Associate, Licensing

About the Opportunity

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the US, driven by 14 clubs, over 300 of the world's best players, and record-shattering viewership. In our 12th season, we are scaling rapidly: 2024 attendance topped 2 million fans for the first time, and our broadcast partnerships with Amazon, CBS, ESPN, and Scripps drove a 285% increase in year-over-year viewership. This unprecedented growth is reflected in soaring team valuations, underscoring our expanding fan base and our dominant presence in both the sports media landscape and mainstream pop culture. The future of the NWSL is now, and we're looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum.

The Role

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is seeking a Licensing Associate to join the fast-paced Consumer Products team, playing a critical role in the national and global growth of women's soccer.

Licensing and product are essential touch points for fan engagement and brand positioning. This role is crucial in advancing both the NWSL and Club brands by providing meticulous support for our licensing, retail, and data operations.

What You Will Own & Drive

Licensing & Brand Management

• Design & Compliance: Review all product submissions to ensure licensees comply with strict club brand guidelines and branding protocols.
• Approvals: Work directly with NWSL Clubs to ensure product reviews and approvals are completed in a timely manner.
• Assortment Input: Contribute feedback and input during the development of new product assortments.
• Asset Management: Manage and distribute all current style guides, brand assets, and toolkits to licensees and internal partners.
• Onboarding & Reporting: Support the onboarding of new licensees and assist with quarterly and annual licensee business meetings.
• Sample Control: Review, archive, and manage all product samples.
• Product Logistics: Manage product seeding for the team and support product needs for other internal NWSL departments.
• Events: Assist the team with product execution for key events (e.g., Championship) and photoshoots.

Retail & Procurement Support

• Coordinate all product procurement and logistics necessary for seasonal photoshoots and product seeding initiatives.
• Assist the team in preparing presentation materials for key retail meetings.

Data & Financial Reporting

• Invoicing: Own all invoicing processes, coordinating with internal Accounts Payable (AP) and external partners.
• Merchandise Reporting: Manage all merchandise reporting, including the crucial process of data procurement from licensees.
• Ad Hoc Requests: Support the team with ongoing and ad hoc reporting requests and program recaps.

What You Will Bring

Core Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of experience in product development, retail, or licensing business. (Sports experience is a plus.)
• A rigorous attention to detail and organizational excellence is required.
• Demonstrated resourceful, solutions-oriented mindset shown by strong initiative, problem-solving abilities, and robust follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects through multi-tasking and prioritizing efficiently.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude are a must.
• Industry Passion: Knowledge of the NWSL and soccer, with a passion for the sport and business.

Our Investment in You

In addition to working in an incredible, inclusive, and committed-to-diversity culture, we offer:

• Competitive Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The NWSL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions-including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, and termination-are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, you may contact us at nchothani@nwslsoccer.com.