Principal Esports Business Development Manager

For every global product and event produced by Riot Games, premiere partners help us bring amazing experiences to our fans and live audiences. These invaluable partners provide the resources and expertise that allow us to level up the experience for millions of fans across the world. From weekly content pieces to flying a fan to the World Finals to meet their heroes, our sponsors do it all. But they can’t do it alone—that’s where our Global Esports Business Development and Partnerships Team comes in. The team attracts, services, and retains our partners, acting as brand ambassadors of Riot Games to external parties and as emissaries of our partners to our fans, pro players, and teams.

As a Principal Esports Business Development Manager, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Esports Business Development for Global and Americas, you will play a strategic role in contributing to the commercialization strategy behind Riot's biggest annual events and competitive ecosystems. You will act as a key subject matter expert and contributor in securing high-impact, long-term partnerships that strengthen our esports business and bring innovative, industry-defining collaborations to life. Beyond securing deals, you will help shape Riot’s global sponsorship strategy in partnership with the Sr. Manager leading Global and Americas. You will leverage deep industry knowledge and relationships to identify and execute strategic opportunities that enhance the value of our esports portfolio. You will also serve as a mentor and leader within the team, helping to develop junior business development professionals and ensuring best-in-class deal execution.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end sponsorship sales process, from prospecting to deal closure, managing a robust pipeline of high-value partners and ensuring long-term retention.
• Contribute to and execute against Riot’s global esports sponsorship strategy, aligning commercial efforts with the long-term vision for Riot’s esports ecosystem.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (content, broadcast, product, marketing, finance, legal) to identify and structure new business opportunities, ensuring seamless partner integration into Riot’s global esports products.
• Create and oversee premium sponsorship offerings across Riot’s major global esports events, ensuring each partner activation enhances the fan experience and delivers meaningful value.
• Own key relationships at senior levels with existing and prospective partners, negotiating complex, high-value deals and ensuring strategic alignment.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies in esports, sports, entertainment, and media to drive innovation and new revenue opportunities.
• Act as a thought leader within the esports business development space, helping to shape Riot’s approach to partnerships and monetization.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and best-in-class execution.

Required Qualifications:

• 8-10+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sponsorship sales, with a proven track record of structuring and closing high-value deals in gaming, sports, entertainment, or media.
• Strong understanding of global esports, sports, and entertainment landscapes, with the ability to translate trends into actionable business opportunities.
• Expert negotiation and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives, with a deep understanding of sponsorship valuation, content monetization, and brand partnerships.

Desired Qualifications:

• Deep experience in gaming, esports, content distribution, or live entertainment partnerships.
• Strong storytelling, presentation, and sales collateral development capabilities.
• Track record of high renewal rates and long-term partner retention.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment while balancing multiple priorities.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot has a focus on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy, in addition to other perks such as flexible work schedules. We