Polsinelli has announced the hire sports and media attorney Timothy J. Browne as a Shareholder in the firm’s Sports Industry Group.
Browne has more than two decades of experience in the sports, media, entertainment, and technology industries, with a particular focus on the acquisition, protection and distribution of various forms of intellectual property. Examples of the IP work include linear and digital content, national and local media rights, large-scale event and venue agreements, and sports sponsorships and endorsements.
“Tim brings his breadth of hands-on experience in the sports and media industry to add immediate value to our existing clients as well as expand the breadth of legal services that an Am Law 100 law firm can provide to his current client base,” said Polsinelli Sports Industry Chair Kevin Sweeney. “His ability to provide strategic, business-minded solutions to legal issues will benefit clients in the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate and professional sports.”
Throughout his career, Browne has managed a wide range of media, technology and marketing legal matters, including 10 years at the league office of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs. During his time at the NBA, Browne advised the league and its teams on a variety of licensing and business matters in the areas of digital and social media, content production and distribution, marketing and advertising, and events and entertainment. He negotiated and administered some of the NBA’s most significant media partnerships, including national media rights agreements between the NBA and major content companies, such as ESPN, Turner Broadcasting, YouTube, Facebook and SiriusXM. He also has broad experience in connection with NBA team media rights valuations and franchise matters, as well as the NFL’s leaguewide credit facilities for its teams.
Most recently, Browne advised the Nashville Soccer Club on its negotiations for the naming rights of the recently opened GEODIS Park in Nashville, the country’s largest soccer-specific venue. Additionally, Browne advises companies on a broad range of subject matter, such as professional sports team acquisitions and expansion bids; corporate branding matters; large-scale events and entertainment negotiations (including with municipalities, venues, talent and vendors); joint ventures, collaborations and strategic alliances; franchise agreements; general corporate governance; technology and financial services agreements; digital and linear content licenses and distribution agreements; and sponsorship and advertising transactions.
“I am excited to bring my practice and experience to Polsinelli, where I can collaborate with leading sports and transactional attorneys across the nation. Polsinelli’s widespread practice areas and geographical reach – in particular, the firm’s robust sports practice – are a great fit for me and my clients, allowing me to fully service client needs.”
Browne stays abreast of industry changes through his community involvement and pro bono work. He is a Board member of the Nashville Sports Council as well as a member of the Sports Lawyers Association.
He has represented entrepreneurs, artists and creators, local youth sports clubs, as well as domestic violence prevention centers and minority-owned businesses in his pro bono work.
Browne earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University before obtaining a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
