Associate Counsel - WNBA

WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week

Position Summary:
This position will support the WNBA with respect to various commercial transactions and events and serve as the lead lawyer for day-to-day commercial legal needs, reporting to the WNBA General Counsel. The role will focus on drafting and negotiating sponsorship, licensing, and event agreements, as well as providing strategic counsel on league and team promotional activities.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic counsel for the WNBA’s partnerships departments by drafting, structuring, and negotiating sponsorship agreements and managing legal needs.
• Draft and negotiate various agreements relating to league licensing and events. Draft and negotiate various marketing, content, talent, digital, operations, and vendor agreements.
• Provide strategic counsel on intellectual property, image rights, and promotional activities involving players, teams, and league assets.
• Draft, promulgate, and administer league rules and policies relating to league and team commercial activity.
• Provide support to the WNBA Legal Department on certain non-commercial matters (e.g., collective bargaining).

Required Education/Professional Experience:

• Law Degree and admission to practice in the State of New York.
• At least 3 years of experience at a law firm and/or corporate legal department, including experience in drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex commercial agreements.
• Experience in sports, entertainment, technology, or media industries preferred.

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes:

• Strong contract drafting and negotiating skills
• Exceptional written and oral business communication skills
• Strong analytical ability and related issue-spotting and creative problem-solving skills
• Strong project-management skills
• Ability to make timely, nuanced, and targeted recommendations for business decisions based on reasoned legal analysis and the strategic objectives of the organization
• Ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects and engage with various stakeholders in a challenging and fast-paced environment
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics and integrity

Salary Range:$200,000 - $225,000

Job Posting Title: Senior Director

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, Veteran Status, Familial Status, Status As A Victim Of Domestic Violence Or Any Other Status Or Characteristic Protected By Applicable Federal, State, Or Local Law.

The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA’s own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.