Bird & Bird

At Bird & Bird, we are truly passionate about what we do. In London we have a large team of lawyers dedicated exclusively to sports work, allowing some to be specialist contentious sports lawyers and others to be specialist non-contentious sports lawyers. Our international sports team also includes numerous dedicated sports specialists who work exclusively on sports-related matters. Many of our sports lawyers were elite-level (including Olympic) athletes and lots of our team have worked in-house at sports organisations. Our experience, strength in depth, and the reputation of individuals within our team is unmatched.

Our clients include international federations, national governing bodies, public agencies/ bodies, event organisers and other sports rights-holders, anti-doping organisations, clubs and teams, broadcasters, sponsors and sports social media platforms/sites, sports rights agencies, sports gambling organisations, esports organisations, sports equipment manufacturers, and sports activities providers. We provide them with advice on all of the biggest commercial, regulatory, contentious and non-contentious issues in the sports sector, as well as advising on other business issues.

We have worked in a broad range of sports, including Football, Athletics, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Tennis, Cricket, Cycling, Golf, Biathlon, Horse Racing, Equestrian sport, Esports, Motorsport, Hockey, Skiing, Basketball, Netball, Badminton, Para-sport, Squash, Ice Hockey, Sailing, Kickboxing, Curling, Martial Arts, and more.

Here are some accolades that give our clients full confidence that they are in the right hands:

• Ranked 1: Legal 500, 2021 
• Ranked 1: Chambers & Partners, 2021
• Sports Law firm of the Year: Who's Who Legal awards, 2020
• TMT Firm Specialism of the Year (Sports Law): Legal 500, 2021
• Recognised as a 'Best Law Firm' in Sports Law: The Times, 2020 

‘At Bird & Bird LLP the “sheer breadth of expertise and experience means you know you will get a product that reflects the best industry practice in the sector”’ Legal 500, 2021

“Market-leading group of specialist lawyers instructed on the most complex and high-profile regulatory matters in world sport, including disputes and compliance. Acts for an enviable client base of leading international federations, governing bodies, sports clubs and corporate entities. Stellar commercial team advising on media rights acquisitions, tenders and sponsorship deals, as well as sport-related acquisitions and divestments. … Internationally revered for its performance on large-scale investigations and external reviews.”  Chambers, 2021