Drawing on expertise from across the firm’s corporate, commercial, technology and IP departments, the Simons Muirhead Burton Sport Group provides a multi-disciplinary service to a varied client base that includes athletes, agents, clubs, and governing bodies. The team has been active in the commercial space, and a significant recent highlight includes acting as exclusive legal advisors to The Football Association on the sale of media rights for the Women’s Super League, including auction design, drafting and negotiation of licence extensions with Sky and the BBC. Marc Sobol is a media rights expert, leveraging his vast experience working in-house in the sports broadcasting industry. Simon Goldberg and Neil Jones contribute to the firm’s sport offering. In May 2025, Barrington Atkins joined the firm as head of sports disputes from JMW Solicitors LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Winklevoss Capital Fund LLC
- Journeys End Vineyards
- Professional Squash Association
- Total Performance Data Limited
- The Football Association
- The Women’s Super League
- Cage Warriors
- Padel Xtra
- Sports Mole
- AMC Networks
- 4Global Consulting Limited
- The Women’s Sports Group
Work highlights
Advising the FA on the sale process and exclusive media rights agreements for the Women’s Super League (WSL) competition, and drafting media rights agreements with Sky and the BBC.
Advising Cage Warriors (a leading Mixed Martial Arts promotor) on a long-term, high value and exclusive global media rights distribution agreement with MMA heavyweight Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Advised the Winklevoss Capital Fund, an investment vehicle owned ultimately by Facebook co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, on its $4.5m investment into Real Bedford FC.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Marc Sobol
Other key lawyers
Simon Goldberg; Neil Jones; Barrington Atkins