Trailblazing Former NBPA Chief Michele A. Roberts Launches Sports Consulting Career

Michele A. Roberts, the first woman to lead a major professional sports union in North America, has been appointed to head a new sports consulting practice. Roberts served as the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) from 2014 until her retirement in January 2022. During her tenure, she was instrumental in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and advocating for players’ rights. Prior to her role at the NBPA, Roberts was a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, where she was recognized as one of Washington’s top trial lawyers. Her leadership at the NBPA set a precedent for women in sports management. In her new role, Roberts is expected to leverage her extensive experience in sports law and labor relations to advise clients on a range of issues within the sports industry. This move reflects a growing trend of former sports executives transitioning into consulting roles to share their expertise.