Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP counts athletic commissions, television networks, and financial institutions in its client roster and chiefly handles media rights and crisis management issues as well as sporting disputes arising in federal and state courts. New York-based lawyer Richard Birns co-heads the team and is noted for his transactional expertise in connection with high-profile franchise acquisitions and joint ventures, while co-head Maurice Suh is based in Los Angeles and primarily advises on corporate litigation and government enforcement actions. Also operating out of Los Angeles, Kevin Masuda acts on behalf of talent and sports agencies in restructurings and strategic agreements, while Sarah Graham assists media and technology corporations with investments and betting law issues.

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Key clients

  • Topgolf International
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • New York Yankees
  • Shaquille O’Neal
  • RedBird Capital Partners, LLC
  • Diamond Sports Group
  • National Football League
  • Klutch Sports Group
  • James & Company LLC
  • LIV Golf, Inc.
  • Nike
  • FanDuel Inc.
  • Beemok Capital, LLC
  • ClubCorp

Work highlights

  • Advised Topgolf International on a $12bn acquisition.
  • Advised affiliates of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees on Legends’ acquisition of ASM Global.
  • Advised Shaquille O'Neal and his production company Jersey Legends on its strategic partnership with Authentic Studios, the entertainment division of Authentic Brands Group.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Richard Birns, Maurice Suh

Other key lawyers

Kevin Masuda, Sarah Graham