Mills & Reeve LLP fields a full-service sports law practice with expertise spanning regulatory issues, contentious matters, competition law, corporate work and commercial services. The team acts across major sports including football, rugby, golf, motorsport, tennis, and Olympic/Paralympic sports, representing governing bodies, athletes, investors, and brands. Carol Couse leads the practice from London and Manchester and is a respected football law specialist with a strong presence in women’s football, acting for several Lionesses, as well as being a qualified mediator. Mark Hovell is an international sports lawyer and arbitrator, acting for Premier League clubs, players’ associations, and governing bodies. Jacob Walker contributes expertise in commercial and insolvency litigation within the sports sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very knowledgeable about the sports industry and relevant legal issues; great to work with (excellent with clients and a lovely team to work with); work extremely hard for the client.’
‘Carol Couse is highly knowledgeable, particularly in relation to football disputes, and a pleasure to work with.'
Key clients
- Commonwealth Games Federation
- International Paralympic Committee
- International Tennis Integrity Agency
- International Tennis Federation
- The Ryder Cup Europe LLP
- British Cycling
- British Canoeing
- England Golf
- Sport England
- Cole Palmer
- Kieran Trippier
- Kyle Walker
Work highlights
Advised Palmer Management Limited on Cole Palmer’s personal brand protection strategy, including the registrability and enforcement of his brand assets as trade marks and provided guidance on reputational considerations and image rights deals.
Advised the Professional Golfers’ Association on restructuring its joint ownership of Ryder Cup Europe LLP, including amending the LLP Agreement and drafting new ancillary agreements.
Assisted the International Paralympic Committee with high-profile matters for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, including negotiating a new multi-million-pound investment deal with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, a media rights deal with NBC Universal, and a content licensing deal with TikTok.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Carol Couse
Other key lawyers
Mark Hovell; Jacob Walker