Organized sports programs confront complex legal challenges, along with an unprecedented number of liability insurance claims and an onslaught of new issues central to this field – including intellectual property, cyber law, employment liability issues, player and personnel safety-related protocols and, increasingly, the clinical consequences of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). A practical approach for sports organizations at the professional and amateur levels, as well as for their insurers, is to identify a single, strong and reliable legal resource capable of seamlessly handling any matter or issue locally and nationally. Wilson Elser understands the fundamental principles and rules governing organized sports and has vast experience dealing with the challenges presented to leagues, franchises, teams, stadiums, arenas and participants on and off the field.

We represent clients in various matters throughout the country for major professional leagues, their member teams, and affiliated arenas and stadiums. In addition, we are well acquainted with the liability issues that arise in every realm of youth, semi-professional and professional sports, including the myriad risk exposures encountered by a league, franchise, team, stadium, arena or participant, and we know how to manage any lawsuits that might ensue. We also are deeply familiar with manufacturers and designers of sports, fitness and recreational products and know how to best minimize their legal exposure.