The business of sports is exploding and becoming increasingly complex. Intricate financing agreements, the rising influence of agents, and escalating salaries and ticket prices are converging with heightened fan expectations that now include more immersive game-day experiences. Revenue streams from corporate sponsorships, licensed merchandise, premium seating, stadium naming rights and media rights, offer many opportunities for diverse players in the industry. With the stakes greater than ever before, it is critical to avoid costly mistakes.
Poyner Spruill lawyers have vast experience representing clients in the sports industry, including professional teams, athletes, and coaches in the Carolinas, a hotbed of professional and collegiate competition. Befitting today’s landscape, members of our sports team are foremost business lawyers. We take a practical, multi-disciplinary approach to addressing issues and always make sure to tailor our advice to best address our client’s particular situation.
As part of a large, full-service law firm, our attorneys can address nearly any issue that arises, from financial transactions, corporate, tax and employment matters to venue and event contracts, broadcast programming, internet and mobile agreements. We know the local landscape and offer pricing that is a much better value than that of competitors in other major metropolitan areas.
In recent years, our team advised a local purchaser in acquiring North Carolina FC (formerly the Carolina RailHawks) of the United Soccer League and the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League. We have also negotiated NASCAR driver deals, endorsement contracts, player agreements, and stadium leases.
Our team advises clients on many issues, including:
- Team acquisitions
- Negotiations with professional leagues
- Joint ventures
- Sponsorship agreements
- Player contracts
- College coach negotiations and contracts
- Athlete endorsement deals
- NASCAR matters
- Stadium leases
- Concessionaire agreements
- Television and other media rights
- Corporate structure
- Investment structure
- Trademark and brand matters
- Employment
- Tax
- Litigation and alternative dispute resolution
Put Poyner Spruill in your lineup to protect your interests, help you compete – and win.
