Sports, Media and Entertainment

Trusted by major league teams, stadium developers, and global media leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in sports and entertainment.

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Sports, Media and Entertainment

Trusted by major league teams, stadium developers, and global media leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in sports and entertainment.

Subscribe to receive our insights.

From blockbuster M&A deals and stadium developments to media rights, sponsorships, and IP strategy, we help clients navigate the high-stakes world of sports and entertainment.

Our Sports, Media & Entertainment team advises leagues, teams, investors, and content creators on complex transactions, brand protection, licensing, and digital distribution. We bring deep industry insight and global reach to every deal - whether you're acquiring a franchise, negotiating naming rights, or launching a new streaming platform.

With a 360° view of the legal and commercial landscape, we help you anticipate challenges, unlock value, and stay ahead of disruption.

Media and Entertainment

Sports

Digital Accessibility

Data Centers

AI

Digital Assets and Blockchain

Marketing and Advertising

Communications, Internet and Media

Gaming is fueling global engagement through live events, digital content, and immersive experiences. As audiences grow and platforms evolve, we help clients navigate and unlock opportunities in the fast-moving world of sports, media, and entertainment.

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Sports are now a cornerstone of media and entertainment, driving global fan engagement through live events, digital content, and immersive experiences. With deep experience in media and entertainment law, we help organizations navigate evolving challenges in IP, sponsorship, and fan engagement – unlocking new opportunities worldwide.

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Our team understands the entire sports landscape, with respect to league oversight, players and process, municipal/state interests and international considerations. Our deep bench of transactional, intellectual property, commercial, real estate, arbitration, and regulatory lawyers are on the cutting edge of the evolving world of sports law.

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As digital platforms become central to sports, media and entertainment, accessibility is now essential for compliance, audience reach, and ESG goals. Global regulations are raising expectations for inclusive design. We help media and entertainment companies stay ahead of evolving standards, ensuring content and experiences are accessible to all.

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Data centers power the sports, media, and entertainment sector, from live event broadcasting and content delivery to global streaming and interactive fan experiences. Our integrated team provides sector-specific legal guidance across real estate, IP, energy, data security, and more, helping you launch, scale, and secure digital infrastructure with confidence.

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Generative AI and machine learning are reshaping how sports, media, and entertainment organizations create, distribute, and protect content, from game-day production and athlete analytics to immersive fan experiences and global streaming. With over 150 AI-focused lawyers worldwide, we advise on everything from governance and compliance to copyright risks, helping you harness AI responsibly and strategically.

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Blockchain is transforming how sports, media, and entertainment organizations manage content, rights, and digital assets, from NFTs and ticketing to transparent transactions and fan engagement. As global regulations evolve, our cross-sector team helps you navigate complex legal landscapes and unlock new opportunities in digital ownership and interaction.

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From compliant campaigns to competitor challenges, our global advertising team helps sports, media, and entertainment companies navigate fast-moving legal landscapes. We advise on packaging, labeling, and launches, and represent clients in disputes; balancing regulation with commercial goals.

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In a fast-changing global landscape, sports, media, and entertainment companies face rising competition, shifting regulations, and cross-border challenges. Our global team delivers integrated legal solutions across technology, IP, and regulatory law to help clients navigate change and drive innovation.

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Our capabilities at a glance

bn+

Billions of dollars of sports transactions including M&A, joint ventures, sponsorship and naming rights

300

Sports, media and entertainment lawyers around the world

Hear from our clients and industry leaders

Negotiated first-of-their-kind, multimillion dollar institutional investments…effectively writing the playbook for future such deals in the sports industry."

Law 360

An authority on video gaming law“

World Trademark Review 1000

Key contacts

Craig A. Umbaugh

Office Managing Partner

Craig A. Umbaugh

Office Managing Partner

Denver

Meet the Sports, Media and Entertainment team

Resources

Insights and Analysis

Digital Trust

The gaming industry is far ahead of many digital business models, encouraging users to create and upload their own content and become fully immersed in the virtual experience. For the system to work smoothly, robust frameworks that underpin digital trust and protect IP rights are essential so all parties can safely co-create.

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Insights and Analysis

Sports X Higher Education

The game is changing fast. Whether it’s NCAA compliance, media rights, or high-stakes investigations, Hogan Lovells is your go-to legal team for collegiate sports. Tap into our powerhouse lineup of sports, education, antitrust, and investigations pros to protect your program and stay ahead of the play.

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Representative experience

Advised Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and a consortium of American Sports team owners – the Strategic Sports Group (SSG), in a major financial and strategic collaboration with PGA TOUR Enterprises, a new subsidiary of the PGA TOUR that includes the assets of the PGA TOUR.

Advised on the two largest transactions in NFL history, the consortium led by Josh Harris in the acquisition of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the Walton-Penner family with respect to the acquisition of the Denver Broncos.

Represented Ares Management in the acquisition of a minority stake in the France SailGP Team by Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment funds (Ares).

Advised Rob Cohen and the Colorado Women’s Soccer Coalition on the acquisition of the rights to operate a new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise in Denver.

Advised CVC, which has invested alongside KKR to support Superstruct Entertainment (“Superstruct”) in its next phase of development as one of the world’s premier live entertainment groups.

