Michael Santos

Michael Santos joined the Sports Industry Management Program of Georgetown University as an Adjunct Professor in 2016. He spent three decades managing the events, operations and legal affairs of complex amateur and professional sports organizations and is currently Managing Member of Hockey Operations, LLC, Director of Business and Athletic Development for Bishop Guertin High School, an Associate with Douglas Elliman Sports and Entertainment and an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College and St. Thomas University where he teaches Negotiating the Pro Sports Contract, Sports Law and Risk Management and Sports Marketing and Promotions. 

Michael provides a broad and practical knowledge of the law combined with excellent business acumen. He has years of experience closing major business, entertainment and sports transactions and excels at drafting, negotiating and reviewing contracts, legal documents, rules and regulations.

Michael began his career with the NHL before working for the AHL’s New Haven Nighthawks. He returned to the NHL as the league’s Manager of Special Events, worked for the New York Islanders as Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations, the Florida Panthers as Director of Hockey Operations and Corporate Counsel, was Commissioner and President of the NAHL, Director of Hockey Operations for the Nashville Predators, returned to the Florida Panthers as Assistant General Manager, served as President of the Norfolk Admirals and as Executive Director of the EHL.

During his career, Michael has managed annual operating budgets averaging $90 million, negotiated player contracts with an average annual value of $75 million, managed collective bargaining agreements and salary cap compliance, successfully defended grievance challenges and won salary arbitration cases. He has scouted, drafted and developed prospects and assembled championship caliber hockey organizations built upon character and a culture of winning.    

Born in Boston and a native of Lowell, MA, Santos is a graduate of Boston College. He received his Master’s Degree from the United States Sports Academy and earned his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law. In addition to being a member of the New York State Bar and USA Hockey Legal Council, he is licensed by the Florida Division of Real Estate.