Akerman LLP

Akerman LLP is a leading law firm recognized for its Sports Business Law Practice, which provides sophisticated counsel informed by broad-based industry knowledge and decades of experience. Akerman’s multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive legal services to clients across the sports industry, including professional leagues, teams, governing bodies, sponsors, investors, event organizers, media companies and more.

Industry participants turn to Akerman to protect and assert their rights across the array of business issues encountered in these unique areas of law and culture. From the complexities of purchasing a professional sports franchise to the negotiation of broadcast rights, talent agreements, and litigating disputes involving players’ unions, Akerman provides clients with experience and perspective.

Expertise Across the Sports Sector

Akerman’s sports business law team combines industry insight with legal excellence to support clients at every stage of the sports business lifecycle. The firm’s sports business lawyers have extensive experience advising on:

• Marketing, Sponsorships, and Endorsements: Business advisory services to teams, facilities, sponsors, advertisers, networks, leagues, financial institutions, and municipal governments, including structuring and negotiating sponsorship, licensing, merchandising, and endorsement agreements.
• Broadcast and New Media Licensing: Advising on broadcasting and media rights as a source of revenue to finance sporting events, refurbish stadiums, and contribute to the continued development of sports organizations.
• Commercial Transactions: Structuring and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements, including event hosting contracts and media rights deals.
• Corporate and M&A: Advising on acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and restructurings involving sports franchises, facilities, and related businesses.
• Intellectual Property: Protecting and commercializing brands, trademarks, image rights, and digital assets in the sports sector.
• Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings, including contractual disputes, disciplinary matters, and disputes involving players’ unions.
• Labor & Employment: Advising on athlete contracts, collective bargaining, employment disputes, and immigration matters for players, coaches, and staff.
• Real Estate & Facilities: Supporting the development, financing, and operation of sports venues and training facilities.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Guiding clients through league rules, governance issues, anti-corruption, and integrity matters, as well as compliance with US and international regulations.
• Esports & Emerging Technologies: Advising on legal issues in esports and the use of new technologies in sports, including data rights and digital content.

Global Reach, Local Insight

While Akerman is headquartered in the United States, the firm’s sports business law practice supports clients with global reach and cross-border operations. Akerman’s lawyers regularly advise on international transactions, regulatory compliance, and disputes involving multiple jurisdictions, leveraging a network of trusted relationships with leading law firms worldwide.

Industry Leadership

Akerman’s sports business law team is recognized for its practical, business-focused approach and deep sector knowledge. The firm’s lawyers are active participants in industry organizations, thought leaders on emerging legal issues, and frequent contributors to sports law publications and events.

Why Choose Akerman?

Clients choose Akerman for its commitment to delivering innovative, tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the sports industry. Whether advising on high-profile transactions, complex disputes, or day-to-day operational matters, Akerman’s team is dedicated to helping clients achieve their strategic objectives in a dynamic and competitive environment.