Sport & Leisure
Our lawyers understand the commercial pressures and reputational risks in this sector, helping clients navigate regulatory, reputational and operational challenges. We deliver partner-led solutions that keep projects on track and aligned with commercial goals.
- Investments and Acquisitions
Advising on investment and acquisitions of sports team, including the acquisition of a minority shareholding in a motorsports team, together with acquisitions of sports teams from insolvency.
- Dispute resolution and corporate governance
Resolving corporate, commercial, employment and reputational disputes swiftly and strategically and advising senior stakeholders in sports and leisure businesses in relation to ongoing stakeholder relations: this includes shareholder reconciliation between owners of football teams and ensuring new or proposed purchasers comply with the ownership tests set out by the EPL and EFL.
- Sponsorship, Supply & Endorsements
Structuring commercial deals that enhance brand visibility and protect image rights, including title sponsorship agreements and engine supply agreements for motorsports teams.
- Tax
supporting international clients and athletes on residency, image rights, IR35, cross-border compliance and representing them in HMRC enquiries, investigations and litigation.
- Franchise & Joint Venture Structuring
Advising on cross-border partnerships and franchise models, including the Team AD/vantage padel launch.
- Venue Acquisition & Development
Supporting clients through the lifecycle of sports and leisure property transactions.
- Agency and management
Navigating commission- and milestone-based arrangements with agents, including agency arrangements for finding new sponsors for motorsports teams.
- Regulatory Compliance
Assisting on licensing, health and safety, and ESG obligations.
- IP & Brand Protection
Safeguarding intellectual property, digital and physical assets through trademark and copyright enforcement, with expertise in image/publicity rights.
- Asset structuring and charities
Advising clients in respect of establishing sports and leisure-based charities and foundations, maintaining charitable status, establishing trusts and determining appropriate personal structuring and succession planning.
