Heavily praised for its ‘knowledge and experience’, Bird & Bird LLP’s sports group leverages cross-departmental expertise in commercial, IP and dispute resolution issues, when tackling complex advisory, transactional and contentious matters for its blue-chip sports client base. The firm’s offering is diverse, covering doping violation claims, regulatory breaches in football, and major corporate financings for investors in the sporting field, with practice head Jonathan Taylor KC being an expert in representing both global and national governing bodies. Max Duthie specialises in handling disciplinary proceedings across the rugby and footballing spheres, Craig Giles is knowledgeable on media rights arrangements, while the ‘astute’ Robert Turner primarily focuses on shirt sponsorship agreements and commercial contracts. Andy Danson concentrates on data rights affairs, while Joss Hargrave and Richard Bush each stand out for their work in acquisitions and arbitrations. Lauren Pagé is noted for her contributions on governance issues, and Will Deller is a key contact for media rights affairs. Chris Lavey is highlighted for his insights into anti-doping proceedings, and both Emma Drake and Lereesa Easterbrook are also integral members of the practice.

Described as a ‘boutique firm’ with ‘magic circle firm skills and attention’, the Northridge Law LLP team has extensive experience of advising on multi-jurisdictional strategic investments, global sponsorship programmes, and player transfers within the football space. The practice demonstrates significant strength on the contentious side, handling alleged regulatory breaches and complex HMRC enquiries, with Jonathan Ellis and the ‘tenacious’ James Eighteen being strong commercial litigators. On the non-contentious side, Ian Lynam is a 'great commercial deal maker', while Paul Shapiro and the ‘very pragmatic’ Jon Walters are regulatory experts, routinely overseeing governance issues. Jamie Feldman heads the firm’s employment offering, providing valuable insights during sports-based acquisitions. George Willis is a data protection specialist, Sarah Boulton regularly acts for governing bodies in restructuring competitions, and both Mike Herbert and Oliver Harland are cited as key contacts, predominantly for financing and regulatory proceedings.

Counting Premier League football clubs, international governing bodies and major athletes among its client base, the Onside Law LLP team draws upon its ‘great strength and depth’ in advising on joint ventures, assisting footballers with complex brand protection issues, and handling multi-jurisdictional M&A. The firm’s litigious offering is similarly notable, including anti-doping proceedings and defamation claims, with founding partner Oliver Hunt routinely acting for talent in the golf and football fields. Jamie Singer has experience of managing media rights and licensing matters, Simon Thorp represents prominent investors and sports governing bodies, while Chris Walsh consistently acts on a range of High Court claims in the cricketing sphere. The ’excellent’ Adam Leadercramer is a tech specialist, Sophie Wilkinson stands out for her IP offering, and Stevie Loughrey concentrates on arbitrations. James Tobias focuses on sponsorship agreements and Ross Brown has vast regulatory knowledge, while Leon Farr and Harriet Leach are also noted as key.

Demonstrating substantial experience in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, complex salary disputes and disciplinary cases, Centrefield LLP fields a ‘very hardworking’ group, regularly acting on behalf of high-profile athletes and sports associations. The Manchester-based outfit is also known for providing ‘unrivalled knowledge’ regarding player contracts, agent arrangements and regulatory issues, with Matthew Bennett being an expert in football transfers and immigration issues. Stuart Baird has vast expertise in disciplinary cases and alleged breaches of FA regulations, Edward Canty is a strong arbitrator in complex football claims, while David Bentham is knowledgeable on sponsorship arrangements and endorsements. Oliver Sadler primarily focuses on commercial matters in sport and media, while Philip Bonner and Alex Brooks are also key members of the practice.

Acting for governing bodies, sporting clubs and high-profile athletes, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP routinely provides ‘detailed and thorough guidance’ in cross-border joint ventures, M&A and disposals. On the commercial side, the team stands out for its knowledge in sports data rights and sponsorship deals, while boasting a regulatory offering centred around governance and anti-doping cases. Based out of London and Cheltenham, Richard Davies leads the outfit, being an expert in the sportstech space. Jason Saiban specialises in sports marketing issues, while Edward Craig is knowledgeable in the horseracing sector. Nic Couchman concentrates on sporting rights law, while Keir Gordon, Nick White and Danielle Sharkey are all highlighted as contacts for transactional and litigious matters.

