Loeb & Loeb LLP has expertise spanning the full spectrum of sports sector mandates and is sought after by a diverse client base of governing bodies, teams, and athletes. The firm is active across all sports verticals, with team acquisitions, sponsorship agreements, and stadium development all falling under the unit’s purview. The practice is co-led by Arash Khalili in Los Angeles, who is well acquainted with the intricacies of athlete endorsement deals, and experienced transactional attorney Brian Socolow, who operates out of Washington DC. Negotiating sponsorship agreements is the cornerstone of Chicago-based Brian Heidelberger’s practice, while Douglas Masters, who also works out of the Chicago office, regularly handles litigation concerning IP, advertising, and antitrust disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Loeb & Loeb brings tremendous experience and a level of diligence that consistently stands out. I’ve worked with the firm across multiple matters, including corporate structuring and ongoing business-related legal issues, and they have always been thoughtful about how a current decision may impact my business long-term. Their team pays close attention to detail at both a micro and macro level, which is critical when navigating complex legal and commercial considerations.'
- 'What makes this practice unique is its ability to combine elite legal analysis with a practical, business-minded approach. Rather than viewing matters in isolation, Loeb & Loeb considers broader strategic implications, future risk, and scalability. Potential clients should know that this is a team that understands how legal decisions intersect with finance, operations, and growth, not just compliance.'
- 'Arash Khalili, in particular, is exceptional. He has the rare ability to analyze a deal not only from a legal perspective but equally through a financial lens. This dual fluency is uncommon compared to many other firms and attorneys I’ve worked with, and it materially improves both decision-making and outcomes. Arash is detail-oriented, highly responsive, and proactive in identifying issues before they become problems.'
- 'Compared to other firms, Loeb & Loeb operates more like a strategic partner than a traditional law firm. The collaboration, clarity of communication, and forward-thinking approach set them apart. Their ability to balance technical legal excellence with real-world business judgment is a significant differentiator, and it’s why I continue to rely on them for critical matters.’
‘The individuals I work with at Loeb & Loeb stand out for their ability to operate at a truly elite level while remaining deeply practical and business-minded. They don’t just provide legal advice in a vacuum. They understand context, risk, timing, and long-term implications, which meaningfully differentiates them from competitors.'
- 'Arash Khalili is exceptional. What sets Arash apart is his rare ability to evaluate matters simultaneously through a legal, financial, and strategic lens. He understands deal dynamics, capital structures, and business realities in a way that few attorneys do, and this allows him to provide guidance that is not only legally sound but commercially intelligent. He is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking, often anticipating second- and third-order consequences before they arise.'
- 'The broader Loeb & Loeb team distinguish themselves through collaboration, intellectual depth, and a genuine commitment to their clients’ long-term success. The combination of technical excellence, financial sophistication, and business acumen is what I value most and what clearly sets them apart from other firms and practitioners.’
‘Loeb & Loeb has an experienced sports practice that provides practical advice to help navigate transactions and issues that arise during both the investment process and ownership of sports related investments. Individuals in the practice are responsive and proactive in identifying potential issues and solutions.’
‘Industry knowledge and knowledge of our specific needs given past representation in similar matters and transactions. Responsiveness. Easy to work with in complex transactions.’
‘Tremendous expertise around all aspects of sports, specifically the sponsorship field.’
Key clients
- Art & Science Partners
- United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
- TKO’s entertainment companies, WWE, UFC and Professional Bull Riders Association
- Buffalo Bills
- Weidner Sports, an affiliate of Weidner Apartment Homes
- Rock-it Cargo, a subsidiary of Global Critical Logistics (GCL)
- Chet Holmgren
- Motorola Mobility and Lenovo (United States) Inc.
- Academy of Country Music
- Caleb Williams
- Tyler "Ninja" Blevins
- USA Football
- More Better Industries, actor/Wrexham owner Rob Mac’s sports and entertainment arm
- Life Sports Agency
- Cavalier Futures
- MidFirst Bank
- Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG)
- Dwyane Wade
- John Wall
- Country Thunder Music Festivals
Work highlights
Represented Art & Science Partners, PayPal’s marketing agency, in connection with PayPal’s multi-year sponsorship and branded integration agreements with the Big Ten and Big 12 college sports conferences.
Represented Weidner Sports, an affiliate of Weidner Apartment Homes in its purchase of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club.
Represented the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee in connection with Salt Lake City’s successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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.
Practice head
Arash Khalili; Brian Socolow
Other key lawyers
Douglas Masters; Brian Heidelberger; Seth Rose; Lisa Wiznitzer