Sports Law

Katten's Sports and Sports Facilities attorneys provide legal services to a wide array of participants in the sports industry, including MLB, NBA, MLS, NHL, NBADL, ECHL and USHL teams, prospective owners, arena/stadium developers and operators, financial institutions, regional sports networks, government entities, universities, NASCAR-related parties, and corporate sponsors. For example, Katten has served as outside general counsel for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls since their acquisition by Jerry Reinsdorf in the 1980s, and also serves as outside general counsel for the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Union and San Jose Earthquakes.

We counsel clients on all aspects of the business of sports. Our attorneys advise on the purchase and sale of sports franchises, debt and equity financings, television and radio broadcast agreements, sponsorship agreements, naming rights deals, compliance with league rules and developments in league policies, intellectual property and Internet issues, and all aspects of arena/stadium construction, financing and operations—such as ticketing arrangements, concession deals, event agreements and suite licenses. We represent franchises (and, in certain instances, their players) in litigation and related investigative matters, including civil and criminal matters, internal investigations into patterns and practices, and player/agent arbitrations.