Spearheaded by Chris Yates and James Cranston, the ‘excellent’ sports group at Clifford Chance LLP regularly advises stakeholders and investors on the regulatory landscape, alongside representing sporting organisations in complex arbitrations and commercial court proceedings. Yates is an expert in crisis management and sporting investigations, Cranston specialises in anti-doping matters and regulatory inquiries, and Jennifer Chimanga advises on media rights and regulatory compliance. Jamie Andrew is experienced in handling strategic commercial contracts and large sponsorship deals, and Alex Walker has knowledge of the video games and esports industries. The firm is especially well versed in acting for sports governing bodies and Premier League clubs.

Drawing upon the firm’s ‘strength in depth’ across its media, commercial and IP divisions, CMS offers bespoke advice to governing bodies, sports broadcasters and major sports teams on all aspects of regulatory, transactional and litigious proceedings. David Zeffman leads the group, predominantly focusing upon the gambling and television sectors in a sporting context; John Cloke represents large sports competitions and sponsors; and the ‘always approachable’ Tom Scourfield is knowledgeable on content protection and anti-counterfeiting strategy. John Enser is a copyright law expert, assisting rights holders and broadband companies, while Neeraj Thomas and Oliver Kichenside are also singled out as key ports of call.

Counting international federations, sporting agencies and broadcasters among its diverse list of clients, Level Law has extensive experience on both the advisory and contentious sides, spanning from data protection to betting investigations and anti-doping proceedings. Described as a ‘leading media rights lawyer’, Dan Harrington frequently acts for sportspeople and media platforms. Morris Bentata also has extensive experience in media rights, while the ‘dedicated’ Daniel Lowen is an expert in the football industry and Fraser Reid is knowledgeable on commercial rights issues. Jody MacDonald primarily focuses on the betting and tech sectors, Liz Coley routinely assists professional football clubs in regulatory and contentious matters, and Tim Lowles specialises in contractual disputes. Alastair Campbell and Clare Barber are also noted as important to the practice.

Leveraging a strong commercial offering, alongside contentious expertise in contractual disputes and sexual misconduct investigations, Lewis Silkin specialises in sports immigration and tech law proceedings. The practice routinely represents athletes, federations and investors involved in appointments and transfers, with Alex Kelham co-heading from London, being an expert in sports sponsorship and commercial rights deals. From Belfast, Stephen O’Flaherty co-leads, consistently advising football clubs and governing bodies, while Oxford-based Jonathan Carr is experienced in employment and safeguarding matters. John Shea often focuses on sporting arbitration tribunals, and JJ Shaw handles IP issues within sport.

As a specialist sports arbitration and litigation law firm, Morgan Sports Law offers vast expertise from its network of international offices across Europe, the Middle East and the US. The team is highly regarded for its bespoke offerings in anti-doping matters, complex football disputes and equine law proceedings. Managing partner Mike Morgan is a ‘great leader’, bringing extensive experience in the football, boxing and tennis spheres to the outfit. Donna Bartley is a sports litigation expert, while Richard Martin is also cited as a key port of call.

With the ‘well-known, well-connected’ Trevor Watkins at the helm, the Pinsent Masons LLP practice has vast experience of representing governing bodies in football, major sponsors and government agencies in all elements of transactional and litigious affairs. Watkins is an expert in M&A and financing work, particularly within a football context, while Manchester-based Julian Diaz-Rainey is knowledgeable in sports-related litigation and arbitration proceedings. Also from Manchester, Samantha Livesey has expertise in sponsorship and IP issues; Leeds-based Matthew Clayton-Stead is a finance specialist; and James Kaye focuses on IPOs and secondary fundraisings.

Slaughter and May has vast experience of handling high-profile transactions, most notably a recent acquisition of shares in a Premier League football club, alongside complex stadium construction projects and cross-border joint venture agreements. The firm has ‘excellent knowledge’ of CMA investigations and employment claims, while co-heads Andrew Jolly and Mark Zerdin specialise in governance matters and multi-jurisdictional M&A. Jane Edwarde regularly acts on behalf of major football and rugby clubs in real estate matters and Richard Jeens is an expert in sports disputes. Hemita Sumanasuriya is experienced in both regulatory and corporate matters, and Tom Inker is knowledgeable on the construction aspects of major sporting projects.

