Sports lawyers

Sports law is a complex maze, from acquiring and exploiting media and content rights, sponsorship, branding and endorsements contracts, over licensing and merchandising, management agreements and team contracts, to venue use agreements, ticketing, catering and hospitality. The industry also faces a complex array of regulatory, socio-political and legal challenges, including a renewed focus on fairness, transparency and anti-bribery and corruption.

Thanks to an in-depth understanding of your sector and its dynamics,  some of the most prominent names in international sport have chosen to work with CMS over the years. Our enthusiastic sports law experts have acted on a variety of landmark deals and support our clients on complex and diverse issues. 

Many sporting contracts involve international aspects. Thanks to our valuable local knowledge and global coverage, we can offer cross-border legal advice on international transactions. As sensitivity to the different legal systems and approaches to negotiations is key, we always make sure we tailor our advice and negotiation strategies accordingly.

 
Neil Baylis
Neil Baylis
Partner
United Kingdom, London
Neil has over 20 years experience as a competition law partner and also has significant commercial and regulatory expertise.  He sits as a non-executive director on a number of boards.  His clients...
John Cloke
John Cloke
Partner
Head of Sport
United Kingdom, London
John is a partner in the commercial media team with over 15 years’ experience, with a particular focus on transactions involving the exploitation of media and other commercial rights in sport. His clients...
Sam Oustayiannis
Sam Oustayiannis
Partner
United Kingdom, London
Sam is a partner in the sports and media team. His work on the launch of the Esports World Cup has seen the TMT team shortlisted for 2024  “TMT Team of the Year” at the British Legal Awards. Sam...
Anna Soilleux-Mills
Anna Soilleux-Mills
Partner
United Kingdom, London
Anna is a commercial and regulatory partner in the Technology and Media team with a particular focus on the gambling, media and sport industries. With 15 years of experience, her expertise encompasses...
Neeraj Thomas
Neeraj Thomas
Partner
United Kingdom, Glasgow
Neeraj Thomas is a partner in our Technology, Intellectual Property and Media team specialising in contentious intellectual property and sports and disciplinary work. Neeraj has significant expertise...
Oliver Kichenside
Olly Kichenside
Of Counsel
United Kingdom, London
Olly is an Of Counsel in the media team with extensive experience advising major rights holders and leading media companies regarding the exploitation of media and other commercial rights. In particular...
Daniel West
Daniel West
Legal Director
United Kingdom, London
Daniel is a Legal Director in our Technology and Media team, with particular expertise in the content, broadcast and sport sectors. He has significant experience advising broadcasters and content platforms...
Michelle Glading
Michelle Glading
Senior Associate
United Kingdom, London
Michelle is a Senior Associate in our Technology and Media team. Michelle advises on commercial, technology and intellectual property arrangements. She has extensive experience helping clients with the...
Aminder Khatkar
Aminder Khatkar
Senior Associate
United Kingdom, London
Aminder is a Senior Associate in the Intellectual Property department. Aminder has considerable experience in advising clients in the technology, media, retail and fashion industries on all aspects of...
Ben McLaughlin
Ben McLaughlin
Senior Associate
United Kingdom, London
Ben McLaughlin is a senior associate in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Department who focuses on advising clients in the sport, media and gambling sectors. Ben’s expertise includes commercial...