Associate Counsel, Player Matters

National Basketball Association (NBA)•New York, NY

11d•$210,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Excellent record of academic and professional achievement
Outstanding analytical, writing, and oral presentation skills
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

Nice To Haves

Facility with financial matters and accounting principles preferred
Strong knowledge of the game of basketball and the NBA preferred

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