Standing out for its handling of corporate restructurings, sponsorship agreements and multi-jurisdictional M&A, Squire Patton Boggs is labelled as a ‘very personable team’, being especially well versed in the football, rugby and cricket spheres. The practice provides tailored advice on contentious issues, ranging from allegations of racism investigations to unlawful terminations of contracts. Litigation division head Stephen Sampson covers regulatory and litigious matters in the sport and media industries, Birmingham-based David Hull concentrates on complex joint ventures, while Wayne Barnes frequently instructs national governing bodies. Lucy Webster focuses on cross-border disputes, and Mike Llewellyn is an expert on broadcasting rights.

Operating out of Manchester and Liverpool, the Brabners LLP practice is praised for being ‘excellent all over’, displaying extensive expertise across the regulatory, transactional and contentious sections of sports law. Heading the team from Manchester, Lydia Edgar has vast experience of providing employment advice to major national governing bodies, while Jason Smith specialises in the exploitation of commercial and broadcasting rights. In Liverpool, Paul Lunt is an expert in dispute resolution proceedings, frequently focusing on contractual and professional negligence claims; Colin Bell is knowledgeable on sports sponsorship agreements; and the ‘excellent’ Catherine Forshaw and Andrew McGregor are also cited as integral team members.

With experience of representing clients in the Court of Arbitration of Sport, before the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, and in FA disciplinary proceedings, the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner practice is renowned for its ‘unrivalled attention to detail’. The team leverages the expertise of its offices across the globe, with sports head Graham Shear being a specialist in supporting entertainment and EPL clubs in M&A transactions and regulatory matters, while Marcus Pearl is a tech and IP expert. Marc Trottier focuses on finance and investment work in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors, and both Andrew Street and Kate Jeffery  are also recommended.

The DLA Piper team is an ‘excellent choice’ for major leagues, media companies and national governing bodies, frequently assisting with sports-related commercial partnership rights, media rights regulation and complex copyright litigation. Nick Fitzpatrick and Paul Gray co-lead the practice, with the former primarily specialising in brand exploitation and event organisation, while the latter is an expert in sports finance transactions. John Wilks covers IP matters within the sports and media spheres, Jon Kenworthy is an experienced M&A practitioner, and Samuel Churney is also noted. The practice was boosted in the spring of 2024 by the arrival of a team from Armstrong Teasdale, including Zane Shihab and James Thorndyke.

Farrer & Co’s diverse client list includes governing bodies for a range of sports, with the team being regularly called upon for advice on broadcasting rights, strategic partnerships and personal data issues. Tom Bruce heads the practice, being an expert on corporate, commercial and governance matters, Julian Pike is a ‘skilled strategic thinker’ in the contentious media sphere, while the ‘well-respected’ Katie Fudakowski focuses on sports employment matters. Owen O’Rorke represents governing bodies and sports organisations, and India Benjamin is also highlighted as key to the practice.

Specialists in handling licensing contracts, image rights agreements and complex governance matters, the Harbottle & Lewis LLP team is highly regarded by the governing bodies, high-profile athletes and sports organisations it represents. Bob Mitchell and Michael Lister jointly lead the outfit, both specialising in commercial contract work and regulatory matters, predominantly in the football and Formula 1 spheres. Dalton Odendaal is knowledgeable on all aspects of staging major sporting events, while both Sam Purkiss and Mike Jones are cited as key contacts.

Undertaking a blend of commercial deals, event-based work, investment mandates and contentious proceedings, the Latham & Watkins practice is ‘excellent to work with’, frequently representing governing bodies and major tech companies. Patrick Mitchell heads from London, being an expert in media rights and sponsorship arrangements; Edward Barnett assists clients in cross-border M&A; while Martin Davies is a sports litigation expert. Farah O'Brien and Sanjev Warna-kula-suriya bring corporate and finance specialism, and Sam Newhouse focuses on joint ventures.