Advised Presidio Investors, a TX based private equity fund, in connection with the acquisition of Hellas Verona, a Serie A Club in Italy.

Served as counsel to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in planning for the historic Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Advising Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. on creating ASM Global, a joint venture with Onex Partners to run the global venue management businesses of AEG Facilities and SMG.

Advised Tom Gores of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, in connection with the acquisition of a 27% stake in the LA Chargers.

Advised Levine Leichtman Capital Partners on the path to control acquisition of the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, a National Women’s Soccer League team.

Advised the Morgan family in purchasing limited partnership interest to join Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies ownership group.

Advised Roku. Inc. on its acquisition of exclusive global distribution rights to Quibi’s award-winning shows; and on the acquisition of TOH Intermediate Holdings LLC, owner of “This Old House”.

Represent Joe Tsai and Blue Pool Capital in connection with the acquisition of a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins and F1 Racing.

Represented Michael Arougheti, Mitchell Goldstein, and Michael Smith in purchasing the Baltimore Orioles MLB franchise, in partnership with Baltimore native David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group.

Advised Inter Miami CF in the acquisition of star player Lionel Messi.

Advised NBA All Star Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Clippers on his acquisition of a minority stake in English Championship soccer club Leeds United.

Representing Arctos Capital in connection with its approval to be an NBA Member, and its acquisition of a minority interest in the Golden State Warriors.

Advised the Tampa Bay Lightning in one of the first private equity investments in National Hockey League history as Arctos Sports Partners made a minority equity investment into Vinik Sports Group.

Advising Mikhail Prokhorov on Onexim Sports and Entertainment Holding's acquisition of the Brooklyn Nets and on the acquisition of the Barclays Center.

How we’ve helped our clients succeed

Soccer ball hitting the back of the net in a stadium, symbolizing a major acquisition. Global law firm Hogan Lovells advised Presidio on securing full ownership of Hellas Verona Football Club, marking a milestone in cross-border sports investment

Leading a defining play in global football investment: Presidio’s acquisition of Hellas Verona FC

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Leading a defining play in global football investment: Presidio’s acquisition of Hellas Verona FC

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Male golfer in mid-swing on a golf course at sunset, symbolizing elite athletic performance and global ambition – banner image for Hogan Lovells and GSE Worldwide case study

Fueling global expansion for sports and talent giant GSE Worldwide

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Fueling global expansion for sports and talent giant GSE Worldwide

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Rewriting the playbook for women’s football

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Rewriting the playbook for women’s football

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Awards and recognitions

Sports Lawyers Power List

The Hollywood Reporter

2025

Sports Deal of the Year

Sports Business Journal

2025

Sports & Betting Practice Group of the year

Law 360

2021-2023

Power Players

Sports Business Journal

2021

Sports & Betting Practice Group of the Year

Law360

2019

Other ways we can help you

M&A

Hogan Lovells brings deep experience guiding sports, media, and entertainment companies through complex, high-impact deals. Our global team delivers strategic, sector-specific advice on acquisitions, partnerships, and investments.

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Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

We are trusted by the world’s leading technology innovators to handle cutting-edge, mission-critical, and sensitive issues involving data privacy and cybersecurity.

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IP Litigation

Your content, brand, and ideas set you apart. We help sports, media, and entertainment companies protect and maximize IP across copyright, licensing, AI, and user-generated content.

Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation

Our internationally recognized SOAR team delivers practical, commercially focused advice to sports, media, and entertainment clients, drawing on deep insight into suppliers, customers, regulators, and stakeholders across the entire value chain.

Strategic Operations Agreements and Regulation

Private Equity

We advise all types of private capital investors including many of the largest and most sophisticated players in the sports sector on their investment strategies across every asset class, sector, and geography.

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Tax

Clear, strategic tax advice is essential in today’s global sports, media and entertainment landscape. Our multidisciplinary team delivers practical guidance to help sports organizations manage risk, structure deals, and maximize value across jurisdictions.

Tax

Investigations, White Collar, and Fraud

From integrity breaches and whistle-blower claims to regulatory investigations, sports organizations face increasing legal and reputational risks. Clear, strategic tax advice is essential in today’s global sports landscape. Our team delivers practical guidance to help sports organizations manage risk, structure deals, and maximize value across jurisdictions. Global team helps you respond swiftly, manage impact, and navigate multijurisdictional challenges with confidence.

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Your questions answered

What do sports, media, and entertainment clients look for in legal advisors?

Clients in this fast-paced, high-stakes sector value legal partners who understand the business as deeply as the law. They seek advisors who offer strategic insight, industry fluency, and practical solutions whether navigating complex M&A deals, protecting IP, managing digital rights, or ensuring compliance with evolving data privacy regulations.

How is innovation shaping legal strategy in sports, media, and entertainment?

Innovation is transforming how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Our lawyers stay ahead of emerging trends - from AI and blockchain to digital accessibility and immersive experiences - crafting legal strategies that help clients adapt, protect their assets, and lead in a competitive global market.

How do top sports, media and entertainment lawyers help clients achieve their business goals?

Successful sports, media, and entertainment lawyers go beyond legal advice; they act as strategic partners. By leveraging cross-sector capabilities in areas like M&A, technology, data privacy, and marketing, they help clients close deals, mitigate risk, and unlock new revenue streams in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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