Legal Counsel

Counsel, Business Affairs

New York, NY | Contract Potential Hire | 4 days onsite

A leading professional sports organization is seeking a Counsel, Business Affairs on a contract-to-hire basis to support its commercial initiatives. This role will partner closely with sponsorship, consumer products, and club performance teams to structure and negotiate high-impact, revenue-driving agreements.

This is a hands-on, business-facing opportunity ideal for a commercial attorney who thrives in a fast-paced sports and brand environment and is looking to transition into a long-term in-house role.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate sponsorship and commercial partnership agreements
• Negotiate license and sublicense agreements related to consumer products, including apparel, merchandise, digital products, and SaaS agreements
• Advise on club-level sponsorship opportunities and related commercial transactions
• Interpret and apply league commercial policies to ensure consistency and risk mitigation
• Structure and document charitable and co-venture initiatives
• Partner cross-functionally to provide strategic, practical legal guidance

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of experience at a leading law firm and/or corporate legal department
• JD and admission to the NY State Bar
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience with commercial agreements
• Experience in sports, entertainment, consumer products, or brand-side legal work preferred
• Commercial mindset with strong communication and stakeholder management skills