From advising numerous football clubs on regulatory frameworks to assisting governments on sports-related investments, the Mishcon de Reya LLP team provides ‘user-friendly, up-to-date’ advice on the whole spectrum of transactional and contentious sporting issues. Head of practice Simon Leaf ‘goes above and beyond’ when handling digital rights agreements and sponsorship arrangements, primarily in the boxing and football spheres; Lewis Cohen is an expert on commercial contracts; while Maria Patsalos is an immigration law specialist. Peter Nunn focuses on IP and commercial disputes, and Michael Frost is experienced in crisis management issues. Tom Murray, Reema Sharma and Oliver Millichap are also noted as key.

Embodying ‘responsiveness’ and ‘high quality’, Muckle LLP covers advisory, transactional and litigious issues on behalf of national governing bodies, sporting associations and top-level football clubs. The Newcastle-based firm is particularly well equipped to assist with corporate governance issues and GDPR compliance, with head Tony McPhillips being an expert on employment and contract law matters. Samantha Pritchard has vast experience in charity law affairs in a sporting context, George Festing is knowledgeable on disputes relating to libel and sponsorship aspects, while Louise Duffy is a finance specialist. Alison Walton primarily concentrates on publicly funded capital projects, and Chris Hook is also cited as a key port of call.

Leveraging ‘exceptional professional skills’ and a strong network of international offices, RPC specialises in handling HMRC criminal investigations alongside negotiating settlements regarding interim applications. The practice also shows strength in stadium acquisitions and regulatory compliance, with team lead Jeremy Drew being an expert in sponsorship deals and sports regulation matters. Josh Charalambous is knowledgeable in complex commercial issues – with clients praising his ‘excellent judgement’ – while Neil Brown routinely acts for buyers and investors in sport. Oliver Bray is an advertising and marketing specialist, and Adam Craggs is also recommended.

The multi-disciplinary practice at DAC Beachcroft LLP specialises in the gamut of corporate finance, dispute resolution and contractual issues throughout the football, rugby and horseracing sectors. Operating out of Manchester, Jan Levinson heads the outfit, leading on tech and IP disputes and defamation claims, while London-based Tim Ryan is knowledgeable on broadcast rights and commercial contract matters. Dublin-based Gary Rice is a regulatory expert, and Tim Pickworth, who works from Leeds, is also highlighted.

Standing out for its broad coverage of commercial and regulatory matters, alongside dispute resolution and sports finance issues, Fladgate LLP is well regarded by its client base of sports organisations and governing bodies. The ‘extremely valuable’ head of practice James Earl has in-depth expertise in IP and broadcasting rights affairs, Alex Haffner primarily focuses on the competition and regulatory aspects of sports, while Mark Buckley is knowledgeable on commercial litigation and arbitration. Alan Wetterhahn and Liam David are also notable contacts.

Predominantly advising football agents, players and managers on a range of endorsement agreements, regulatory compliance matters and contractual disputes, Fletcher Sports Law is praised for its ‘unrivalled knowledge’. Paul Fletcher heads the Manchester-based outfit, being a renowned expert across the football, rugby union and cricket spheres, while Tom Grant stands out for his coverage of sponsorship agreements and regulatory disputes.

Representing an established multi-jurisdictional client base comprising governing bodies, sports media businesses and high-profile sportspeople, Hamlins LLP is labelled as being ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’. The ‘simply brilliant’ Matthew Pryke heads the practice, being an expert in commercial arrangements and regulatory issues; Christopher Hutchings predominantly focuses on media-related matter. Katie Holloway is also recommended.

Providing bespoke advice on employment and tax matters within sport, in tandem with bringing a ‘commercial approach’ in contractual disputes, McCormicks regularly represents major sport associations and top-level teams. Peter McCormick co-heads from London and Harrogate, specialising in handling complex competition law cases, while Harrogate-based co-leads David Birks and James Towler assist in complex commercial disputes and on corporate transactions. Peter Minnikin is also noted as key.

Offering a comprehensive service across the immigration, employment, corporate and commercial aspects of sports law, the Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP team is deemed to be ‘strategically astute’ by sporting associations and famous athletes. Andrew Haywood spearheads the practice, specialising in complex discrimination, business protection and disciplinary matters in a sporting context; Richard Marshall routinely advises football clubs and agents; while Nick Humphreys is experienced in High Court and employment tribunal litigation.

