Sports

Akin’s premier sports law practice represents some of the most influential players in sports, media, entertainment, technology, private equity and private credit.

Clients rely on Akin’s world-class transactional and legal capabilities, enhanced by significant operational and executive experience in sports, to handle their most strategic, important and sophisticated transactions and matters.

Akin advises institutional investors (private credit, private equity and family offices) in connection with significant sports investments and transactions, and our deep operational and executive experience in sports also makes Akin a perfect partner for start-up leagues and emerging sports. From developing innovative media distribution strategies, building scalable operating models and aiding in the execution of capital raises.

Akin lawyers & advisors have handled matters involving the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Basketball Association (NBA), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Hockey League (NHL), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS) and the U.S. Tennis Association.

Services In-Depth

Transactions, Investments & Tax

Akin is a market leader in structuring complex transactions and delivering innovative capital solutions for sports clients across the globe. Our lawyers adeptly guide investors through the sports industry’s complexities, catering to a diverse range of clients that include investment funds, companies and directors. Our proficiency in merger and acquisitions (M&A), restructurings and a variety of investment scenarios is underscored by our focus on debt financings, capital markets transactions and corporate governance.

We have handled sophisticated transactions on behalf of teams, leagues, local governments and municipalities in connection with arena, stadium and venue development, financing and building improvements. Our team has negotiated major media distribution deals, affiliate transactions and carriage agreements and other matters related to content distribution and media strategy. Further, we have represented teams and leagues in connection with the legalization of sports betting and transactions with sports betting operators.

This knowledge extends across a wide spectrum of transactions in the sports sector, from the acquisition of major league teams to securing minority interests in sports franchises. We offer comprehensive advice on tax planning and compliance, addressing the full breadth of legal challenges to ensure fiscal efficiency and regulatory compliance in investments. We deliver strategic, results-oriented advice, meticulously tailored to align with each client’s investment objectives in the dynamic world of sports.

Lobbying & Public Policy

Our renowned lobbying & public policy practice integrates a top lobbying practice within a full-service law firm. Our bipartisan group includes former members of Congress and other lawyers and professionals with considerable government service experience. With this formidable experience, our team of experienced professionals is well-versed in navigating the complex landscape of sports policy and regulation, ensuring that our clients’ interests are effectively represented at all levels of government.

With a proven track record of success, we have established strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in the sports industry. This enables us to craft tailored strategies that align with our clients’ specific goals and objectives, whether it’s advocating for favorable legislation, addressing regulatory challenges or promoting an organization’s interests. We leverage our extensive network and industry insights to shape policy discussions, drive meaningful change and position our clients for success in an ever-evolving sports landscape.

Our client base encompasses a wide range of organizations and entities within the sports industry. We proudly represent major professional sports leagues, leveraging our experience to influence policy decisions that directly impact crucial areas such as player safety, labor relations and broadcasting rights.

Additionally, we possess the political acumen and extensive connections necessary to advocate for U.S. and multinational sporting associations and governing bodies, effectively addressing matters such as federal funding, athlete rights and the successful hosting of major sporting events.

Furthermore, our team is well equipped to provide invaluable assistance to sports facilities and venue operators, including stadium owners, event organizers and entertainment companies, by advocating for their interests in relation to zoning, permitting, licensing and other regulatory considerations.

Labor & Employment, Litigation & Regulatory

Akin assists sports clients confronted with consequential labor, litigation and regulatory matters that cannot be addressed with cookie-cutter strategies. Our lawyers have been repeatedly recognized for deploying creative approaches to significant and potentially problematic cases or issues. In addition, our regulatory team guides sports’ clients through their most sensitive government investigations and counsels them on their most challenging compliance issues.

Our lawyers have substantial experience advising on collective bargaining and representing professional sports teams, leagues and organizations in disputes with their players, umpires, referees, employees and independent contractors. We have conducted high-stakes internal investigations and defended claims involving significant issues such as discrimination, harassment, defamation, wrongful termination and workers’ compensation. We have also represented sports industry clients in significant class action litigation involving issues such as player care and independent contractor status of officials.

Representative Matters

Transactions, Investments & Tax

Represented OB Global Holdings LLC in its acquisition of OpenBet and IMG ARENA of Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. through a management buyout backed by Ariel Emanuel.
Advised TEGNA in connection with securing broadcast rights for Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games.
Advised on the acquisition of tennis tournaments in Brazil by an international investor.
Advised Leidos in strategic partnership with the Washington Nationals.
Acted as counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the chapter 11 cases of Diamond Sports Group and its affiliates, an operator of regional sports broadcast networks for more than 40 teams across the MLB, NHL and NBA, involving more than $8 billion in liabilities.
Advised Elite Sports Equity on its acquisition of the Barcelona Dragons, an American-style football team that plays in the European League of Football.
Advised a consortium in the tax aspects of the acquisition of an NFL team.
Advised on the acquisition of a minority interest in an NFL team.
Advised on the acquisition of a leading youth sports brand.
Advised on the acquisition of multiple parcels for a new NBA team’s arena and a shopping mall.
Advised on Opportunity Zone redevelopment projects for venue adjacent to team.

Lobbying & Public Policy

Representing the Southeastern Conference in relation to federal efforts to create uniformity in the marketplace for athletes’ monetization of their name, image and likeness. In these efforts, Akin works closely with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other conferences and interested parties to advance legislation that would provide a federal standard to eliminate a confusing patchwork of state laws and implement safeguards for student athletes.
Led efforts for an association of independent venues seeking government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with Senators John Cornyn and Amy Klobuchar, our advocacy resulted in the enactment of the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act. This $16-billion rescue program provides financial support to music venues, movie theaters, Broadway and performing arts centers and museums.
Engaged by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) to advocate for legislation that establishes federal regulations for the horseracing industry. Our efforts included lobbying Congress to establish minimum safety standards and practices for horse welfare and track maintenance. As a result, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) was enacted in 2020, authorizing a private self-regulatory organization to develop rules for horseracing.
Played a pivotal role in advocating for the passage of the Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. Working closely with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, we developed a comprehensive strategy to garner support for the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Through strategic engagement with influential members of Congress, we effectively conveyed the importance of honoring the centennial anniversary of the Negro Leagues. As a result, the legislation gained significant traction and was signed into law as H.R. 4104 (116th) on December 4, 2020, marking a historic moment in recognizing and honoring the legacy of the Negro Leagues.

Labor & Employment, Litigation & Regulatory

Serving as lead counsel for a major university in Johnson v. NCAA, a case which alleges that college athletes should be recognized as employees of the schools they attend under the Fair Labor Standards Act and parallel state statutes, and that the NCAA is a joint employer of the schools the plaintiff athletes compete for.
Advised an online daily fantasy sports (DFS) website and mobile app on the management of the company’s relations with state attorneys general, who are generally charged with enforcing state gaming laws, in key states that the company operates in.
Represented a prominent sports and entertainment company in an age discrimination case involving a former lawyer for the company.
Representing teams and leagues in connection with workers compensation matters and litigation.
Conducted an internal investigation on behalf of a sports and entertainment company into alleged discrimination.