Miller Johnson’s Sports Law Practice Group provides comprehensive legal counsel to athletes, teams, leagues, national governing bodies, investors, facilities, sponsors, and sports-adjacent businesses at every stage of their growth and competition. Our multidisciplinary team combines deep industry knowledge with practical business insight to help clients grow their sports, protect their interests, and navigate the increasingly complex legal landscape of professional, amateur, and emerging sports.

Integrated Counsel for the Business of Sports

• Commercial Contracts
  We structure, draft, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including athlete contracts, NIL deals, vendor and supplier agreements, venue contracts, media and broadcast deals, event agreements, insurance portfolios, and strategic partnerships, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected while maximizing value.
• Corporate Governance
  We advise sports organizations, ownership groups, and nonprofits on governance structures, compliance, fiduciary duties, league requirements, and best practices for boards and executives operating in a highly scrutinized environment. Learn more.
• Employment & Labor Law
  We are experienced counselors to teams, leagues, and sports-related employers on employment agreements, collective bargaining considerations, workplace policies, internal investigations, and compliance with state and federal labor laws. Learn more.
• Corporate Finance
  We advise on financing strategies for teams, facilities, and sports ventures, including private equity investments, debt financing, revenue-sharing arrangements, and capital structuring. Learn more.
• Incorporation & Organization
  From startups and youth sports organizations to professional franchises, we help clients select, form, and organize appropriate entities, laying a strong foundation for growth and compliance. Learn more.
• Intellectual Property
  We protect and monetize intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, licensing portfolios, digital assets, and proprietary technology critical to sports brands and entertainment platforms. Learn more.
• Immigration
  Our attorneys assist athletes, coaches, and sports professionals with visas, work authorization, and permanent residency matters, facilitating seamless cross-border competition and employment. Learn more.

Advocacy and Risk Management

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution
  We represent sports organizations in disputes involving contracts, employment issues, sponsorship conflicts, governance matters, and regulatory enforcement, offering strategic advocacy in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Learn more.
• Regulation & Compliance
  We help clients comply with league rules, governing body regulations, NIL frameworks, anti-doping policies, sports-betting regulations, federal law, and other evolving compliance requirements affecting the sports industry.
• Safe Sport & Athlete Safety Concerns
  We regularly work with Olympic National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to restructure their corporate governance, reform their bylaws and Safe Sport / athlete safety policies, respond to potential decertification by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and comply with audit requirements from the USOPC and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Brand Growth, Transactions & Asset Protection

• Merchandising & Endorsement Rights
  We structure and negotiate merchandising, endorsement, and promotional agreements that align with athletes’ and organizations’ brand strategies while protecting long-term value.
• Sponsorship & Licensing Agreements
  Our Sports Law Practice advises on sponsorship, naming rights, and licensing arrangements—balancing commercial opportunity with reputational and regulatory considerations.
• Name, Image, and Likeness Rights
  We counsel athletes and organizations on the protection, monetization, and enforcement of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, including compliance with collegiate, league, and state-specific rules.
• Media Deals for Broadcast and Streaming
  We represent athletes and organizations and media companies, broadcasters, and clubs in negotiating and securing broadcasting or streaming agreements; protecting their broadcasting rights; and dealing with disputes.
• Mergers, Acquisitions & Investments
  We are trusted advisors to buyers, sellers, and investors in transactions involving sports teams, leagues, facilities, media ventures, and related businesses, providing strategic guidance from due diligence through closing. Learn more.
• Real Estate Planning, Construction & Redevelopment
  We support sports facilities and related developments through site acquisition, zoning, financing, construction, public-private partnerships, and redevelopment projects. Learn more.
• Tax & Estate Planning
  Our attorneys help athletes and high-net-worth sports professionals manage tax exposure and preserve wealth through strategic tax planning, estate planning, and succession strategies. Learn more.

A Trusted Partner in the Sports Industry

Whether advising a rising athlete, a growing franchise or league, a National Governing Body (NGB) or organization, a facility developer, or a global brand, Miller Johnson delivers practical, forward-thinking legal solutions tailored to the unique demands of the sports industry—so our clients can focus on performance, growth, and long-term success.