No longer the preserve of amateurs, sport is now established as a major part of the media and entertainment sector. Our Sport Group advises players and agents, sporting clubs and associations, sponsors, broadcasters and venues on the contractual and regulatory issues facing those involved in the sporting world. This includes advising on: advice in relation to players, participants and other individuals     player and manager contracts transfer agreements the protection and exploitation of image rights tax planning for resident and non-resident sportsmen agency agreements immigration issues advice in relation to clubs, associations, sponsors, broadcasters and venues the development and protection of brands the acquisition and licensing of broadcasting rights event staging constitutional issues the legal relationships between clubs and with their governing bodies the creation of cross-border competition structures general sponsorship, endorsement and merchandising for individuals, sponsors and sporting organisations the impact of European Union law on player contracts and sports governance sports-related mediation and/or litigation. Members of the Group have a genuine understanding of commercial reality in the sporting world, as they combine their specialist legal skills with an active involvement in the business side of sport. In addition, the firm's Corporate Group advises on joint ventures, acquisitions and corporate finance in a sports context. Primary contact: Nigel Bennett