Overview
Companies in the sports industry rely on fierce competitiveness, smart business strategy and seamless collaboration to grow and thrive. They also rely on outside legal counsel they can trust to advise them with respect to various important transactions and other matters. Katten offers legal services to a wide array of participants in the sports industry, including MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS teams, prospective owners, arena and stadium developers and operators, financial institutions, regional sports networks, government entities, universities, NASCAR-related parties and corporate sponsors. Our attorneys' sports industry work includes:
- Purchase and sale of sports franchises
- Debt and equity financings
- Television and radio broadcast agreements
- Arena/stadium construction, financing and operations, including ticketing arrangements, concessions deals, event agreements and suite licenses
- Sponsorship agreements, including naming-rights deals
- Head coach, general manager and executive employment agreements
- Compliance with league rules and developments in league policies
- Intellectual property and internet issues
- Litigation and related investigative matters
A trusted name in sports
Katten is proud to have served as outside general counsel for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls since their acquisition by Jerry Reinsdorf in the 1980s, and the firm also serves as outside general counsel for the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Oakland A's, Seattle Kraken, Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas. Other current and former clients include the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Fire and D.C. United, among others.
"Represents a number of key players in the market with respect to sporting arena developments, media rights deals, financing and broadcasting. Also assists clients on regulatory matters such as compliance with league regulations."
Chambers USA 2019
(Nationwide, Sports Law) survey response
Experience
Insights
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News | June 12, 2024
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News | June 6, 2024
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Event | May 9–11, 2024
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Event | March 20, 2024
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News | January 4, 2024