UK
The commercial value of sports clubs, persons and brands is ever increasing meaning day-to-day commercial and strategic arrangements like image rights, events and brand protection need managing alongside the delivery of ambitious projects such as sponsorships and stadia developments.
You need a trusted legal adviser to help you achieve these goals and navigate the legal challenges (old and new) faced by the sports sector. We have the sector experience and global network to support your business in doing this and to help you achieve commercial success.
Success in sport is achieved with a high-performing team, with those taking centre stage supported by technical excellence behind the scenes. Our team of proactive, commercially focussed lawyers regularly advise sports agencies, clubs, teams, governing bodies, regulators, sponsors, sportspeople, investors and wider stakeholders, using our sector insight and pragmatic approach to become a trusted and valued part of their team.
We are proud to have sports lawyers on our team well versed in matters such as stadium redevelopment, sponsorship, naming rights, regulatory compliance, funding, brand protection, mergers and acquisitions, group reorganisations, joint ventures, employment and disputes. We are able to offer a comprehensive sports law service, using our experience to anticipate challenges and provide clear advice and solutions.
Client work
We've used Gowling WLG for a number of projects …every time we have received nothing but a slick, detailed and professional service. James Williamson, The Sport Partnership
We are proud to advise some of the biggest brands, teams and organisations in the global sport business. Some of our past and current projects include:
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
We are the exclusive Official Legal Advisers to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, advising the Organising Committee on a range of services including corporate governance, procurement, brand protection and general commercial matters.
E20 Stadium
Acting for E20 Stadium LLP on a dispute brought by West Ham United Football Club in relation to the number of seats WHU claimed it was entitled to at the former Olympic Stadium, under the terms of a 99 year Concession Agreement.
FIFA World Cup
Advising FIFA World Cup on IP clearance, registration and enforcement surrounding the World Cup tournaments.
Awards and recognition
As a full-service law firm, we are frequently recognised in the market for our experience and knowledge. We are ranked across multiple categories by the legal directories, including Band 1 for Corporate/M&A and Intellectual Property by Chambers & Partners.
We are proud to be the Official Legal Advisers and first sponsor for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as first sponsor for Team England and Official Legal Advisers to Commonwealth Games England.
Contact our team in the UK
Sarah Riding
Partner
Ragi Singh
Partner