Sports Law

Clubs, Leagues, Start-Ups

In the world of sports, clubs, leagues and start-ups have a variety of considerations, which includes – quite significantly – different aspects of the law. Our team is familiar with the practices and challenges faced by these stakeholders in the sports sector, and is able to offer the necessary legal expertise to empower them operate successfully.

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Our expertise includes contract law (drafting and reviewing general terms and conditions, sponsorship agreements, agreements between leagues and associations, licence agreements, employment contracts, etc.), IT and data protection law, corporate law (e.g. on the 50+1 rule) and compliance issues.

In the context of compliance, advice in the ESG area (in particular environmental protection, human rights, supply chain legislation in sport) is an integral part of our services. We have many years of experience advising Bundesliga clubs and leagues on the integration of environmental and social aspects into their business strategy with the aim of having a positive impact on society (see ‘Sustainability and human rights’).

Based on our sports law knowledge and experience in litigation and arbitration, we represent our clients in national and international disputes arising in connection with their sports business activities with the highest quality and efficiency.

 

Notable cases
  • Advising a top national league on the revision of its licensing documents and processes
  • Advising clubs in the German Football League on legal issues relating to human rights protection, sustainability management and child protection
  • Advising professional sports leagues on the implementation of sustainability standards for the league’s own rules and regulations
  • Representing top football clubs such as Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg, Panathinaikos Athens, 1. FC Köln, Fenerbahce Istanbul before association bodies and/or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
  • Advising several IT start-ups on web shop terms and conditions and data protection.