Paul Shapiro

Paul specialises in commercial and regulatory advice to clients in the sports and media sectors. Paul’s experience includes acting for athletes, brands and rights holders on sponsorship, licensing and merchandising programmes. He also regularly advises on governance issues and financial regulation in sport and on player contracts, football transfers and image rights structures. In addition, Paul has particular experience in establishing new sports tournaments and competitions and advising on event hosting.

Recent work highlights include advising: The FA on the transfer of its ownership of the top two tiers of women’s professional football in England to a new independent company, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited; Newcastle United FC on its sponsorship and merchandising agreement with adidas; Betway’s global sponsorship programme; a variety of endorsement and commercial deals for high-profile footballers and sports stars; a range of sports marketing and merchandising matters for Puma (including its deal with F1); and various football transfers and contract negotiations.