A key port of call for broadcasters, sports right holders and sports talent, sports boutique Onside Law LLP is adept at assisting with broadcast licensing arrangements related to media rights, and the production and distribution of content. The 'commercially minded' James Tobias takes the lead on this type of work, and is also well versed in matters at the intersection of broadcast and digital media. In addition, the team also acts for TV presenters, and has notably advised on numerous sports-related docuseries. Jamie Singer co-leads the team alongside Tobias.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Onside is exceptionally knowledgeable, commercially minded and pragmatic. They don't get bogged down in academic or legalistic points, but instead distil their advice into short, clear recommendations and queries which are fit to be presented at exec level within any business.'
'I find their approach to be concise and direct, and it often draws on real industry knowledge from their impressive client base. The people is also friendly and approachable, and very much feel like an extension of my team.’
‘I have recently worked closely with James Tobias, and have been very impressed with his approach and overall style. He takes a very practical approach, often willing to express his own views and recommendations on things without burying them in caveats or legal jargon. He is a very commercially minded lawyer, who is focused on getting the deal done.’
‘They have deep experience in sport and are clearly working across a number of media deals so are able to borrow from their varied experience.’
‘James Tobias has been very easy to deal with. Pragmatic and responsive, he has delivered high quality work.’
Key clients
- ATP Media
- Snack Media
- Progress Productions
- Starwing Productions
- Avidity Studios
- Mark Chapman
- Michael Parkinson Enterprises
- Esteban Apraez Entertainment
- CueTips Media
- Six Nations
- River Media Partners
- beIN Sports
- Two Circles
- Stephen Hendry
- Nick Dougherty
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- E1
- Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR)
- Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
Work highlights
- Advised Sir Michael Parkinson's company following his passing on the licensing of archive interview content for various commercial and non-commercial purposes.
- Advised Avidity Studios on all aspects of its first full TV commission, "The Captain’s Dinner", focusing on the stories of three former Ryder Cup Team Europe captains.
- Advised E1 Series on sports media rights licensing deals with over 25 broadcasters worldwide ahead of the launch of the event at the start of 2024.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James Tobias, Jamie Singer