Sports and Entertainment
Enabling growth and integrity in sport
Sport and entertainment are evolving at speed, creating new commercial opportunities alongside increasing regulatory and governance complexity. We help stakeholders across the EMEA region navigate this landscape with confidence.
Combining deep sector experience with practical legal insight, we advise ministries, federations, governing bodies, leagues, clubs, athletes and rightsholders on strategic initiatives — from launching competitions and acquiring rights to hosting major events and structuring commercial ventures. We also support the design, implementation and enforcement of rules across integrity, player welfare, governance and compliance — helping protect value, manage risk and deliver with clarity.
How we can help
Executing high-value sports and entertainment deals
We support you in executing complex sports and entertainment transactions with clarity and confidence. From drafting and negotiating commercial agreements to due diligence, financing and regulatory approvals, we advise investors, buyers and rights-holders on club acquisitions, ownership tests, cross-border investment risks and the commercial exploitation of sports and entertainment assets.
Managing legal risk for major events
We advise on the full legal lifecycle of major sports and entertainment events, from bid preparation to delivery. Our support includes agreements with federations, organisers and partners, as well as advice on ambush marketing, integrity issues and risk management — helping you deliver global events that are compliant, resilient and commercially successful.
Protecting integrity through robust regulation
We help sporting bodies design, implement and enforce clear, effective rules that uphold fairness, safety and integrity. Our work spans player welfare, eligibility, disciplinary processes, anti-doping, anti-corruption and competition integrity, as well as governance and compliance matters. We also support clients in challenging or defending regulatory decisions.
Strengthening governance and accountability structures
We advise federations and governing bodies on governance compliance, fiduciary duties and conflicts of interest. Our support includes drafting and updating governance policies covering delegation of authority, safeguarding, integrity and compliance — helping businesses operate transparently and in line with regulatory expectations.
Supporting athletes as global brands
We advise athletes and performers on the legal and commercial aspects of their careers. Our support includes contracts, transfers, sponsorship and endorsement deals, image rights and brand strategy, as well as corporate structuring for global brand exploitation. We also assist with disciplinary matters, investigations and employment-related issues.
Our experience
World Motorsport Governing Body—Regulatory advisory
Advised on sporting, technical, commercial and financial matters for major global motorsport championships, including drafting, implementing and enforcing rules on driver equipment, safety, cost caps, structuring, governance, commercial partnerships and the establishment of new championships.
GCC Ministry—Sports regulation framework
Implemented the entire sports legislative and regulatory framework for a giga-project, including drafting the sports law, supporting regulations and accompanying policies and procedures.
Middle East cricket league—Regulatory and commercial advisory
Advised a leading Middle East cricket league on competition structure, contract negotiations and renegotiations with franchise teams, financial matters, International Cricket Council recognition, tournament expansion and entry into new markets.
High-profile footballers—Contract & commercial advisory
Advised two Premier League footballers on transfers, contract negotiations, commercial ventures, sponsorship, branding and image rights.
Leading Integrity Body—Regulatory advisory
Advised a major sports integrity body in relation to anti-corruption and anti-doping matters and the roll-out of controls and regulations to a challenger series' events.
