Acting on behalf of private equity firms, NBA franchises, and major sporting federations, the Latham & Watkins LLP team demonstrates ‘valuable industry knowledge’ in handling multi-jurisdictional M&A, antitrust litigation, and sponsor-backed minority investments in sports franchises. The practice is also highly regarded for its work in the media space, regularly assisting with multi-party joint entertainment ventures and terminating telecast rights agreements. Described as ’thorough’ and a ‘balanced negotiator’, Adam J. Sullins heads the team from Century City and focuses on strategic investments and transactions, whilst Kendall Johnson is knowledgeable on the licensing and financing of sponsorship rights. In New York, Frank Saviano specializes in team acquisitions and stadium development, and Justin Hamill assists with corporate governance affairs. San Francisco-based Chris Yates concentrates on high-stakes antitrust claims, and Adam Rosenthal is well-regarded for his expertise in matters concerning sports league governance and rules.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I have used Latham’s Sports practices in an extensive and ongoing manner and continue to be thrilled with the work output, emotional intelligence and industry knowledge across the team. Latham’s sports team is an undisputed industry leader given its unique combination of commercial knowledge of the industry, shrewd and pragmatic legal advice, and exceptional interpersonal ability. Latham consistently finds ways to solve problems and demonstrates a desire to make deals happen in the face of challenges by deciphering cutting-edge structuring tactics rather than shying away due to a challenge.’
‘The Latham team continually distinguish themselves from other leading firms through their impeccable and timely work product, valuable industry knowledge, strong emotional intelligence and deep tenure in the space. The Latham team provide accurate, creative, intelligent work, and they’re a ton of fun to work alongside.'
'Amongst the talented attorneys at Latham, Frank Saviano, Adam Rosenthal, and Rachel Klein stand out because they work extremely hard to consistently produce terrific work while fostering a collaborative, fun and contagious culture. Their unique combination of IQ and EQ will continue to set them far apart in the industry and I plan to use Latham largely exclusively going forward. I would be delighted to discuss further.’
‘The team has great expertise and is very international, allowing us to obtain seasoned expertise almost everywhere in the world.’
‘The team is highly experienced, knowledgeable and responsive.’
‘Adam Sullins is the lead partner- he bring great experience, is thorough, most responsive, a balanced negotiator and overall very good at managing process and people which is sometimes the most important part since almost all attorneys leading law firms/departments of this stature would have sound legal acumen.’

Key clients

Skydance Media
The Chernin Group Capital Management, LP
RedBird Capital Partners
Diamond Baseball Holdings
Archwell Holdings, LLC
Sixth Street Partners
DLHPII Sports Media And Entertainment, LLC
Blue Owl Sports
Dynasty Equity Partners Management, LLC
Houston Rockets
Endeavor Operating Company
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Fanatics, Inc.
United States Soccer Federation
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Padres, LP
World Aquatics
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Nexstar Media Group
World Surf League

Work highlights

Advised RedBird Capital Partners in connection with the formation of EverPass Media, a NewCo owned by RedBird and the NFL, which will hold the exclusive rights to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket to commercial establishments in the United States starting with the 2023 NFL season.
Advised Endeavor in connection with UFC and WWE’s US$21 billion merger to form a new, publicly listed company consisting of two iconic, complementary, global sports and entertainment brands.
Advising FIFA in connection with the host city selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and related matters.