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Turning Crisis into Strategy: Contracts, projects and disputes at a global chokepoint
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
1
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, 2024
Key contacts
How we’ve helped our clients succeed
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
Leading a defining play in global football investment: Presidio’s acquisition of Hellas Verona FC
Sports, Media and Entertainment
Fueling global expansion for sports and talent giant GSE Worldwide
Sports, Media and Entertainment
Fueling global expansion for sports and talent giant GSE Worldwide
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
Rewriting the playbook for women’s football
Sports, Media and Entertainment
Representative experience
6
6
Advised Inter Miami CF on the contract extension of Lionel Messi as well as the initial acquisition of the player.
Advised Athena Racing, a UK-based sailing team, on its landmark deal with America's Cup, the oldest international sports trophy, to form the America's Cup Partnership uniting all participating teams under a shared governance and commercial structure.
Advised Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and a consortium of American Sports team owners in a multi-billion dollar partnership with PGA TOUR to launch PGA TOUR Enterprises, a new commercial venture that will operate the PGA’s golf assets.
Advised Presidio Investors, a TX based private equity fund, in connection with the acquisition of Hellas Verona, a Serie A Club in Italy.
An American-based investor group, led by Sardinian native Maurizio Fiori of Praxis Capital Management, on its acquisition of a qualified minority stake in Cagliari Calcio, an Italian football club that plays in Serie A.
Advised Ares Management Corporation on its acquisition of a minority stake in the French SailGP Team.
Advised Prospector Baseball Group on its launch and the acquisition of its first club – the Lancaster Stormers, a Major League Baseball partner league team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
Advised Prospector Baseball Group on its acquisitions of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and the Akron RubberDucks, both Minor League Baseball teams.
Represent Joe Tsai and Blue Pool Capital in connection with the acquisition of a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins and F1 Racing.
Advised the Tampa Bay Lightning and its Chairman & Governor Jeff Vinik on the sale of a portion of the National Hockey League (NHL) club to a group of investors.
Represented a consortium led by Josh Harris in the acquisition of the NFL’s Washington Commanders for a reported US$6.05 billion, the highest value sports franchise transaction in U.S. history.
Represented the Walton-Penner family to acquire the Denver Broncos from the Pat Bowlen Trust for $4.65b. This landmark deal was reportedly the highest value transaction in sports history at the time.
Advised Arctos Sports Partners with their investment in the Golden State Warriors, the first private equity investment in the NBA under the new policy.
Represented Michael Arougheti, Mitchell Goldstein, and Michael Smith in purchasing an interest in the Baltimore Orioles in partnership with Baltimore native David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group.
Advising Mikhail Prokhorov in multi-staged agreements to acquire the Brooklyn Nets from Forest City and in multi-staged agreements to sell his entire interest in the Barclays Center to Joe Tsai.
Represented Michael Arougheti, Mitchell Goldstein, and Michael Smith in purchasing an interest in the Baltimore Orioles in partnership with Baltimore native David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group.
Advised GameAbove Sports in acquiring a meaningful ownership stake in Brisbane Bullets.
Advised NBA star Russell Westbrook in his investment in Leeds United by way of his investment with 49ers Enterprises.
Advised Dynasty Equity, a global sports investment firm, on co-leading the Series A investment round for TMRW Sports.
Advised The Birch Group, a US-based investment company, on its acquisition of the German ice hockey club Blue Devils.
Resources
Awards and recognitions
Sports and Betting Practice Group of the Year
Law 360
2021-2023, 2025
Sports Lawyers Power List
The Hollywood Reporter
2025
Sports Deal of the Year
Sports Business Journal
2025
Sports & Betting Practice Group of the Year
Law360
2022
Sports and Betting Practice Group of the Year
Law360
2021
Power Players: Outside Counsel
Sports Business Journal
2021
Sports and Betting Practice Group of the Year
Law360
2019
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.
Navigate change with our latest insights
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24 February 2026
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23 February 2026
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