Fielding a team of strong litigators who represent players, players associations, sports franchises and sports leagues, among others, Winston & Strawn LLP stands out for complex litigation in relation to matters including contracts, and disciplinary proceedings, The group can be particularly noted for its strength in sports matters in the antitrust space. Adam Dale, who was promoted to partner in 2024, is a standout team member in this regard. David Feher, David Greenspan and Jeffrey Kessler in New York head up the team. Kessler, who is described as ‘hard-working and flexible’ is a leading trial lawyer in the US, and has a long history of acting in matters for college athletes against the NCAA, as well as being involved in a class action, billion-dollar antitrust settlement with the NCAA in 2024. Feher is well established within complex sports employment and labour law matters, another key area of engagement for the wider group. regarding gender-discrimination lawsuits. Jonathan Amoona, also in New York, is a go-to practitioner for high-profile individual athletes for confidential arbitrations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Best antitrust attorneys in the US when it comes to sports in our opinion. Tenacity, intelligence and creative analysis make them the leader in this space for us.'
- 'Jeffrey Kessler is brilliant, hard-working and flexible. Jeanifer Parsigian is smart, responsive and easy to work with.'
- 'Strong expertise in all aspects of the sports industry.'
- 'Diligent, responsive, and a keen eye for detail.'
- 'Exceptional experience and expertise. Very responsive and participatory. They provide input and assistance when needed and called upon, but also know when to stand down.'
Key clients
- Relevent Sports, LLC
- NCAA athletes
- Cangrejeros Baseball Club, LLC
- United Talent Agency (Klutch Sports Group)
- Activision Blizzard
- A class of professional swimmers
- Major League Baseball Players Association
- 23XI Racing
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
Work highlights
- Represented current and former NCAA athletes in an antitrust-class-action settlement with NCAA that will distribute nearly $3billion in past damages to current and former college athletes.
- Representing the MLBPA in a right of publicity action against major sports betting companies, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports, for unauthorized use of MLB player images on their sportsbook betting platforms and in associated advertising.
- Representing Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s racing team, 23XI, alongside racing team Front Row Motorsports, Inc., in asserting monopolisation claims and seeking preliminary injunction against NASCAR in order to compete with a NASCAR charter in the 2025 NASCAR season.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
David Feher; David Greenspan; Jeffrey Kessler
Other key lawyers
Jeanifer Parsigian; Jason Goldstein; Sofia Arguello; Jason Hellwig; Jason Goldstein Adam Dale