Associate Counsel – NBA Africa & BAL

About the role

The NBA is seeking an Associate Counsel to provide legal, business affairs, and compliance support for its operations across Africa and for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) worldwide. The role will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa or Nairobi, Kenya and will collaborate with NBA legal teams globally.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver timely legal and business‑affairs counsel to NBA Africa and BAL teams.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for basketball operations, fan events, marketing partnerships, merchandising, and service providers.
• Manage due‑diligence processes for business partners and service providers.
• Advise on regulatory matters and strategic initiatives, coordinating with local counsel as needed.
• Oversee corporate and administrative legal matters for NBA Africa and the BAL.
• Implement best‑practice controls, policies, and training for staff.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience, including work at a top‑tier multinational law firm and in‑house experience in Africa, the US, UK, Europe, or the Middle East.
• Cross‑border transactional experience and a commercial or corporate law background.
• Law degree from a top university and admission to practice in South Africa, Kenya, England & Wales, the US, or a comparable jurisdiction.

Required skills

• Strong analytical, legal writing, and communication abilities.
• Extensive experience in contract drafting and negotiation.
• Proficiency in compliance, due‑diligence, and legal research.
• Knowledge of FCPA, UK Bribery Act, OFAC, and African compliance regulations.
• Fluency in English; French or Arabic is a plus.

What we offer

• Hybrid work model with one remote day per week.
• Opportunity to shape the legal framework of a growing sports league in Africa.
• Collaboration with a global legal team and exposure to high‑profile sports initiatives.