Sports Technology

Our sports tech advisors guide the world of sport through digital transformation and provide legal peace of mind.

Our specialist lawyers enable elite sport and technology organisations — including vendors, service providers, clubs, leagues, federations, investors and media rights holders — to deliver bold change quickly and safely.

Sport is facing a technological revolution. From VAR to VR and AI to blockchain, every team, rights holder and governing body is exploring how technology can impact sporting performance, organisation and revenue.

The challenge is understanding which technologies will create new income streams, improve governance and regulation and protect the integrity of our sports.

We make the complex, simple. Our unique position at the intersection of sport, technology and law enables us to drive agility, competitive advantage and commercial success to unlock the full power of innovation in the governance, regulation and commercialisation of sport.

Our award-winning, preeminent sports technology legal advisors — commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2024 and ranked in the top tier of The Legal 500 for sports law — are here to help you to efficiently navigate this fast-changing legal landscape.

Sports technology advisory — expert legal guidance through digital transformation

Recognised as a top-tier firm in The Legal 500 2025

Specialist sports technology legal services & advice

Implementing new technologies can create a variety of legal issues. Whether it’s upholding sporting integrity and fair play, protecting personal data, ensuring the safety of devices, athletes and fans or preventing algorithms from perpetuating negative biases, it’s critical to mitigate risk.

You may be seeking advice on enhancing the regulation and governance of professional and grassroots sport, including the use (and protection) of athlete and fan data, dealing with discrimination, safeguarding and sporting integrity.

Alternatively, you may be a sports organisation or stakeholder seeking to maximise commercial opportunities — we frequently advise on the use of technology in commercial media rights, sponsorship negotiations, stadium experiences and artistic expression. Our lawyers’ expertise in the sports sector enables us to assist in driving the next generation of technological advancements.

For vendors and service providers with technologies for sport or wellbeing, we can advise on all the regulatory and governance matters involved in working with sporting bodies, leagues and federations.

We can also provide the full suite of corporate and transactional advice — from protecting intellectual property rights to advising throughout mergers, acquisitions and exits.

We understand the challenges and opportunities that sport faces and assist leaders in setting priorities for digital transformation — and delivering them.

Amid so much uncertainty around the use and application of technology in sport, we provide you with the legal peace of mind to support bold initiatives and lasting change.

Meet our sports team

Expert sports technology legal advisors

Recognised both nationally and internationally as one of the largest and most experienced multidisciplinary legal teams in the game, our sports lawyers work side-by-side with sports technology, fitness and wellbeing vendors, elite clubs, leagues and federations, institutional investors, media and rights holders and the wider tech ecosystem to plan, implement and manage technological change.

Our team is led by Consultant and experienced commercial strategist Simon Cothliff and Senior Associate and commercial lawyer Morgan Lewis.

Simon has worked with the major technology corporations and start-ups that have defined the emerging TV, video streaming, data, sports and film intellectual property rights market. Having held a number of senior positions at global technology companies, he speaks your language and understands what it takes to enable effective technological innovation.

Morgan provides legal advice in relation to commercial contracts, the exploitation and licensing of intellectual property rights and compliance with data protection requirements. He supports tech companies focused on developing software and cloud-based products and previously worked at a specialist sports law practice.

As your trusted legal advisors, we help to unleash technology by guiding you through the process of digital transformation and navigating any pitfalls along the way.

We provide the legal framework that enables you to deliver meaningful benefits to stakeholders around regulation, governance and commercial development.

“Acting on some of the UK’s most high-profile casework propelled Brabners to post its sixth consecutive year of growth... its sports law team has acted for Coleen Rooney in the now infamous 'Wagatha Christie' libel case and England cricket captain Ben Stokes and supported several infrastructure projects in keeping with the national focus on levelling up, including Everton Football Club’s new 53,000-seater stadium.”

The Times Best Law Firms 2024

“Brabners maintains its stellar reputation for handling the full scope of sports mandates concerning sporting events, the eligibility and inclusion of transgender athletes and claims involving racism charges and libel.”

The Legal 500 2025

“We’ve worked with Brabners since 2019 for our dedicated Legal & Tax helpline. Brabners has provided excellent management of the helpline, offering our LTA Registered Venues and County & Island Associations access to legal advice from an extremely knowledgeable and experienced team. During this time, Brabners provided an invaluable service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to work with us to add value to the services the LTA provides.”

Club and County Support Manager, Lawn Tennis Association

“Lydia Edgar leads the [sport] team, and is noted for her vast knowledge of the employment aspects of sport, assisting national governing bodies (NGB), owners and athletes with appointments and exit agreements.”

The Legal 500 2025

“Catherine Forshaw is a key name for both union and league rugby clients, and is known for her strong focus on UK FA and RFL anti-doping disciplinary proceedings and Safeguarding Commission proceedings.”

Legal 500 2025

“Andrew McGregor has excellent instincts and a skill for getting to grips with the key issues in a matter — very client-friendly, with excellent connections in professional football, which help reassure clients.”

The Legal 500 client feedback 2025

“Market-leading firm for sports law work.”

The Legal 500 client feedback 2025

Andy Etches and Simon Cothliff discuss the legal considerations for scaling sports tech businesses

Key legal considerations for scaling sports tech businesses

Over the past several years, Rezzil has grown from a ‘simple’ VR fan experience to a multifaceted business that operates in the elite performance, medical and in-home gaming arenas.

Our sports technology expert Simon Cothliff caught up with Rezzil’s Co-Founder Andy Etches to discuss the legal challenges he faced while setting up and scaling the business.

Watch the full interview

Brabners is a purpose-led independent law firm.

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We’re on a mission to make the difference for our clients, people and communities. Proudly anchored in the North since 1815, we serve all of England and Wales.