No longer the preserve of amateurs, sport is now established as a major player within the media and entertainment sectors. 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: player contracts the development and protection of brands the acquisition and licensing of broadcasting rights sponsorship and merchandising constitutional issues the impact of European Union law on player contracts and sports governance the legal relationships between clubs and with their governing bodies the creation of cross-border competition structures 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 general whilst our Family Group is particularly suited to representing high-profile sportsmen and women. Primary contact: Nigel Bennett