Sports lawyer

We are sports law experts

Examples of some of our most significant work includes:

• Advising British Mountaineering Council on various new commercial partner contracts with HotelPlanner, Serious Climbing, Cotswold and La Sportiva.
• Advising British Boxing Board of Control on numerous high profile and sensitive issues, including governance, policy development, contractual matters, litigation, doping matters and employment. Most recently, we have advised on the most prominent anti-doping case in recent sporting history, regarding Conor Benn as well as in disciplinary and appeal matters.
• Following her appointment to the board of British Gymnastics, Tracey Singlehurst-Ward has been heavily involved in helping to steer the organisation through the recent Whyte Review, established by UK Sport and Sport England to investigate allegations of historical abuse in the sport. We also advise British Gymnastics on governance and safeguarding matters
• Advising the Football Association of Wales (FAW) on various matters including the successful joint bid with other national associations to host the UEFA European Championships finals tournament for men in 2028.
• Advising the Welsh Rugby Union on the sale of Dragons RFC to a consortium led by Just Eat founder David Buttress.
• Advising Cardiff Rugby on the takeover of the company by new owner Helford Capital.
• Advising leading World Rally Championships driver Elfyn Evans on his new 2-year driver agreement with the Toyota Gazoo team for the 2024 and 2025 seasons and his endorsement agreement with Red Bull.
• Advising Run 4 Wales (R4W) on a new partnership agreement with London Marathon Events (LME).
• Advising Welsh Gymnastics in the Whyte Review, including support through the investigatory stages and advice on complex data protection issues.
• Advising the Welsh Rugby Union, on the £20 million refinancing by Welsh Government of the Union’s emergency loan secured in October 2020 and the distribution of these funds to the four professional regions in Wales. We also conducted a comprehensive corporate governance review.
• Advising Cardiff Rugby region on a wide range of legal issues, including a re-gearing of the occupational lease at its ground. Cardiff Arms Park. We are also the appointed legal advisors and advocates for Cardiff at all World Rugby and Pro 14 League disciplinary hearings.
• Advising Celtic Manor Resort (one of the leading golf resorts in Europe and a world renowned 5* luxury resort) on a range of HR related issues, including the employment status of golf pros, tribunal claims, GDPR and business immigration matters.
• Advising Sport Wales on various matters, including a comprehensive review of the governance documentation for six National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

Why use our sports lawyers?

• Our sports solicitors are top-ranked for Sport in Wales in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners guides. Sector Head, Mark Loosemore, is also ranked as a Leading Individual lawyer for both Sport and Media & Entertainment in The Legal 500 directory 2024 and several other individual lawyers are also ranked in their specialist practice areas.
• Cross-disciplinary team offering a one-stop-shop, advising on a range of specialist areas.
• Extensive and demonstrable sport sector expertise and experience.
• Notable external roles – senior team members appointed to non-executive positions with high profile sporting organisations.

Our sports law services

Organisations and individuals in the sporting sphere need lawyers who understand their game. Our sports solicitors are experienced in dealing with high profile matters, often controversial and sensitive in nature, for a range of sporting organisations and individuals. The cross-disciplinary sports law team offers a one-stop-shop, advising on a range of matters including:

• Mergers and acquisitions – Our team provides expert guidance on mergers and acquisitions within the sports sector, assisting clients with due diligence, negotiations, and regulatory compliance. We help clubs, teams, and organisations structure deals that align with their strategic goals and ensure a smooth transition of ownership or control.
• Funding and Investments – We offer comprehensive advice on funding and investment opportunities for sports organisations, teams, and individual athletes. Our services include support with venture capital, private equity, debt financing, and investment structuring, ensuring clients have access to the resources they need to achieve growth.
• Governance – We support sports organisations in establishing robust governance frameworks to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. This includes advising on board composition, internal policies, and best practices to enhance decision-making and stakeholder confidence.
• Commercial contracts – We draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts tailored to the unique needs of the sports industry. This includes agreements for media rights, sponsorship deals, merchandising arrangements, and event staging, ensuring clients’ commercial interests are safeguarded.
• Dispute resolution – Our legal experts resolve disputes swiftly and effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. We aim to protect our clients’ interests and maintain relationships while achieving the best possible outcomes.
• Disciplinary and regulatory hearings – We provide representation and advocacy for athletes, coaches, and organisations facing disciplinary or regulatory hearings. Our team has extensive experience dealing with governing bodies and regulatory authorities, ensuring fair and just outcomes.
• Safeguarding – Our safeguarding services help sports organisations create a safe environment for all participants. We advise on safeguarding policies, procedures, and legal obligations, ensuring compliance with child protection and welfare regulations.
• Employment – We provide employment law advice specific to the sports sector, including player and staff contracts, performance reviews, and investigations. Our team also assists with culture reviews to foster inclusive and positive workplace environments.
• Construction – We offer legal support for sports-related construction projects, from planning and development to project completion. Our services cover contract negotiation, risk management, and dispute resolution to ensure projects stay on track and within budget.
• Commercial property – We advise on commercial property transactions, including leasing, acquisitions, and sales of sports venues, training facilities, and other commercial assets. Our goal is to protect our clients’ investments and ensure smooth property transitions.
• Data protection – With the increasing use of personal data in sports, we provide advice on data protection compliance, including GDPR obligations. We assist clients with data audits, privacy policies, and response plans for data breaches.
• Image and other intellectual property rights, management and exploitation – We help athletes, clubs, and sports organisations protect and commercialise their intellectual property, including image rights, brand protection, and licensing. Our legal strategies maximise the value of IP assets while minimising infringement risks.
• Residential conveyancing – Our residential conveyancing team facilitates property transactions for sports professionals, ensuring smooth purchases, sales, and transfers. We handle all aspects of the process, from title checks to completion, with discretion and efficiency.
• Private wealth – We offer private wealth management services for athletes, sports executives, and their families. Our expertise includes drafting wills, powers of attorney, and trust structures to protect and transfer wealth efficiently.
• The legal consequences of sporting injuries – We provide legal advice on the implications of sporting injuries for athletes, clubs, and other stakeholders. Our services cover liability, insurance claims, and long-term career impact, ensuring clients’ rights and interests are protected.