Career Opportunities

USC Gould’s Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Sports Law and Negotiation is designed for professionals seeking to build and advance their careers in the sports industry by developing one of its most in-demand skills: the ability to structure, negotiate, and execute deals. Grounded in the real-world intersection of law, business, and negotiation, the program prepares you to step into roles involving contracts, partnerships, and strategic decision-making.

With USC’s location in downtown Los Angeles, one of the biggest sports hubs in the world, USC Gould’s dedicated faculty brings years of experience working at law firms, entertainment companies and professional sports organizations to the classroom. Learning from industry veterans and experienced legal professionals will give students a nuanced appreciation of how industry knowledge connects to real-world legal problem-solving.

Graduates of the MSL in Sports Law and Negotiation program are prepared for legal-adjacent roles across professional and collegiate athletics, entertainment, and related industries:

Sports Agent and Athlete Representation: Negotiate contracts, endorsement deals and licensing agreements on behalf of professional and collegiate athletes
Team and League Operations: Advise professional teams and league offices on governance, compliance, labor relations and regulatory matters
Contract Management: Analyze and negotiate player contracts, sponsorship agreements and venue deals across sports organizations
Sports Business and Marketing: Lead business development, sponsorship strategy and brand partnerships for teams, venues and entertainment companies
Intellectual Property and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Consulting: Navigate NIL rights, copyright and trademark protection and digital media licensing in the evolving sports landscape
Compliance and Dispute Resolution: Manage regulatory compliance, mediate employment disputes, and ensure organizational adherence to governance standards

The MSL in Sports Law and Negotiation is designed for working professionals in the sports industry who want to deepen their knowledge of sports law, as well as for those who want to launch a career in the industry.

Before applying, consider whether you are looking to advance your career or begin a new chapter in your professional journey. We recommend that you identify a concrete goal for earning this master’s degree to maximize your benefit and understand how our legal studies courses can contribute to your success. Please note that no graduate degree can guarantee success, and the JD (rather than the MSL) degree is recommended for those seeking to practice law and work as a lawyer.

A degree from USC can expand your professional reach and uncover new opportunities across the sports industry. As part of the renowned Trojan Family – a powerful, global network including 17,000 USC law school alumni – you can build meaningful connections to advance your career.

Are you interested in exploring new career opportunities? Learn more about our application process and deadlines or contact one of our advisors.