New Business Consultant - Sales - Sports Clubs Innovation & Growth Lead - Independent Contractor

• Business Unit: Consulting New Business Sales – Sports, Media & Entertainment
  Location: NYC - Hybrid 3x per week onsite at EXL offices and client sites
  Reports To: VP, Entertainment Consulting
• Compensation : This is a part-time independent contractor role with a monthly retainer for advisory support and significant performance-based commissions on new business development (including flat fees for signed MSAs with sports clubs or other clients and percentage-based payouts on SOW revenue).
  As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes and benefits; no employee benefits are provided.

About the Role

The Sports Innovation & Growth Lead-  Independent Contractor, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving EXL’s sports clubs’ strategy. As the lead consultant you’ll collaborate with a diverse network of experts across digital, analytics, operations, and fan engagement to help clients transform business models, unlock growth, and create long-term value in an evolving sports landscape. This role combines deep expertise with innovative thinking to enable clients adapt to evolving fan behaviors, digital disruption, and new commercial models.

Why Join Us

• A platform to shape the future of sport through innovative consulting solutions.
• The opportunity to collaborate with global sports organizations, investors, and brands.
• A high-performance environment that values innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership.
• Access to the firm’s global network of experts in digital transformation, analytics, and business strategy.

• Industry Leadership & Growth
  • Define and execute the firm’s sports industry go-to-market strategy, including target markets, offerings, and strategic partnerships.
  • Monitor and analyze global sports industry trends to develop thought leadership and position the firm as a trusted advisor in the sector.
  • Represent the firm at major conferences, panels, and client events, articulating perspectives on innovation, digital disruption, and growth in sport.
• New Business Development
  • Collaborate with internal experts across Digital, Operations, and Analytics practices to co-create integrated client solutions.
  • Support clients in identifying new revenue streams, audience growth opportunities, and investment strategies.
• Develop and grow client relationships, contributing to sales, pipeline management, and proposal development.
• Partner with firm leadership to expand the sports portfolio, identifying new opportunities within adjacent sectors such as media, gaming, and entertainment.

• 10+ years of experience in management consulting or strategic advisory, with a focus on the sports, media, or entertainment industries.
• Strong track record of leading large-scale transformation projects, preferably across commercial strategy, digital, or fan engagement initiatives.
• Deep understanding of the global sports ecosystem — including governance, sponsorship, media rights, data monetization, and fan behaviors.
• Proven business development experience, with the ability to build C-level relationships and contribute to practice growth.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred; relevant professional certifications a plus.