Laura Franco Named EVP, General Counsel For MSG Entertainment, Sphere

Laura Franco, a 30-year legal veteran, has been named executive vice president and general counsel for Madison Square Garden Entertainment Co. and Sphere Entertainment Co., the companies announced February 1.

Franco will begin her roles February 20.

Franco comes to the MSG family of companies from Bumble Inc., the parent company of dating app Bumble and social media/dating site Badoo, where she served as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. Prior to her time at Bumble, she spent more than 25 years at Viacom Inc. and CBS Corporation — now Paramount Global. As CBS’ executive vice president and general counsel, she “spearheaded critical company initiatives and major company-wide corporate transactions” included CBS’ 2019 merger with Viacom, according to a press release.

“We are pleased to welcome Laura to the MSG Family of Companies,” James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of MSG Entertainment and Sphere, said in a statement.. “Laura’s background handling high-profile corporate and business legal matters at premier media companies will be a valuable addition to our Legal teams, and we look forward to leveraging her expertise as both companies pursue their business strategies.”

“The opportunity to take on this role with two leading entertainment companies is a significant professional milestone,” Franco said. “I look forward to working with the management teams at both companies to ensure we continue to deliver excellence across our Legal operations and help drive both MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment’s growth initiatives.”