With the ‘leading and highly respected’ Steven Tregear leading the outfit, Russells Solicitors covers the whole spectrum of private client advice, media work and contentious proceedings, showing a special focus on NDAs and broadcast agreements. Tregear is an expert on contractual disputes and reputation management issues, Sam Willmott has experience in commercial agreements and non-contentious affairs, while Lucy McCutcheon is also highlighted as a key member of the team.

Spearheaded by the ‘pragmatic’ Marc Sobol, Simons Muirhead Burton provides a multi-disciplinary service on sports media matters, corporate transactions and crisis management issues. Sobol frequently advises international sports agencies on media rights and broadcasting issues, Stephen Shotnes has extensive expertise in disputes and regulatory matters, while Simon Goldberg advises sports clients on corporate and commercial matters.

Counting major sports organisations, national governing bodies and foreign governments among its key clients, TSC Legal stands out for negotiating event hosting agreements and handling global sports investigations. The ‘experienced and enthusiastic’ Andy Korman heads the practice, routinely representing governing bodies and primarily focusing on sports marketing issues, while Rob Jones is knowledgeable on commercial aspects and regulatory compliance matters.

Walker Morris LLP is highly regarded for its expertise in the football regulation, M&A and litigation spheres, being regularly instructed by Premier League clubs and high-profile athletes. Key figures include Christian Slinger, who specialises in commercial arrangements and general compliance work. Former practice head David Hinchliffe has left the firm, along with Tim Howden and India Swall.

Wiggin LLP specialises in handling high-value commercial deals across a multitude of sports, with a specific focus on audio-visual and data rights, alongside IP licensing and advertising. The firm is highly regarded for its tailored advice on sponsorship arrangements, with practice lead Ross Sylvester providing knowledge on regulatory compliance and primarily assisting tech platforms. Sean James is an expert on content distribution and transmission, while Sarah MacDonald heads the advertising and marketing offering. David Hinchliffe joined the team from Walker Morris in September 2024.

Demonstrating specific expertise in horse racing, polo and motorsport, the Burges Salmon LLP practice is highly regarded for advising on media rights and sponsorship arrangements, alongside anti-doping litigation. Based out of Bristol, Jeremy Dickerson leads the outfit, with experience in merchandising and sales promotion matters; Helen Scott-Lawler is a specialist in exploiting IP and data in horse racing; while Andrew Matheson focuses on high-value commercial disputes.

With Richard Barham at the helm, Dentons' team displays a ‘superb’ and ‘willing attitude’ when handling M&A and corporate governance issues within the football and media spheres. Dan Bodle is an international arbitration expert, Matthew Tinger primarily focuses on the leisure sector, and Joe Collingwood is highly knowledgeable on the corporate finance side. Georgina Kirkwood is also highlighted as key for her work on the commercial aspects of deals.

Spearheaded by the ‘technically gifted’ Mohit Pasricha, Lawrence Stephens Solicitors is well equipped to handle high-profile transfers, employment matters and landmark commercial deals. Pasricha routinely acts for famous boxers and footballers, while the ‘amazing’ Jake Cohen acts for clients in both contentious and non-contentious matters. William Bowyer leads the firm’s golf and motorsport offering, and the ‘very hardworking’ Angelique Richardson is also highlighted for her expertise in the boxing space.

Bringing specialist knowledge in sports litigation and arbitration, primarily in the football, motorsports and boxing spheres, Payne Hicks Beach LLP is described as an ‘impressive boutique practice’. Former partner Mark Gay has transitioned to a consultancy role, boasting experience in High Court sports proceedings, while Jonathan Gatward routinely advises on image rights issues. Dominic Crossley is a privacy and media law expert, Hanna Basha is knowledgeable on crisis management matters, and Nick Grant is also noted as key.

Providing tailored advice to major professional football clubs, international football agencies and high-profile sports brands, Brandsmiths is hailed for being a ‘dynamic and forward-looking team’. Co-headed by the ‘smart’ Tom Keane and ‘first-rate’ David Seligman, who were both promoted to partner in January 2024, the practice also welcomed Nicola Wilburn-Shaw as partner in February 2024. Adam Morallee has vast expertise in the football and boxing spheres, while Michael Forrester focuses on media and privacy work.

