Counsel, Business Affairs

Overview

This position will support Major League Soccer’s commercial activities by partnering with and providing legal counsel to the sponsorship, consumer products, and club performance teams within Major League Soccer and its member clubs.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate sponsorship agreements and related commercial agreements with partners of MLS and Soccer United Marketing
• Draft, review, and negotiate license and sublicense agreements related to consumer products, including jerseys, merchandise and digital products
• Partner with club performance team to review and provide guidance on MLS club sponsorships opportunities and other MLS club commercial transactions
• Prepare, manage, and interpret policies related to MLS club commercial opportunities and ensure consistent application of those policies
• Provide guidance and support to MLS’ charitable arm by structuring and documenting co-venture agreements and other charitable endeavors
• Work cross-functionally to manage risks, while providing practical and creative legal guidance

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform special projects and other assignments as requested

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience at a leading law firm and/or corporate legal department with relevant experience; experience with sports, entertainment, or consumer products brand preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree and JD
• Admission to the NY State Bar

Required Skills

• Ability to make timely, nuanced recommendations for business decisions based on reasoned legal analysis and the strategic objectives of the organization
• Commercial approach to advising business teams
• Outstanding written and oral business communication skills
• Strong drafting and negotiating skills, including experience with commercial transactions
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail, necessary to support and advise business units and ensure projects are completed in a timely and effective manner
• Strong presentation skills and ability to creative effective, business-friendly training materials
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment

Desired Skills:

• Passionate about the business of sports and working alongside business stakeholders to deliver results
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $160,000 - $185,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, generous PTO, and a hybrid office/remote work schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel creativity, strengthen connections, and cultivate a vibrant workplace. As a result, employees are required to work from an MLS office at least four days a week. We understand the value of balance, so employees also have the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays, along with the option to take up to two additional remote flex days each month.

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.

Salary : $160,000 - $185,000