Sports & Entertainment

We represent a broad range of entertainment and sports clients. These specialized interests benefit from the extensive business experience of our various practice groups.

The representation of our sports clients includes a broad range of commercial transactions and legal issues, including: 

• Executive employment agreements
• Negotiation of player and coaching contracts
• Arbitration of disputed contract issues
• Negotiation and preparation of sports arena use agreements
• Negotiation of network and local access television agreements
• Luxury box lease and license agreements
• College football bowl agreements with athletic conferences
• General labor matters
• Trademark licensing and related matters
• Negotiation and preparation of sponsorship and advertising agreements
• Advising on federal, state, and local taxes
• Preparation of contracts related to ticketing operations and negotiation
• Preparation of television and radio broadcast agreements
• Endorsement and autograph agreements

Our team of experienced litigators also has handled numerous litigation matters involving sports teams, entertainers, facilities, sponsors and broadcasts, each involving a wide range of sports law issues.

Athletes and Entertainers

We have significant experience in the representation of athletes and entertainers for their personal and family legal needs, including financial planning, asset protection, personal injury, commercial and business endeavors, real estate transactions, estate planning, family and marital law, and charitable foundation relationships.

Contract Negotiation

• Player contracts from negotiation through agreement completion
• Appearance and endorsement contract negotiation including corporate appearances, memorabilia and television broadcasts

Arbitration/Mediation

• Grievance settlement dealing with injuries and other issues
• Club and commissioner discipline management
• Worker Compensation claims
• Collection management of disability/career-ending insurance proceeds

Tax Planning

• Federal, international and state tax
• Profit sharing and other financial guidance to minimize tax liability
• Charitable foundation/relationship development

Other Legal Services

• Broad team of experienced litigators and business lawyers
• Counsel and management of business endeavors, real estate transactions and other major purchases
• Estate planning, wills and trusts
• Family and marital law
• Personal injury/Wrongful death

Referral Services

• Athletic management
• Financial planning
• Post-career counseling