Introduction: 0:00

• Peter Steckelman, Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at the Tennis Channel, joins the podcast.
• His lifelong love for tennis.
• His favorite memories from the US Open.

Starting his career in-house at Disney: 9:59

• Peter finds his footing as an entertainment lawyer.
• Leveraging the Disney brand.
• Looking to work in mediums beyond film.
• Changing course at Fox, Warner Brothers, and Mattel.
• Seeing the result of taking risks like the Barbie movie.

How to work with creative people: 20:45

• Peter on being a great listener.
• Reminding the creators that you’re on their side.
• Always being respectful and positive.

What role does creativity play in the legal field?: 24:31

• Peter on finding creative solutions during negotiations.
• Taking the long-winding road and thinking unconventionally.

Working as a studio executive at video game developer Konami: 28:44

• Peter on balancing business needs and legal concerns.
• Developing complex royalty systems.

Putting together talent agreements with celebrity athletes: 30:51

• Peter on the importance of being friendly to talent.
• Treating influencers fairly and transparently.
• Always asking yourself “why am I doing this?”

Leading legal at the Tennis Channel: 39:45

• Peter on aggregating rights for tournaments. 
• Leveraging the distribution power of Sinclair.
• Assembling grand slam deals with ESPN.
• Growing the Tennis Channel beyond television.
• Incorporating pickleball coverage.

What playing tennis has taught Peter about being a lawyer: 44:49

• Peter on tennis as a problem-solving sport.
• Always staying focused on the ball.

Rapid-fire questions: 47:30

• Peter’s favorite part of each day.
• Professional pet peeves.

Book recommendations: 49:10

• Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade

What Peter wishes he’d known as a young lawyer: 49:50

• Peter on accepting the power of quiet.