Profile
Barbara Meili serves as Vice Chair of the Global Entertainment and Media Practice, Co-Chair of the Sports Business Industry Group, and Chair of the New York Entertainment and Media Practice. Barbara represents clients in the U.S. television and sports industries, with a focus on licensing of media rights and sponsorship and branding agreements. Barbara also provides general corporate representation of clients in connection with joint venture arrangements for media entities as well as the sale and purchase of programming entities.
Concentrations
- Distribution of linear cable and broadcast networks and on-demand programming via multichannel platforms as well as digital platforms, whether on a subscription basis or as FAST channels.
- Distribution arrangements for all forms of video products and services via online platforms, including distribution on a subscription and/or revenue sharing basis.
- Retransmission consent agreements and network affiliation agreements, including multicast agreements.
- Sports telecast rights agreements, including joint venture arrangements for programming entities.
- Sports team and venue-related sponsorship, branding and promotional arrangements, including naming rights and jersey patch agreements.
- Regulatory issues affecting video content providers and distributors.
Capabilities
Experience
- Represents several major linear programming services with respect to negotiation of distribution agreements with multichannel video programming distributors and digital media platforms.
- Represents MLB team with respect to various venue-related matters, including long-term lease arrangement with state agency and all aspects of sponsorship, ticketing, promotional and facilities-based arrangements, including agreements with concessions and retail stores and hosting of live events.
- Represents several major sports content providers (including a professional sports league network and several regional sports networks) and sports teams with respect to all aspects of telecast licensing and distribution.
- Represents several online and Internet-delivered programming services and other content providers.
- Represents prominent lifestyle brand and video production entity.
Recognition & Leadership
- Team Member, a Law360 “Media & Entertainment Practice Group of the Year,” 2022
- Listed, Euromoney's Expert Guides: "Women in Business Law," 2021-2022
- Selected, Euromoney, "Women in Business Awards - Best in Media & Entertainment," 2020
- Listed, The Hollywood Reporter, "Top 20 Dealmakers of 2019," 2019
- Named, Cablefax "Top Lawyer," 2017-2018
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law, 2005-2017
- Listed, Multichannel News, "Top Dealmakers," 2014
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2006-2010 and 2013-2014
- Honored, CableFAX’s "Most Powerful Women in Cable," 2013
- Named, U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Law Firm of the Year" in Entertainment Law - Music, 2011-2012
- Named, "Top Women Lawyers in the Northeast," Arrive magazine, 2011
- Listed, Chambers & Partners USA Guide, an annual listing of the leading business lawyers and law firms in the world, 2010 and 2011
- Listed, The Hollywood Reporter, "Power Lawyers: Top 100 Outside Counsel," 2007
- Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2007 and 2024
- Rated, AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5.0
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Women in Cable & Telecommunications
Credentials
Education
- J.D., magna cum laude, New York Law School
- B.A., Comparative Literature, Bennington College
Admissions
- New York