Lippes Mathias’ multidisciplinary Sports, Entertainment & Hospitality Practice Team not only has the legal expertise to assist clients in these industries but also practical real-world experience.
Led by Benjamin White, former Assistant General Counsel for a sports and entertainment industry leader, and comprised of attorneys who have extensive experience representing clients in professional, collegiate, and amateur sports organizations, the team has represented:
- Member teams of the National Football League;
- Member teams of the National Hockey League;
- Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and other professional sports leagues;
- Minor League Hockey Teams (including, member teams of the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League, and Southern Professional Hockey League);
- Member teams of the National Lacrosse League;
- Member teams of the Arena Football League and National Arena League
- Thoroughbred racing stables;
- Numerous arena and stadium operators;
- Sporting goods manufacturers;
- Sponsors;
- Promoters; and
- Developers
Our team is comprised of attorneys from the firm’s Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Real Estate, Employment, Litigation, Intellectual Property, Not-For-Profit, and Immigration Practice Teams.
Lippes Mathias’ attorneys assist clients in the sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries with:
- Acquisition and divestiture of professional sports organizations;
- Acquisition and divestiture of restaurant and hotel properties;
- Professional sports teams investments (both equity and debt transactions);
- Investments in stadiums, arenas, and other sports complexes;
- Sponsorship agreements (both for brand sponsors and teams and venue operators)
- Naming rights agreements
- Stadium and arena license agreements
- NCAA compliance matters and representation of athletes in connection with their Name, Image, and Likeness;
- NCAA student eligibility
- Formation of restaurant, entertainment, and other hospitality properties
- License agreements
- Application for and compliance with state and federal alcoholic beverage licensing
- Facility and other special use agreements
- Promoter agreements and brand and social media influencer contracts
- Athlete and talent immigration matters
- Defense of sports, entertainment, and hospitality companies in litigation matters
- Drafting contests/sweepstakes rules
Team

Partner | Team Co-Leader - Electronically Stored Information

Partner | Team Leader - Business & Commercial Litigation

Partner | Team Co-Leader - Intellectual Property

Associate | Team Co-Leader, Artificial Intelligence

Partner | Team Leader - Sports, Entertainment & Hospitality
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