ArentFox Schiff possess a ‘wide breadth of experts across all areas’ of the sports industry, regularly receiving instructions from a slew teams, sporting bodies, and media organisations. The practice covers a myriad of transactional mandates spanning private equity investments, stadium developments, and sponsorship agreements. The team has brought this transactional expertise to bear recently acting for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Tampa Bay Rays in their recent acquisitions. The practice is jointly led by Richard Brand, who operates out of San Francisco and holds a strong book of work for an array of leagues and teams, and Eric Fishman, who fronts the firm’s offering on sports-related private equity investments from New York. Also in San Francisco is Zak Welsh, who’s capabilities span sponsorship, media rights, and M&A matters, while areas of expertise for Boston-based Wesley Gee include negotiating leases and naming rights agreements for stadia.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'ArentFox Schiff has a broad team of experts across all areas, providing considerable, in-depth advisory services. They are thoughtful business partners.'
- 'Wesley Gee is a phenomenal attorney who has been a true thought partner in our partnership negotiations. He connects the dots, provides thoughtful and practical advice, and takes a fair and balanced approach to negotiations to meet our business needs.'
- 'Eric Fishman is our main point of contact and effectively serves as our GC. He has been phenomenal to work with - responsive to our feedback and constantly helping us think through how to build our business more thoughtfully while protecting ourselves appropriately.'
- 'They have been a pleasure to work with.'
- 'The team has exceptional experience in the sports industry.'
- 'Richard Brand is very knowledgeable in the subject matter personally and has assembled a highly qualified team.'
Key clients
- Board of Trustees of the California State University (SDSU)
- Boardroom 35 LLC
- Buss Family Trusts
- Fantasy Life LLC
- GAME 7
- Kevin Durant
- Klutch Sports Group
- Legends Global (formerly two separate companies - ASM Global and Legends Hospitality prior to their merger, each of which were and are clients)
- LIV Golf
- LRMR Ventures and SC Holdings
- Los Angeles Rams
- Machete Group
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Zachary Welsh
Practice head
Richard Brand; Eric Fishman
Other key lawyers
Zak Welsh; Wesley Gee