Former NSMA chapter president to cover World Cup
Spencer Tomsett has achieved something many sports broadcasters only dream of, earning media credentials to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, obtaining credentials is only the first step. The greater challenge now is securing the funding necessary to travel and report from one of the world's largest sporting events.
Tomsett's journey began at Middle Tennessee State University, where he developed his passion for sports broadcasting. During his time at MTSU, he became actively involved with the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) student chapter. After serving as vice president beginning in 2021, he was elected chapter president in early 2022, showing both leadership and commitment to the profession.
Following his graduation from MTSU, Tomsett continued his academic career at the University of Alabama, where he pursued a Ph.D. While there, he founded the university's NSMA student chapter and served as its first president. Under his leadership, the chapter grew to more than 40 members, becoming the largest NSMA student chapter in the country.
Tomsett's opportunities soon expanded beyond the classroom. Through the International Sports Press Association's (AIPS) Young Reporters Program, he traveled to Chile to cover the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Reporting on an international stage provided valuable experience and strengthened his desire to pursue major sporting events throughout his career.
Today, Tomsett resides in the Nashville area, where he works as a freelance play-by-play broadcaster covering both high school and collegiate athletics. His long-term goal is to work for a major national sports network and, ultimately, call a Super Bowl broadcast.
That dream took another significant step forward when AIPS once again selected Tomsett to cover a FIFA World Cup. He has already received the necessary media credentials, giving him access to the event. However, travel, lodging, and reporting expenses remain a significant obstacle.
Supporters now have an opportunity to help Tomsett make the most of this career-defining experience. Contributions will cover the costs associated with traveling throughout the United States to cover as many World Cup matches as possible.
Tomsett's story is one of persistence, hard work, leadership, and dedication. From leading student organizations and earning a doctorate to covering international soccer tournaments, he has consistently pursued opportunities to grow as a broadcaster. Supporting his fundraising effort is about more than helping him attend a soccer match; it's about investing in the future of a young broadcaster striving to reach for more in his career.
In Spencer's own words:
"My name is Spencer Tomsett, and I am thrilled to announce that the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has selected me to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup! I will be on-site for the majority of the tournament’s matches, writing articles for the AIPS website and producing a podcast that will recap the tournament’s action while also going beyond the game with interviews and expert analysis.
"Due to budget constraints, my credential is the only guaranteed element of this journey, with all travel-related expenses on my shoulders. As I begin preparing the podcast and planning my travel, the NSMA has agreed to allow me to raise funds through their association to help offset my costs. Once the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes, I will submit my receipts for reimbursement to the NSMA and donate all remaining funds to the NSMA. Since the NSMA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all contributions may be tax-deductible while also supporting the tremendous work that the association does to honor sportscasters and sportswriters in the United States.
"I hope I can count on your support as I pursue this amazing opportunity to cover the beautiful game on the world’s biggest stage, while also supporting an association that has given me so much in my journey in sports media. Anything you can give will go a long way, and you will receive amazing benefits for supporting the podcast. If you have any questions, please feel free to send them my way. Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting my journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup!"
- Spencer Maxwell Tomsett, AIPS Young Reporter & NSMA Lifetime Member
Those interested in supporting Tomsett's World Cup coverage can visit the donation page on our website for more information. Please make sure when you donate to put "World Cup" in the "business name" tab.