Director, Partnership Sales - RAJ Sports (Portland)

LEGENDS & ASM GLOBAL

Two powerhouse companies have joined forces to redefine excellence in sports, entertainment, and live events. Together, we combine unmatched expertise with a global reach, offering end-to-end solutions – from venue development and event booking to revenue strategy and hospitality.

Legends brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attractions, working with top-tier clients to deliver exceptional experiences.

ASM Global, the world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 350+ iconic venues stadiums, arenas, conventions centers and theaters.

Our organization is committed to building an inclusive, innovative environment where differences drive solutions that benefit our team members, guests, and partners. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and accountability, we create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Are you ready to be part of the team that is transforming live entertainment? Join us to make legends happen!

RAJ SPORTS

RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.

THE ROLE

The Director, Partnership Sales will conceptualize, develop, and secure key corporate sponsorships with companies wishing to maximize their relationship in Women’s Sports across both the Portland Thorns and WNBA Portland (RAJ Sports Portland). The Director of Partnerships will be primarily responsible for driving new business development as a key member of the partnerships team. The Director will be responsible for individually driving six- and seven- figure, multi-year partnerships. This position will report to the Project Leader.

ESSENTIAL DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with partnership development team to manage key category development and platform ideation for new and existing partners.
• Secure and conduct partnership development meetings with potential clients by leveraging relationships as well as cold outreach.
• Aim to understand the marketing and business objectives of prospective clients and their agencies to determine how a partnership with RAJ Sports (Portland) and Legends can help them achieve their goals.
• Develop relationships and work directly with key colleagues to create a collaborative business development process and the opportunity for integrated partnerships. Work with business development team to design high-level vision decks and interactive practice pitch meetings.
• Present Raj Sports (Portland) to potential local/national/international sponsorship partners and develop an integrated, solution-driven approach to creating sponsorship packages.
• Create, package, and sell solution-based naming rights and sponsorship packages to meet and exceed all revenue goals.
• Manage a pipeline of new business prospects for the entire Partnership sales team.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client marketing companies and their respective advertising agencies.
• Understand the marketing objectives of prospective clients and their agencies and determine how a partnership with Portland Thorns can help them achieve their goals.
• Research and identify industries and organizations to solicit sponsorship.
• Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with counsel through contract execution.
• Attend weekly meetings with senior-level executives and provide routine recruitment updates.
•  Be a team player and contribute to the general success of Legends Global Partnerships across all facets, including positively repr