Prodigy Search Tapped MLB Players, Inc. to Lead Search Assignment
March 10, 2025 – Prodigy Search, a boutique recruiting firm serving the talent needs of media, sports, and entertainment organizations, has been selected by MLB Players, Inc. (MLBPI) to lead in its search for a vice president, sponsorships and partnerships. This executive will be responsible for the growth and expansion of MLBPI’s sponsorship and events business, formulating content and media strategies, and supporting the creation of new business ventures. The position will also oversee player marketing.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sponsorship, partnership, and activation experience. The role will be expected to be a leader and front-facing executive in the organization, to support MLBPI’s continued growth and expansion.
This executive will define business objectives and set annual forecasts for MLBPI sponsorship category that, among other things, ensures protection of player rights and maximizes both MLBPI passive and player active revenue. They will work directly with MLBPI’s president and senior staff on strategy and growth initiatives. This leader will direct management of the sponsorship business, including overseeing one team partners sales efforts, and MLBPI’s MLB and club sponsorship relationships.
This person is also responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of MLBPI events strategy including budgeting and sales. They will manage and foster a positive working relationship with Major League Baseball sponsorship staff, ensuring adherence to the current national sponsorship agreement, promote sponsor player activation, and enhance the value of player rights. In addition, they will oversee third-party sponsorship relationships to support MLBPI’s sponsorship efforts, including one team partners. Collaborate with one team partners to devise their sponsorship strategy, prepare proposals, and negotiate agreements.
Those applying for this role should have a bachelor’s degree and eight plus years of relevant experience focused on strategy and leadership in the areas of sponsorship sales and activation, media and content. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record in the marketing and selling intellectual property rights in a sports/entertainment context.
MLB Players, Inc. is the for-profit corporate subsidiary tasked with managing all commercial activities of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Representing all active Major League and Minor League Baseball Players, MLBPI brings to market products and services featuring the publicity rights (name/image/likeness) of our Players. With 100+ global partners, MLBPI negotiates agreements to ensure that there are player products for every fan.
Sports and Entertainment Specialists
Prodigy Search, which has been involved with the sports and entertainment business for years, is one of the sector’s leading boutiques. The firm has placed hundreds of candidates into a variety of functions and roles. It represents all disciplines, including senior management, sales, marketing, operations, and administration. Prodigy’s client roster reads like a Who’s Who of the sports world. It includes: the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, Pittsburgh Steelers, TD Garden/Boston Bruins, AEG Worldwide, Liverpool Football Club, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Oak View Group, Live Nation, PGA TOUR, Legends, the TGR (Tiger Woods) Foundation, and Endeavor.
Related: Prodigy Search Fills Senior Position for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)
Aside from the traditional sports space, over the years, Prodigy Search has expanded by bringing its expertise from the traditional sports business to the “non-traditional” sports space. Prodigy Search has done work throughout the ever-expanding esports industry; sports technology industry; and education and non-profit industries. Today, the firm’s senior partner involvement, high level of service, and transparency of process have presented opportunities to expand beyond sports and entertainment.
An industry veteran with nearly 40 years’ experience in wide array of disciplines within the sports and entertainment business, Scott Carmichael founded Prodigy Search in 2007. Prior to founding the firm, he served as head of the National Hockey League’s club marketing department for nearly 10 years.
Recent Alliance
Prodigy Search recently formed a strategic alliance with JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s. “We’re incredibly proud and fortunate to collaborate with John Marshall and the exceptional JM Search team, which is regarded as a leading executive search partner for investor-backed and high-growth businesses,” said Scott Carmichael, founder and CEO of Prodigy Search. “This alliance supports our commitment to enhancing the value we bring to our global sports clients.”
“In recent years, the sports sector has become very attractive to private equity investors, and we believe investments in this sector will continue to grow,” said John Marshall, CEO of JM Search. “This alliance with Prodigy is an exciting opportunity to further expand our ability to be the go-to executive search partner for our private equity clients, many of which are investing in the dynamic sports industry.”
As a highly specialized sports and entertainment retained executive search firm, Prodigy’s strategic alliance with JM Search is designed to bring best-in-class executive search services to high-growth sectors of the business, including the evolution of women’s and collegiate sports, sports betting, live entertainment, and youth sports. “As these dynamic segments continue to transform, there’s a critical need to expand and elevate executive leadership – including key roles like chief technology officer, chief marketing/brand officer, chief growth strategy officer, chief development officer, and collegiate-level chief revenue officers – together, Prodigy and JM Search are uniquely positioned to bring the requisite blend of deep industry and functional expertise to these search assignments,” the firms said in a release.
Related: Prodigy Search Recruits CEO for USA Luge
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
