Andrew Gordon always had a passion for sports from a young age. Growing up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, he spent most weekends either playing or watching various sports. He loved the strategy, competition, and teamwork involved. While in high school at Belmont High School, he dreamed of one day having a career in professional sports. However, he realized becoming a professional athlete was a long shot. So he decided to pursue another path that could still allow him to stay involved in the sports world – a career in sports management.
But first, Andrew Gordon knew he needed the right educational foundation. He majored in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. There, he gained valuable knowledge and skills in areas like government, law, negotiation, and public policy. However, he still wasn’t sure exactly what career path to take after college. That’s when he decided to attend law school at Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Earning a Juris Doctor degree opened many new doors for Andrew Gordon. During his time in law school, he realized how a legal background could prove extremely useful in the business of sports. Contracts, negotiations, dispute resolution, compliance with regulations – these were all important aspects of sports management that involved legal expertise. His law degree taught him how to analyze situations from a legal perspective and advocate for his position. These were transferable skills that could serve him well no matter what role he had in sports.
After graduating from law school, Andrew Gordon ma began his career as an associate attorney at a law firm in Boston, focusing on sports and entertainment law. This experience gave him invaluable exposure to the business and legal issues involved in professional sports franchises, athlete representation, sponsorships, and more. He negotiated and drafted various contracts, handled disputes between parties, and advised high-profile clients on compliance matters. Being immersed in the sports industry on a daily basis further fueled his passion.
A few years into his legal career, Andrew Gordon saw an opportunity to transition fully into sports management. He accepted a position as Director of Football Operations for his alma mater UMass Amherst’s football program. In this role, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the team, managed the football staff, and handled various legal and compliance tasks. His background in law proved extremely helpful as he had to interpret and apply NCAA regulations on a regular basis. He also negotiated sponsorship agreements and player contracts.
After three successful years at UMass Amherst, Andrew Gordon was ready for a bigger challenge. He landed a job as General Manager for a minor league baseball team based in New Britain, Connecticut. As GM, he handled all football operations, player personnel decisions, contract negotiations, league interactions, and more. His expertise in sports law and experience in collegiate athletics administration prepared him extremely well for the business and strategic aspects of running a professional sports franchise.
Five years later, Andrew Gordon’s strong performance led to an opportunity with an even higher profile organization. He became Vice President of Business Operations for the Lowell Spinners, a Class A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. In this role, he oversees all business functions of the organization including finance, marketing, ticket sales, sponsorship sales, and community relations. He also continues to negotiate player contracts and handle legal/compliance responsibilities.
Looking back, Andrew Gordon realizes that having a law degree was instrumental in helping him achieve his dream career in professional sports management. The analytical, strategic, and advocacy skills he gained from law school gave him a unique edge over other candidates. His legal expertise has proven invaluable as he has risen through the ranks. His story serves as an inspiration for those who want to work in sports but may not see a direct path from their undergraduate major. With the right additional education and experience, a career in this exciting industry is certainly achievable.
