Fielding a multidisciplinary team with experts in mass torts, insurance, IP and corporate law, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP represents major US sports leagues teams, agencies and associations in high profile, often cross-border transactions such as those between European agencies. The litigation for which the group is well known is antitrust class actions, particularly that with competition law elements. The team is led by Anthony J. Dreyer and Karen M. Lent in New York, whose long running representation of PGA Tour, Inc in conspiracy allegations demonstrates an ability to act as key contacts for commercial litigation surrounding sports and competition matters. Matthew Martino specializes in league governance, broadcasting, and sponsorship issues, while Thad Hartmann focuses on high-profile mergers. Michael Menitove regularly advises professional sports leagues on their business practices and agreements. All named attorneys operate out of New York.
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- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Board of Control for Cricket in India
- Coalition for Advancing the Protection of Sports Logos
- Columbia University
- Ladies Professional Golf Association
- Major League Baseball
- Major League Soccer
- Mubadala Investment Company
- National Basketball Association
- National Collegiate Athletics Association
- National Football League
Work highlights
- Represented Columbia University in a putative antitrust class action alleging that the university and other Ivy League universities violated antitrust law by agreeing not to award athletic scholarships. The case was dismissed.
- Represented the PGA TOUR, Inc. (the “TOUR”) in its litigation with LIV Golf, securing the dismissal of a case asserted allegations of conspiracy between the TOUR and Official World Golf Ranking, among others, to prevent LIV golfers from participating in TOUR events.
- Represented Pro-Football, Inc. (the Washington Commanders) and WFI Stadium before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, reversing the district court ruling and holding the that the Washington Commanders’ arbitration clause binds fans who entered the stadium using tickets presented on someone else’s smartphone.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Anthony J. Dreyer; Karen M. Lent
Other key lawyers
Matthew Martino; Michael Menitove