DLA Piper LLP (US) houses a team of lawyers well-versed in the full spectrum of sports-related transactions, encompassing private equity, debt financing, and stadium developments. The practice is an established port of call for leagues, teams, and financial institutions. Recent highlights include guiding the San Francisco 49ers through multiple minority equity investments. Practice chief Richard Rubano has considerable experience assisting both buyers and sellers through high-value transactions. Alexander Steinberg has a strong portfolio advising on joint ventures, sponsorship agreements, and licensing arrangements. Out of the Reston office, Mark Whitaker advises a client base spanning major leagues domestically and across Europe. Jennifer Dinsmore, based in Baltimore, focuses on stadium and team financing, while Alexander Meiseles is highly skilled at advising startups on corporate governance and financing matters. All other lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper possesses smart and high integrity people, deep experience in the field, strong relationships with the leagues, and a strong client service ethic.’
‘On the ball - the DLA team never wasted our time, however, when there was something to be done they were on it. They had flexibility to schedule around our schedule. Still they elevated priorities when needed and made sure we focused on important issues as they evolved.’
‘This practice stands out for its deep experience in both domestic and international sports transactions, supported by seamless collaboration across multiple departments. The team brings a strong understanding of the sports industry ecosystem, including leagues, teams, investors, and counterparties, and applies that insight in a highly practical, commercial way.'
- 'A key differentiator is the team’s access to proprietary data and institutional knowledge developed through prior transactions, which allows them to anticipate issues, move efficiently, and provide advice that goes beyond market-standard analysis. Compared to other firms, the team combines technical excellence with real-world deal experience, enabling them to deliver strategic, solutions-oriented guidance rather than purely academic legal advice.’
‘Alexander Steinberg is a standout partner and a recognized leader in sports law. His market insight, credibility with counterparties, and ability to manage complex, high-profile matters set him apart from peers. He combines strategic vision with hands-on involvement, which gives clients confidence and adds significant value to every engagement. The broader team reflects this same standard of excellence, working efficiently and collaboratively to deliver consistently strong outcomes, especially Tristan Meagher.’
‘Richard Rubano stands out for his strong legal expertise, thoughtful approach, and reliability. He consistently provides clear, practical guidance, and his collaborative style and professionalism made the process genuinely enjoyable. His responsiveness and attention to detail make him a trusted and valued partner.’
Key clients
- Ares Management
- Atlanta Braves
- Atlantic Coast Conference
- Chicago Bears
- Chicago Cubs
- Elevate Sports Ventures
- Goldman Sachs
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Leeds United FC
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles FC
- New York City FC
- Paris Saint-Germain FC
- Qatar Sports Investments
- Roku
- San Francisco 49ers
- Tennessee Titans
- The E.W. Scripps Company
- Washington Commanders
Work highlights
Represented the San Francisco 49ers in multiple transactions involving sales of minority equity stakes, which saw the club achieve a record-breaking valuation of US$8.6 billion valuation.
Representing The Washington Commanders, as team counsel, in connection with the USD $3.7 billion new stadium development at the former site of RFK Stadium in Washington DC.
Represented the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the extension of its media rights agreement with ESPN through the 2035-36 academic year.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Richard Rubano
Other key lawyers
Alexander Steinberg; Mark Whitaker; Jennifer Dinsmore; Alexander Meiseles; Rachel Lowitz; Tristan Meagher