Associate Counsel, Player Matters

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Position Summary

The NBA Legal Department provides advice and counsel with respect to the league’s activities and businesses on a global basis. 

The Associate Counsel, Player Matters will assist in all matters handled by the Legal Department related to NBA players, the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), and administration of the game, with a concentration on analysis, advice, and process support related to the determination of Basketball Related Income (BRI) under the CBA.

Major Responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the league’s Finance department and outside counsel, provide support for the annual process of auditing league and team revenues and expenses for purposes of determining BRI, including by analyzing and providing insights and commentary on memoranda prepared by outside auditors detailing issues to be discussed and resolved by the NBA and NBPA
• Provide BRI-related interpretive guidance to league personnel in connection with business transactions and initiatives
• Provide support for any arbitrations or other disputes that may arise related to the determination of BRI
• Administer and enforce NBA rules, including by:
  • Assisting with processes related to trades, the NBA Draft, and player contract management
  • Providing advice regarding the CBA to league and team personnel
  • Drafting memos to NBA teams regarding BRI, the Salary Cap, and player matters
  • Assisting with various facets of NBA rules enforcement, including investigations and related internal and external communications
• Support legal team on all matters related to collective bargaining with the NBPA

Required Education / Professional Experience:

• J.D. and admission to practice in the State of New York
• 3+ years of legal experience, including experience at a law firm or in-house legal department

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes:

• Excellent record of academic and professional achievement
• Outstanding analytical, writing, and oral presentation skills
• Facility with financial matters and accounting principles preferred
• Strong knowledge of the game of basketball and the NBA preferred
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced work environment with competing demands
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others in broad multi-disciplinary groups, and to maintain a collegial, positive, and team-first attitude
• Organizational and project management skills necessary to support and advise legal and business units and ensure projects are completed in a timely and effective manner
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
• Proactive, strategic orientation with strong attention to detail

Salary Range:

$210,000-$240,000

Job Posting Title:

Employees currently are eligible to receive an annual discretionary performance bonus, awarded at the sole discretion of the Company and subject to any terms and conditions set by the Company. Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company-sponsored employee benefit programs: medical; dental; vision; life/AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; fertility and family-forming assistance; wellbeing allowance; educational assistance; mental health coaching/therapy; tax advantaged accounts such as HSA and healthcare/dependent care FSAs; a 401(k) retirement plan; and time off benefits that include vacation, sick time, and personal days.

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.

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.