Sports, Media and Entertainment

Trusted advisors to the global sports sector.

Subscribe to receive our insights.

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Trusted advisors to the global sports sector.

Subscribe to receive our insights.

Hogan Lovells is a premier global sports law firm, trusted by leagues, teams, investors, and governing bodies across the globe. We’ve led two of the largest transactions in sports history and advised on the first private equity investments in NBA teams — setting the benchmark for future deals.

We tackle the most sophisticated matters in soccer and beyond, representing buyers in the largest change-of-control transactions in NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NWSL history. Our team handles billions in sports-related transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, sponsorship, and naming rights.

With a deep bench of cross-disciplinary lawyers, we advise on high-stakes litigation, sensitive investigations, regulatory compliance, privacy and data security, tax, and more. From league governance to international expansion, we help clients navigate the full global sports ecosystem with confidence.

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

Hogan Lovells is a true partner for our acquisitions. The team possesses a strong ability to come up with commercial solutions to transactional challenges.

Chambers USA

Gaming

Media and Entertainment

Digital Accessibility

Data Centers

Digital Assets and Blockchain

Sports and gaming are driving global engagement through live events, digital content, and immersive experiences. As audiences grow and platforms evolve, we help clients unlock opportunity in a fast-moving landscape.

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Sports are now a central pillar of media and entertainment, driving live events, digital content, and global fan engagement. As audiences grow across platforms and borders, organizations face new challenges in IP, sponsorship, and immersive fan experiences. With deep expertise in media, and entertainment law, we help the sports sector navigate this evolving landscape and unlock new opportunities worldwide.

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As digital platforms reshape fan engagement, accessibility is essential for compliance, reach, and ESG goals. With global standards evolving, we help sports organizations ensure digital experiences are inclusive and legally sound.

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Data centers are critical to powering modern sports, from live streaming and content delivery to fan engagement platforms. Our integrated team provides legal guidance across real estate, IP, energy, and data security, helping sports organizations build and scale digital infrastructure with confidence.

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Blockchain is transforming how sports organizations manage rights, content, and digital assets—from secure ticketing to fan tokens and collectibles. As global regulations evolve, we help you navigate legal complexity and unlock new opportunities in digital ownership and engagement.

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Key contacts

Craig A. Umbaugh

Office Managing Partner

Craig A. Umbaugh

Office Managing Partner

Denver

Matthew E. Eisler

Partner

Matthew E. Eisler

Partner

Denver, New York

Meet the Sports, Media and Entertainment team

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 Pete Edwards and his family in connection with their acquisition of an additional 10% ownership stake in the Columbus Crew, valuing the MLS franchise at $900 million.

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

Advised Ares Management Corporation on its acquisition of a minority stake in the French SailGP Team.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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 Mikhail Prokhorov in an agreement to sell a minority interest in the Brooklyn Nets to an entity controlled by Joe Tsai.

Advised GameAbove Sports in acquiring a meaningful ownership stake in Brisbane Bullets.

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.

Advised the Birch Group, a US-based investment company, on its acquisition of the German ice hockey club Blue Devils.

Awards and recognitions

Sports Deal of the Year

Sports Business Journal

2025

Power Players

Sports Business Journal

2021

Sports & Betting group of the year

Law 360

2021-2023

Sports and Entertainment Practice Group of the Year

Law360

2019

Other ways we can help you

Your questions answered

How is innovation shaping legal strategy in sports?

Innovation is transforming how sports content is created, distributed, and monetized. From AI-driven analytics and blockchain ticketing to immersive fan experiences and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights, our lawyers stay ahead of emerging trends. We craft forward-looking legal strategies that help clients protect assets, adapt to change, and lead in a competitive global market.

What legal challenges arise during sports team ownership transitions, and how can Hogan Lovells help?

Ownership transitions, whether full acquisitions, minority investments, or private equity deals, are among the most complex legal challenges in the sports sector. These transactions require navigating league approval processes, conducting thorough due diligence, structuring deals to meet regulatory and tax requirements, and managing sensitive media and sponsorship rights.

At Hogan Lovells, we’ve advised on the largest ownership transitions in NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NWSL history. Our team provides end-to-end legal support, helping clients, especially high-net-worth investors and institutional buyers, close deals efficiently, mitigate risk, and protect long-term value.

What legal challenges do private equity firms face when investing in sports teams, and how can Hogan Lovells help?

As private equity investment in professional sports continues to grow, firms face a unique set of legal and regulatory hurdles. These include navigating league ownership rules, structuring minority or non-controlling interests, managing conflicts of interest, and ensuring compliance with antitrust and tax regulations.

Hogan Lovells has advised on the first and second private equity investments in NBA teams and continues to lead in this evolving space. We help clients structure deals that align with league requirements, protect investor rights, and support long-term value creation. Our cross-disciplinary team brings deep experience in M&A, fund formation, governance, and regulatory strategy—making us a trusted partner for private equity in sports.

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Sports, Media and Entertainment

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Hogan Lovells is a premier global sports law firm, trusted by leagues, teams, investors, and governing bodies across the globe. We’ve led two of the largest transactions in sports history and advised on the first private equity investments in NBA teams — setting the benchmark for future deals.

Our capabilities at a glance

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

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.

Hogan Lovells is a true partner for our acquisitions. The team possesses a strong ability to come up with commercial solutions to transactional challenges.

Our practices shaped by your issues

Gaming

Media and Entertainment

Digital Accessibility

Data Centers

Digital Assets and Blockchain

Key contacts

Representative experience

Awards and recognitions

Sports Deal of the Year

Power Players

Sports & Betting group of the year

Sports and Entertainment Practice Group of the Year

Other ways we can help you

M&A

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Private Equity

Litigation, Arbitration and Employment

Investigations, White Collar, and Fraud

Media and Entertainment

Private Capital

Real Estate

Education

Technology

Your questions answered

How is innovation shaping legal strategy in sports?

What legal challenges arise during sports team ownership transitions, and how can Hogan Lovells help?

What legal challenges do private equity firms face when investing in sports teams, and how can Hogan Lovells help?

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