Offering a bespoke service spanning contract negotiations, transfers and personal branding, Bray & Krais has considerable expertise in acting for athletes and professional footballers. Headed by the trio of Udo Onwere, Mark Krais and Richard Bray, the firm regularly advises athletes on ambassador agreements and employment contracts. Simon Goodbody heads the dispute resolution department, covering IP and brand protection matters.

Routinely acting for FIFA-licensed and FA-registered football agents, the Clintons team displays considerable strength in handling sports apparel endorsement agreements and misconduct charges. The ‘knowledgeable, unflappable’ Karim Bouzidi heads the group, specialising in reputational matters, while Andrew Squires May regularly represents athletes and high-profile individuals in complex disputes.

Hailed for being ‘exceptionally strong’, Fieldfisher counts sports governing bodies and associations among its key clients, fielding a cross-disciplinary offering based around corporate, dispute resolution and employment matters. Andrew Sanderson leads, boasting vast experience in handling health and safety reviews and defending in prosecutions; Colin Gibson primarily focuses on arbitrations; while Matthew Lohn and Quinton Newcomb are also cited as key ports of call.

Renowned as specialists in the sports IP, copyright and trade mark spheres, the Gowling WLG team is based out of both London and Birmingham, consistently acting on behalf of major sporting organisations and football clubs. Sarah Riding and Ragi Singh co-head the practice, focusing on complex commercial contracts and disciplinary cases, while Ruth Griffin specialises in construction and engineering transactional work.

Co-headed by Lois Langton and Kyle Phillips, Howard Kennedy LLP represents clubs, agencies and sports organisations on strategic acquisitions and corporate governance issues, in tandem with disputes and reputation management. Langton acts for high-profile footballers in divorce and financial remedy cases, Phillips is an expert in fraud and corruption claims, while Sam Murray-Hinde has a particular specialism in industrial relations.

The multi-disciplinary practice at Keoghs LLP has vast expertise in advising on sports injury claims, regulatory matters and complex contractual issues, primarily representing racehorse trainers, football clubs and rugby teams. Sian Davies heads the outfit, specialising in sports claims involving healthcare issues; Jason Howarth has experience in defending professional athletes in complex litigation; and Liverpool-based Sarah Naylor focuses on disciplinary proceedings.

Offering comprehensive coverage of reputation management, employment and corporate aspects within the sports sector, Keystone Law is hailed for being ‘very strong’. Rachel Flynn specialises in the horseracing and equine sphere, Jamie Horner is knowledgeable on the events and entertainment industries, and Peter Millichip primarily focuses on commercial and contentious matters. Gerard Cukier regularly acts for football managers and Premiership teams, and Paul Daniels is an employment law expert.

Covering sports ranging from football and Formula 1 to cricket and tennis, Norton Rose Fulbright’s offering is ‘extremely broad’, focusing on stadium financing and high-end sponsorship deals. Stephen Rigby heads the team, primarily specialising in M&A and equity capital markets; Claire O’Donnell is an expert on corporate governance matters; while Sarah Fitzpatrick is a notable planning lawyer. Alex Wills and Tom Maturi are also cited as key contacts.

Fielding a team of specialists in private client and personal injury, and recently expanding into public law issues, the Russell-Cooke LLP team provides ‘a great service’ to professional football clubs and sports organisations. Matt Bosworth leads, primarily focusing on reputation management and IP protection in a sporting context; Sheetul Sowdagur is a regulatory and litigation expert; while Bhavneeta Limbachia is knowledgeable on personal immigration and human rights matters. The ‘outstanding’ Gareth Roy is also noted.

Headed by commercial litigation expert Ben Sigler, Stephenson Harwood frequently acts on behalf of sports clubs, governing bodies and motorsport teams across the gamut of contentious and debt refinancing matters. Sigler is knowledgeable in regulatory investigations and arbitration proceedings, Julian Cahn represents creditors and stakeholders, while Don Brown concentrates on cross-border financing transactions.

Exhibiting a ‘deep understanding of the sports landscape’, Winston & Strawn LLP has a strong track record in advising on equal rights issues, doping claims and landmark antitrust challenges to major sporting organisations. Practice head Peter Crowther shows ‘above-and-beyond commitment’ when assisting on complaints and investigations relating to athlete welfare and funding issues, while Daniela Cohen regularly represents sponsors and borrowers in the sports space.