Sidley Austin LLP leverages its broader corporate and M&A expertise to handle a wide array of high-value sports-related transactions, from franchise acquisitions to the development of multi-use arenas. The multi-disciplinary team is frequently sought after by a diverse roster of clients, including leagues, governing bodies, and private equity funds. The leadership team includes Charles Baker in New York, Irwin Raij in Miami, Rollin A. Ransom in Los Angeles, and Matthew C. Thompson and Eric Geffner in Century City. Baker regularly advises franchise owners across multiple major leagues, including the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Raij is well-versed in the intricacies of stadium development for both professional and college teams, while Ransom’s disputes expertise spans IP and antitrust matters. Thompson advises a broad spectrum of media companies, and Geffner has considerable experience advising professional sports and e-sports teams on financing, sponsorship, and licensing deals.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have enjoyed a very beneficial and positive relationship with Sidley and its team, especially Irwin Raij and Alyssa Levy. Their experience has been invaluable, and the team is always available and able to meet deadlines. These relationships always boil down to people and we have a terrific working relationship with Sidley.’
‘Irwin and Alyssa Levy were our primary contacts. Irwin is extremely knowledgeable and experiences in pro sports deals and leveraged that experience to help us attract the Chiefs. Having a deep understanding of the issues and how those issues were resolved in similar projects has been extremely helpful.’
‘Sidley is differentiated by its people. We run an investment firm focused exclusively on women's sports. They have the most knowledge (and passion) about the space of any law firm I've come across. They handle such a bready of transactions in the sports ecosystem that you can always trust you'll find learnings and best practices that make your transaction better by working with them.’
‘Eric Geffner, in particluar, has been an incredible partner to us through all of our transactions. He is available whenever we need him, he is always open to being a sounding board before we are actually working together, and then has deep insights and experience to guide us through the process. He also knows how to be practical to get things across the line and has the industry relationships to move things effectively.’
Key clients
- Angel City FC
- Monumental Sports and Entertainment
- PEAK 6 Investments
- Investor in Group Led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore
- La Liga
- Todd Boehly
- World Football Sevens
- Emirates Team New Zealand (America's Cup)
- City of Jacksonville
- Chicago Bears
- State of Kansas
- Seattle Mariners
Work highlights
Representing long-time client Todd Boehly in his and Mark Walter’s landmark acquisition of a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Advising World Sevens Football, a new, global grand slam series for professional women footballers that launched in early 2025. The tournament debuted in May in Portugal, and will be followed by events across the U.S., Mexico, Asia and Europe.
Represented the State of Kansas on its historic bid involving the relocation of two major sports franchises, the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs, in a potential deal with a combined value of over $7 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Charles Baker; Irwin Raij; Rollin Ransom; Matthew Thompson; Eric Geffner
Other key lawyers
Alexandra Piarino; Luisa Lizoain; Alyssa Levy