Sport organisations are increasingly required to operate more ‘commercially’.
Since the introduction of the Code for Sport Governance, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and sport organisations must deliver against specific objectives to access public funding. Gold standards of governance, improved gender diversity, greater transparency on strategy and financial status are amongst the necessary requirements. Additionally, they face the growing pressure to respond to societal change by addressing issues around integrity, equality and diversity, athlete welfare and safeguarding.
COVID-19 has disrupted participation and training at all levels and has had a devastating impact on commercial operations and income generation. Brexit poses its own challenges, as NGBs have to navigate new immigration rules to ensure a steady pipeline of talent. We are here to support you.
Our experienced multi-disciplinary sport team has been supporting NGBs and sport organisations for over 30 years. Our specialist team advises on issues such as governance and constitution, workforce planning, health and safety, immigration, integrity, equality and diversity, safeguarding, contract and grant agreements. We also advise on regulatory and disciplinary matters and can provide individual representation.
We help NGBs navigate the complex issues relating to sponsorship and partnership agreements, intellectual property and image rights, broadcasting, digital media, merchandising, licensing, ticketing and reputation management.
Our team includes experts from a range of legal disciplines, allowing us to meet and anticipate your needs including charity and trust law, employment and pensions, dispute resolution, commercial contracts, property, construction and planning law.
Our team is also committed to educating the sector and we provide training to in-house teams, affiliated clubs, committee members and welfare officers to support them in meeting their sport specific goals.
We are appointed by Sport England, UK Sport and Sport Wales to the legal panel supporting NGB’s in receipt of public funding. Our clients include British Swimming, Basketball England and The Lawn Tennis Association.
