Sports

With a winning combination of deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience, we excel at navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape industry. From M&A, financing, commercial contracts, and sponsorship transactions to regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and intellectual property protection.

Our team works closely with clients to develop and implement legal strategies that not only address immediate challenges but also support long-term goals, commercial and legal strategies. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our passion for the sector, drives us to deliver winning results, enabling clients to focus on what they do best—achieving greatness on and off the field.

Representative matters

• FSG in (i) its acquisitions of Liverpool FC and a controlling interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey team; (ii) its sale of a minority interest in Liverpool FC to Dynasty Equity and Salem Red Sox to Diamond Baseball Holdings; (iii) on their extended partnership with LeBron James and sports executive Maverick Carter through an investment in LRMR Ventures LLC and (iv) various transactions, including its investment by RedBird Capital Partners, its investment in the SpringHill Company, its investment in GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership), its ownership of the Boston Red Sox, and New England Sports Network, as well as its interests in Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.
• Dorilton Capital Management LLC on the acquisition of the Williams Formula 1 team (Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited).
• The Football Association on the proposed sale of Wembley Stadium.
• The Glazer Family on the GBP575 million senior and second lien refinancing for Manchester United.

• English Premier League Football Clubs on the extension/renegotiation of its main shirt sponsor and on various commercial matters including the development of its standard form sponsorship agreement and its long-term merchandising agreement with Adidas.
• Saudi Aramco on its strategic partnership with Aston Martin Formula 1 team, including sponsorship arrangements.
• A government owned investment company in an ICC arbitration relating to the disputed termination of a long-term sponsorship agreement and the redevelopment of a major European sporting venue. We successfully defended our client against all claims, valued at more than EUR400m.
• Defeated class certification for the NFL in a Federal suit brought on behalf of ticketholders for Super Bowl XLV arising from alleged issues with temporary stadium seating and won subsequent jury trial on remaining individual claims.