Buchalter’s multifaceted Sports Industry Practice Group represents players, coaches, owners, leagues, and governing bodies in transactions, litigation, administrative proceedings, real estate and various other matters throughout the United States and around the world. Worldwide, sports is a multi-trillion dollar industry affecting every aspect of life.
Our team matches the tremendous passion for this industry to that of our clients, while bringing a levelheaded approach to solving the industry’s problems. Buchalter provides cost-effective representation in an area where valuations and transactions have increased exponentially in recent years, with new media rights and advertising agreements reaching new heights on a seemingly daily basis.
Buchalter’s professionals have tackled cutting-edge issues such as NIL representation and protection, NFTs, Esports and player conduct issues in multiple sports, and have worked with individuals and entities in acquisitions, dispositions, and relocations of sports franchises, among many different other areas.
Buchalter’s attorneys and staff are actively involved in local sports organizations, coaching teams, serving on boards, sponsoring leagues, and otherwise supporting their communities.
Representative Matters:
- Acted as outside counsel for sports content producer providing content to multiple websites.
- Negotiated contract for the former president of the Womens’ National Basketball Association (WNBA).
- Represented former MLB Cy Young and Most Valuable Player award-winning pitcher in various business endeavors.
- Conducted due diligence and aided in the acquisition of a Utah ski resort.
- Represented group that bought multiple Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams.
- Facilitated secure bond financing for the development and building of two large youth and amateur sports parks in Arizona.
- Represented bank as the collateral trustee for loans to construct National Football League (NFL) stadium.
- Negotiated multiple naming rights and advertising deals with NFL and NBA teams and stadiums, UFC and other entities.
- Advised youth baseball organization on field, access and parking compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Represented former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher in his contract negotiations, as well as in his off-the-field business activities.
- Aided a labor union and major car manufacturer in the development of a NASCAR circuit.
- Litigated a sports lending matter involving multiple NFL players on behalf of a national bank.
- Represented National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer during his playing days and in retirement for his multiple businesses.
- Negotiated over $70 million in National Football League (NFL) player contracts and endorsements.
- Represented highest paid female collegiate coaches in various Division I sports.
- Represented Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach.
- Represented collegiate coaches before the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
- Represented several Olympic athletes in contracts/endorsements.
- Represented professional horse racing league,
The major areas of Buchalter’s Sports Industry Group include:
- Corporate and M&A
- Litigation
- Real Estate transactions
- Contracts, Partnerships, and LLCs
- Labor and Employment
- Tax Planning, Benefits, and Estate Planning
- Government, Regulatory, and Administrative Law and Policy
- Land Use and Environmental law
- Intellectual Property and Branding
- Products Liability
- Financing
- Insolvency and Financial Law Group
- International Business and Trade
- Privacy and Data Security
- Securities
The following are some examples of the type of matters in which Buchalter provides representation:
- Acquisitions and dispositions of sports real estate, venues, and teams
- Acquisition financing
- Agent-player disputes
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Antitrust counseling and representation
- Arbitration
- Bankruptcy reorganizations and proceedings
- Business formation, transactions and counseling
- Coaching representation
- Collective bargaining and labor dispute matters
- Compliance
- Contract disputes
- Counsel and representation before sport governing bodies
- Crisis management (player, team, and league)
- Development of association rules and regulations, negotiation and enforcement
- Disciplinary hearings and proceedings
- Drug and medication rules violations/appeal hearings
- Employment disputes and advice and counsel
- Esports representation
- Gaming and licensing issues
- Insurance policies and coverage disputes
- Intellectual property licensing and protection
- Joint ventures
- Litigation
- Media rights counseling, negotiation and protection
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) representation and development of NIL programs
- Non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement agreements and disputes
- Permitting, land use and construction of sport facilities
- Purchase and sale contracts
- Representation of athletes, coaches, teams, owners and leagues
- Releases, waivers and liability disputes
- Sales commissions disputes
- Syndication Agreements
- Tax issues
- Trade secret protection and litigation
- Wage and hour advising and disputes
- Zoning applications and appeals
