WASHINGTON, D.C. – NFL Players Inc. (NFLPI), the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association, announced today that Ahmad Nassar has been named NFLPI’s new President, effective Monday, February 2, 2015.
“After a thorough search process involving many highly qualified candidates, we are very pleased to select Ahmad as our new President of NFL Players Inc.,” said NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith. “Ahmad brings a unique blend of legal expertise, proven business acumen and vision for NFLPI that will serve him and the organization well moving forward.”
Keith Gordon announced in August that after nearly six years as NFLPI President, he would be stepping down from the position following the 2015 Super Bowl in Arizona.
“Ahmad is truly one of the brightest and most strategic individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with,” said Gordon. “I can’t think of a better, more qualified person to lead this organization into the future.”
Nassar joined NFLPI in 2009, most recently serving as executive vice president of business affairs and general counsel. Nassar has overseen the organization’s major legal and business initiatives, including negotiating with partners such as Electronic Arts, NIKE, Panini and ESPN. He also led negotiations on NFLPI’s landmark 10-year commercial agreement with the NFL.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our players, partners and staff as the next President of NFL Players Inc.,” said Nassar. “NFLPI has seen growth through partnerships as well as expanded into new and creative deals, benefiting our players, partners and the entire business of football. We hope to continue building on that momentum and branching out into other areas, including new technologies.”
Prior to joining the NFLPA, Nassar worked at law firms Patton Boggs and Latham & Watkins. There he counseled clients in a variety of practice areas, including white-collar criminal defense, intellectual property issues, internal corporate investigations, antitrust issues and a wide variety of matters affecting labor unions.
Nassar received his JD from the University of Chicago School of Law and graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Immediately following his graduation from law school, Nassar served as law clerk for the Honorable Denise Page Hood in the Eastern District of Michigan.
About NFL Players Inc.
NFL Players Inc. is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. NFLPI has been a trusted resource since 1994, delivering access to the influence, power and personal stories of NFL players. NFLPI is a “one-stop shop” for businesses seeking licensing rights, access to players through hospitality and events, marketing strategy and player procurement. For more information, please visit www.nflpa.com/players.
About NFL Players Association
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA’s responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; ensuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; providing other member services and activities; providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; and enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.nflpa.com
