combat sports archives, and video distribution channels.

Bando's Breakdowns cover art — typographic — Bando's Breakdowns

The MMA Outsiders cover art — typographic — The MMA Outsiders

Bando's Breakdowns on AcastActive solo show feed and weekly episodes.shows.acast.com Bando's Breakdowns (Apple Podcasts)Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts.podcasts.apple.com The MMA Outsiders (Apple Podcasts)100-episode combat sports archive.podcasts.apple.com YouTube ChannelVideo commentary and interview archive.youtube.com

Press & Features

Featured profiles.

In-depth media profiles, interviews, and national stories on Zain's sports reporting journey.

Champaign, Illinois

News-Gazette: Student of the Game Profile on Zain's collegiate path into sports journalism and beat reporting. news-gazette.com BroBible Feature Viral national coverage of Illinois basketball's championship court storming. brobible.com

“Student of the game — not letting disability keep him out of the sports world he loves.”

— The News-Gazette · Feature Profile