MLB Players, Inc. is the for-profit corporate subsidiary charged with managing all commercial activities of the Major League Baseball Players Association.  At the core of MLBPI’s business today, MLB Players, Inc. brings to market products and services featuring the publicity rights (name/image/likeness) of our Players.  With 100+ partners all over the world, MLB Players, Inc. negotiates agreements with companies to ensure Player-licensed products are part of the suite of baseball-related items fans want, when they want them. 

Our scope of business extends to licensing, sponsorship, media, and events.  We engage with best-in-class partners that to feature and promote Players.  As part of these efforts, we take significant steps to protect the positive image and reputation of each Player, using our resources to ensure we approve only those products or services that use Players in products of high quality, and are reflective of a positive Player “brand.”  

Video Games (both console and mobile) have been a core pillar of MLB Players, Inc. business. Now, NFTs, the Metaverse, wearable technology, and AR/VR are part of our expanding business model. We are looking for an experienced and passionate partnerships lead to accelerate our efforts. This person will have a direct hand in developing our NFT, Metaverse, wearable technology, and AR/VR strategy by sourcing best-in-class partners and providing input to the overall product direction by engaging with marketplaces, tools, and platforms in the ecosystem. The Licensing Manager will build programs that are scalable, design incentives that are long term, and bring high impact partners to MLB Players, Inc. As a key member of the licensing team, this person will be driving one of the most exciting new products and highest growth verticals at MLB Players, Inc. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic

• Develop and execute partnership strategy in expanding digital portfolio areas including, NFT, Metaverse, wearable technology, and AR/VR strategy 
• Forge strong relationships across various constituents in the space, including creators, entrepreneurs, crypto projects, brands, and traditional content players
• Identify partnerships with marketplaces, tools, and platforms to create best-in-class product experience for baseball fans to access and engage with our expanding digital collections
• Work with partner marketing and product teams to create drop programs and go-to-market campaigns that build awareness and drive demand for launching on Blockchain.com
• Help prioritize verticals and partnerships to pursue that maximizes impact and differentiates MLB Players, Inc. offerings
• Engage and connect with digital community at large to provide thought-leadership, industry insights, and ensure MLB Players, Inc.’s role in the community
• Streamline deal process for sourcing and structuring deals with partners, creators, and operationalize process by creating materials and collateral to differentiate our offering
• Build systems and methods to track and measure success of NFT, Metaverse, wearable technology, and AR/VR partnerships

Managerial/Relationship

• Own relationships with MLBPA’s business partner, One Team Partners, on all business development, portfolio analysis, and license negotiations related to digital gaming (both console and mobile)
• Develop long term senior-level executive relationships with key digital partners
• Delegate coordination and maintenance of licensed materials assuring proper approvals are obtained from licensees for all aspects of product including but not limited to product concept, artwork, photo model, packaging, instructional material, promotional plans, etc.
• Draft license agreements, deal memos, amendments, and other relevant documents
• Ensure licensee compliance with license agreement terms and conditions
• Manage existing Licensing Coordinators and Quality Assurance Coordinators as assigned to your category
• Work with senior leadership to develop strategy for organizational growth, potential key hires, and expansion of digital category organization chart

Reports to:

Director, Licensing

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic performance
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with at least 5 to 7 years of similar experience in digital and tech licensing, and, preferably, sports 
• Accomplished deal negotiator with a proven track record in hitting revenue targets
• Strong strategic, analytical, organizational, oral and communication skills
• Highly organized multi-tasker with an ability to meet strict deadlines
• Must maintain network of contacts across the digital licensing landscape
• Out-of-town travel