Associate Counsel
Who We Are:
WWE® is the global leader in sports entertainment. The company creates and delivers original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, Premium Live Events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE's TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion households worldwide in more than 20 languages through world-class distribution partners including Netflix, ESPN, NBCUniversal, USA Network and The CW. WWE is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.Role Summary:
WWE is seeking an Associate Counsel to support all business and legal aspects of Talent Relations and Talent Development. This role will be responsible for providing legal counsel on matters related to Talent Relations and Talent Development and include drafting and negotiating a wide range of talent agreements, including appearance agreements, endorsement agreements, services agreements and related commercial contracts. The ideal candidate has significant transactional experience in sports and entertainment and excels in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
Responsibilities:
Provide day-to-day legal support for Talent Relations and Talent Development, including reviewing deal points, drafting and negotiating agreements, and assisting in managing legal risks.
Draft, revise, and review a broad range of contracts for all business needs relating to sports and entertainment, including agreements relating to independent contractors, talent, security, medical personnel, marketing, media, multimedia, content, licenses, performance, services, and other complex commercial agreements generally utilized in the sports and entertainment industry.
Ensure compliance with state athletic commission licensure and regulatory requirements for all WWE Talent, including coordination with state athletic commissions and other applicable governing bodies.
Provide clear and concise legal advice to executives, staff, and business departments on a broad range of legal matters.
Lead negotiations and manage cross-functional legal matters with independence.
Oversee contract lifecycle management systems and workflows related to developing talent.
Work closely with and maintain positive working relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, talent agency representatives, managers, and other third-party advisors to negotiate deal terms and resolve legal issues.
Preferred Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice in Connecticut or the ability to register in-house.
4-7+ years of in-house legal experience as a licensed attorney at an entertainment, media, professional sports, or talent representation organization.
Knowledge of or willingness to watch current and historical WWE programming.
Familiarity with WWE’s brand, talent structure, and media ecosystem.
Proven experience in contract drafting and negotiating with a strong foundation in sports and entertainment.
Ability to manage high-volume matters with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and efficiency. Willingness to work outside traditional work hours for urgent matters.
WWE EEO Statement:
WWE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination in employment. WWE makes employment decisions based on merit and qualifications, without considering an employee’s or applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under federal, state or local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. WWE also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state or local laws. For information about Privacy and Information Security for WWE employment candidates, please review our Candidate Privacy Policy. For information regarding Terms and Conditions for this and other WWE websites, please review our Terms and Conditions.