NFL Players Inc. Announces Three New Executive Positions

The company has appointed Sean Sansiveri as general counsel and head of business affairs; Sophie Gage as senior business counsel; Terése Whitehead as vice president, consumer products and strategy.

License Global

January 25, 2021

NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association, has announced three newly created executive positions which are designed to provide more value and assistance to NFLPA business partners through its customized agency model.

Sean Sansiveri has been named general counsel and head of business affairs, Sophie Gage assumes the role of senior business counsel, and Terése Whitehead has been named vice president of consumer products and strategy.

As general counsel and head of business affairs for NFL Players Inc., Sansiveri will pursue new business opportunities in developing markets and industries, and lead negotiations of partnership transactions. He previously served as Corporate counsel and vice president of business and legal affairs, NFL Players Inc.

In addition, Sansiveri will continue to lead the NFLPA health, safety and medical research initiatives. Over the last decade, he has developed and implemented numerous protective measures designed to minimize the

occupational health risks to NFL players. These include the 2020 COVID-19 protocols, the NFL Concussion Protocols and a pain management program that includes the first Prescription Drug Registry Program in the history of professional sports.

Gage has served in several capacities at the NFLPA since 2012, most recently as counsel, business and legal affairs for NFL Players Inc where she negotiated major transactions with key partners, including the NFL, OneTeam Partners and Electronic Arts, and oversees the NFLPA’s investment portfolio and brand protection and enforcement strategy. In her capacity as senior business counsel, she will provide oversight of business development efforts, including prioritizing strategy, deal structure and negotiations, as well as delivering expert and authoritative legal counsel across the NFLPA on intellectual property, licensing, technology, general business, venture and corporate governance matters.

Whitehead will spearhead strategic player solutions for the NFLPA’s roster of more than 80 licensing partners as vice president of consumer products and strategy. Through collaboration with the Player Services team, Whitehead will continue to ensure seamless integration and application of group player rights, player marketing, and client service, while developing customized programs and business solutions that benefit players and partners.

She will play an integral role in maintaining the NFLPA’s annual global licensing revenue growth while expanding the reach and brands of NFL players globally. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Whitehead’s career spans 20 years in sports and entertainment marketing, branding and athlete relations and representation. She has worked for the NFLPA since 2016, most recently as senior manager, sponsorship and operations, player services.