Vinson & Elkins LLP often represents sports leagues in putative class actions arising from misconduct or criminal investigations, but also counts sports franchises, and media companies as key clients. The group boasts a strong bench for IP related matters, as Hilary Preston in Austin heads up the team with an established offering in the IP space, such as patents relating to digital media used by various sports leagues. Additionally, New York's Michael Kurzer specializes in tech transactions and intellectual property, and is therefore key for the group’s work on licensing agreements and licensing activity in the sports industry.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Key clients
- Banner Seventeen, LLC Brooklyn Events Center, LLC Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment LLC Cavaliers Operating Company, LLC Chicago Professional Sports Corporation Detroit Pistons Basketball Company Hornets Basketball Holdings, LLC Houston Astros, LLC Memphis Basketball, LLC Milwaukee Bucks, LLC Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Limited National Basketball Association National Football Association New Orleans Pelicans NBA, LLC NHL Enterprises, L.P. Orlando Magic, Ltd. Pacers Basketball, LLC Rocket Ball, Ltd. San Antonio Spurs, L.L.C. The Los Angeles Lakers, Inc. Washington Sports & Entertainment World Champions Rodeo Alliance, LLC
Practice head
Hilary Preston
Other key lawyers
Zachary Terwilliger; Michael Kurzer