Sport
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7203 5000About
Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys
The sport industry has been forced to tackle seismic disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the shutdown of sporting venues causing considerable damage to revenue streams.
Finance in sport was already changing rapidly pre-coronavirus. This will continue to evolve with an increased focus on private equity investments shifting the way clubs and events are managed. Those organisations flexible enough to adapt to the evolving market will be in the best position to succeed.
We will support you offering a team of lawyers with critical experience working within sports organisations. We understand how the sports sector functions; our team has supported clients across sport for over 100 years, from clubs, athletes and international regulators, to innovative disrupters in sports media and technology.
Sports Technology:
We combine the strength of our sport and technology teams to offer sports organisations, technology businesses and investors a range of market-leading legal services tailored to the emerging SportsTech industry.
Integrity & Regulation:
Our team has extensive experience advising a range of stakeholders across all areas of integrity.
Players & Athletes:
We have supported some of the highest profile players and athletes in the world. We are able to provide you the added benefit of our private client expertise, and can offer you leading legal support across philanthropy and personal planning.
Chambers Review
Charles Russell Speechlys acts for a broad spectrum of governing bodies, clubs and sportspeople on major commercial and regulatory mandates, particularly in horse racing, tennis and football. The team demonstrates significant expertise in rights acquisitions and licensing arrangements, as well as activity in brand protection and sports marketing. It possesses considerable knowledge of technological advances and betting issues in the sports sector. Trusted by its clients to advise on the most high-profile global governance matters, often involving ground-breaking issues in sports law.
Work Highlights
- Charles Russell Speechlys advised Thomas Sandgaard on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Charlton Athletic Football Company and Charlton Athletic Womens Football Club to SE7 Partners.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"CRS has very knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who are capable of identifying the complex issue at hand and provide high-quality and creative advice."
"A diverse age range helps CRS provide different perspectives for us to unpack. Their knowledge is unquestionable and the advice provided is clear. We can always rely on a responsive service."
"The team is well resourced and committed, and they are very responsive to the client."
"CRS have a deep knowledge of the sport industry and provide pragmatic and commercially relevant advice. They have continuously provided fantastic support and advice, always in a timely manner."
"The team has good insight on market movements and ability to advise on worldwide issues."
"CRS has very knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who are capable of identifying the complex issue at hand and provide high-quality and creative advice."
"A diverse age range helps CRS provide different perspectives for us to unpack. Their knowledge is unquestionable and the advice provided is clear. We can always rely on a responsive service."
"The team is well resourced and committed, and they are very responsive to the client."
"CRS have a deep knowledge of the sport industry and provide pragmatic and commercially relevant advice. They have continuously provided fantastic support and advice, always in a timely manner."
"The team has good insight on market movements and ability to advise on worldwide issues."
Notable Practitioners
Nicholas Couchman advises on commercial rights for all stakeholders in the sports industry, including governing bodies, tournament organisers and sponsors. He is recognised by market commentators for his longstanding experience in the sector.
"Very capable, a credit to the firm."
Jason Saiban provides assistance to major sporting clients in relation to sponsorship and media arrangements. His clients include leading sporting goods manufacturers and sporting bodies.
Danielle Sharkey is a senior associate in Charles Russell Speechlys' London sports team. She frequently advises sports organisations on commercial contracts, anti-doping and regulatory concerns.
"Danielle's attention to detail and her ability to put herself into the position of the client, given her background in sport, is an asset when discussing and weighing up the merits of how to proceed."
"Danielle is an energetic and committed lawyer."