External General Counsel for Sports Franchises, Clubs & Teams
Our law firm serves as trusted external general counsel to professional sports franchises, clubs, and teams across a wide range of leagues and sports. We provide day-to-day legal support and strategic guidance on the full spectrum of operational, transactional, regulatory, and governance matters—delivering the experience of an in-house legal department with the flexibility and depth of a full-service firm.
With a deep understanding of the sports industry and its fast-moving legal landscape, we help clients navigate complex challenges, manage risk, and pursue growth with confidence.
Our General Counsel Services Include:
Corporate Governance & Compliance – Advising ownership groups and executive leadership on corporate structure, league rules, and governance best practices.
Commercial Transactions – Drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including sponsorship and vendor agreements, facility use, ticketing, licensing, and media rights deals.
Employment & Labor – Providing guidance on front office, coaching, and team staff employment agreements, internal investigations, discipline, and compliance with labor law and collective bargaining agreements.
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection – Coordinating with intellectual property specialists to manage trademark portfolios, licensing agreements, brand enforcement, and digital rights issues. We ensure that IP strategies align with the franchise’s commercial goals, league rules, and long-term brand value.
Dispute Resolution & Risk Management – Handling contract disputes, regulatory inquiries, internal conflicts, and litigation matters efficiently and strategically.
Real Estate & Facilities – Collaborating with specialized real estate counsel on matters involving stadium leases, renovations, naming rights agreements, and venue development or acquisition. We help coordinate legal strategy and ensure alignment with broader team operations, league requirements, and community partnerships.
Player & Talent Issues – Coordinating with agents and player representatives on off-field legal matters, including endorsements, NIL issues, and personal legal concerns when relevant.
A Seamless Extension of Your Leadership Team
We work closely with ownership, executives, and internal operations teams to deliver practical legal advice tailored to the fast-paced, high-profile world of professional sports. Whether advising on a day-to-day operational question or leading complex, high-value transactions, we bring responsive service, industry fluency, and sound judgment to every engagement.
Why Clients Rely on Us
Franchises choose us because we understand both the business of sports and the unique pressures of operating in the public eye. Our team has deep experience across the legal and commercial issues that matter most to teams—on the field, in the boardroom, and in the community. As external general counsel, we’re not just legal advisors—we’re strategic partners invested in the long-term success of the organization.