Full-Stack WordPress Developer Needed for Complete Custom Sports Portal Build

I am seeking an experienced WordPress developer to build out, structure, and optimize an independent sports news and fan portal. WPX hosting and the core WordPress installation are active; I need a professional developer to build a modern news architecture, integrate dynamic cricket content, set up ad/affiliate zones, and optimize for performance. Full Scope of Work 1. Custom Layout & Design Architecture: Build a fast, lightweight sports news layout (Astra, GeneratePress, or Kadence framework). Structure a multi-column homepage with dedicated sections for Featured Posts, Recent News Grid, Match Center, and Category Blocks. Configure homepage and category/archive pages to display clean excerpt cards featuring post thumbnails, category badges, author tags, and "Read More" buttons (no full-text dumps). Set up global typography, CSS block spacing, and responsive mobile rendering. Set up clean header navigation, mobile hamburger drawer, search bar, and footer links (Disclaimer, Terms, Contact). 2. AdSense & Monetization Framework: Integrate dedicated widget zones and theme hooks for standard display ad units: Leaderboard (728x90): Main header placement. In-Article (Responsive/300x250): Placed after paragraphs inside single post templates. Sidebar (300x250 / 300x600): Sticky sidebar ad slots. Mobile Sticky (320x50): Bottom viewport banner. Add site-wide affiliate notice hooks (FTC/AdSense compliant) for sports merchandise, streaming platforms, and match ticketing partners. 3. Dynamic Content & API Integration: Integrate dynamic Live Cricket Scorecards & Fixture Lists on the homepage and sidebar via free APIs or lightweight sports plugins (SportsPress). Build a dynamic PSL Points Table / League Standings widget module. Add an automated Social Media Feed (X/Twitter or Instagram API) for real-time fan discussions. 4. Search Engine Infrastructure & Performance: Configure category hierarchies (News, Match Center, Squad & Stats, Opinion). Set up an SEO plugin (Rank Math or Yoast SEO), XML sitemaps, and News Article Schema markup. Ensure compatibility with WPX Server Caching (targeting 90+ mobile score on Google PageSpeed Insights). Deliverables & Hiring Terms Work Environment: All development must take place on a WPX Staging Site (staging.domain.com) to keep live operations intact.

Requirements

Proven portfolio featuring custom WordPress magazine/sports portal builds, fast turnaround, and clear communication.