Specialists in handling licensing contracts, image rights agreements and complex governance matters, the Harbottle & Lewis LLP team is highly regarded by the governing bodies, high-profile athletes and sports organisations it represents. Bob Mitchell and Michael Lister jointly lead the outfit, both specialising in commercial contract work and regulatory matters, predominantly in the football and Formula 1 spheres. Dalton Odendaal is knowledgeable on all aspects of staging major sporting events, while both Sam Purkiss and Mike Jones are cited as key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Diageo (Guinness)
- Cricket West Indies
- Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
- Nissan Formula E Team
- England Men’s Cricket Team
- Automobile Club de Monaco
- Tyrone Mings
- Your Golf Travel
- Tina Hausmann
- The Professional Jockeys Association
- MatchFit PR
- Romelu Lukaku
- Isa Guha
- Ollie Bearman
- Timothy Weah
- Powerboat P1
- Verbal Solutions
- Kai Havertz
- Professional Cricketers’ Association
- HBA Media
- Kindred Concepts
- Sporting Events
- Tyrell Malacia
- Ashley Young
Work highlights
- Advised Diageo on its long-term renewal of its major title sponsorship of the men’s rugby union Six Nations, and its additional title sponsorship of the women’s Six Nations which takes effect from 2024, with the brand replacing TikTok as title sponsor.
- Acting as external counsel for Cricket West Indies on a number of key commercial matters throughout the year, including kit and merchandise agreements, licensing agreements and data capture agreements.
- Providing complete legal support to the Nissan Formula E racing team throughout season 9 of the Formula E Championship.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bob Mitchell, Michael Lister