Sam Newman

Led the design and development of innovative program that allowed fans to interact with professional athletes and celebrities online through gaming. Oversaw website design, evaluated online user agreements, and user experience design to ensure high-quality, engaging products.

• Team Leadership: Assembled and managed a skilled team of developers, designers, artists, and marketing specialists. Fostered a collaborative environment and implemented agile methodologies to streamline project timelines.
• Market Launch and User Acquisition: Executed successful product launch and user acquisition campaign. Utilized social media, influencer marketing, and targeted ad campaigns to build a loyal player base and foster community engagement.

Representation of professional baseball players, including All-Stars and aspiring athletes, ensuring they receive top-tier career management and guidance. This role required extensive knowledge of the baseball industry, contract negotiation skills, and a deep commitment to athlete advocacy. I helped clients maximize their career potential through contract negotiations, endorsement opportunities, and post-career planning.

Client Representation and Advocacy

• Act as a primary representative for MLB players, including current All-Stars and prospects, ensuring their needs and interests are consistently prioritized.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on all career and personal matters, from contract negotiations to team relations and career development.

Contract Negotiation

• Lead complex contract negotiations with MLB teams, leveraging knowledge of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), salary cap structures, and market trends to secure optimal contracts for clients.
• Manage arbitration processes, free agency, and extensions while advocating for the best possible terms.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

• Identify and negotiate endorsement, sponsorship, and marketing opportunities that align with clients’ brand, personal values, and career trajectory.
• Cultivate relationships with corporate partners, brands, and media to enhance the visibility and marketability of clients.

Career Management and Development

• Develop and execute individualized career plans, including skill development, on-field performance strategies, and post-career pathways.

Scouting and Recruiting

• Identify and recruit promising athletes, including college and minor league players, by highlighting agency value and providing tailored development strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with MLB scouts, college coaches, and other key stakeholders to stay informed about rising talent.

Compliance and Professional Standards

• Ensure adherence to MLBPA regulations, codes of conduct, and ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Stay updated on industry trends, changes in MLB policies, and new developments in the CBA.

Sports Memorabilia and Trading Card Contract Specialist

Experienced professional in the sports memorabilia and trading card industry, with expertise in contract negotiation, talent acquisition, and client relations. Skilled in securing exclusive agreements with high-profile athletes, coordinating autograph and memorabilia acquisition, and managing end-to-end contract processes. Adept at building strong client relationships, managing key partnerships, and identifying emerging talent for brand exclusives. Highly organized and effective at trade show planning, with a proven track record of enhancing brand presence and generating business growth through strategic industry engagements.

• Negotiated contracts for trading card production, autograph acquisitions, and memorabilia licensing, ensuring compliance and maximizing profitability.
• Established and maintained exclusive agreements with prominent athletes to secure high-demand memorabilia and trading card rights.
• Identified and recruited top athletes and emerging sports figures for exclusive brand partnerships and autograph signings.
• Cultivated and managed strong client relationships, acting as a primary point of contact to facilitate ongoing communications and address client needs.
• Organized and participated in trade shows to promote brand offerings, engage with industry stakeholders, and expand client base.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and product teams to align contract acquisitions with brand strategy and market demand.

Results-driven Licenses Acquisition Manager with extensive experience in securing and managing licensing agreements within the sports and entertainment industry. Expert in navigating the licensing landscapes for NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB properties, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and maximizing partnership potential. Skilled corporate liaison for celebrity spokespersons, fostering strong relationships and ensuring seamless communication between talent and corporate stakeholders. Proven track record in managing accounting processes, conducting contract negotiations, and identifying high-profile athletes and celebrities for exclusive agreements. Adept at balancing legal, financial, and marketing considerations to drive brand growth and elevate product offerings in the competitive trading card market.

• Identify and negotiate exclusive agreements with high-profile athletes and celebrities to enhance brand visibility and product exclusivity.
• Oversee all aspects of licensing management, with a focus on NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB compliance.
• Serve as primary corporate liaison for celebrity spokespersons, ensuring brand alignment and consistent messaging.
• Manage end-to-end accounting processes for licensing agreements, including budget oversight.
• Conduct contract negotiations to secure favorable terms with athletes, celebrities, and agents.

Led the comprehensive integration of contract portfolios and licensing agreements during a corporate acquisition, ensuring compliance, continuity, and alignment with organizational objectives. Streamlined financial reporting processes, consolidated vendor and client contracts, and successfully navigated due diligence and regulatory requirements. Collaborated cross-functionally to assess and mitigate risks, achieving a seamless transition that optimized resources, safeguarded intellectual property, and supported long-term strategic goals