Ashfords LLP is particularly renowned in the market for its expertise in the horse racing space, fielding a team that frequently acts for jockeys, trainers, clubs, associations, and regulatory bodies in high-profile disputes. The Bristol-based team is headed up by sport regulation and commercial litigation expert Rory Mac Neice, who is praised as ‘the best lawyer in the country for racing' and chiefly handles regulatory cases arising out of match fixing and anti-doping allegations. Alongside equestrian sports, the team is also capable of handling matters relating to swimming, tennis, and football, among others, and it regularly draws on the firm’s capabilities in the commercial and employment spaces to advise on trademark issues, governance matters, and commercial disputes.

Burges Salmon LLP's team of multidisciplinary experts is highly capable of advising on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious commercial, corporate, and regulatory issues in the sport sector, with a particular focus on handling broadcasting and sponsorship agreements, trade mark and contract disputes, and financing matters. The team, which assists betting agencies, corporate entities, clubs, and associations in sports such as football, golf, and racing, is also well-regarded for its data privacy and governance expertise; horse racing expert Helen Scott-Lawler is a key name in this area. Jeremy Dickerson leads the team and is noted for his experience handling commercial litigation, as well as disputes related to ports integrity issues. Neil Connor-McLaren left the team in April 2024.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s sports law practice stands out for its work with high-profile football and rugby players, coaches, and pundits, who instruct the team to represent them in employment tribunal disputes, advise on contract and salary matters, and handle the employment aspects of club insolvencies. The team’s strong reputation in employment disputes is cemented by the expertise of practice head Tim Copplestone, who also advises sporting companies, professional clubs, and players associations on a wide array of HR matters. Sarah MacLarty, a standout tribunal litigator, is a further key contact for employment work. Other areas of focus for the team include financing and corporate matters, with Robert Ridd standing out for his experience advising football and cricket clients on acquisitions and corporate governance issues.

Foot Anstey's team of commercial and IP experts advises a range of sporting clients, including clubs, holding companies, stadia and venues, and professional associations, on contractual and sponsorship arrangements, trade mark application and protection matters, and business expansion opportunities. Practice head Nathan Peacey is a regulatory expert who handles IP matters and also advises clients on contentious and non-contentious health and safety issues, while Annalisa Checchi is noted for her experience negotiating sponsorship agreements.

Since the launch of Wollens‘ sport division following the arrival of former football agent Marco Floreale in April 2023, the team has established itself as a key port of call for player representation and sports integrity matters. Floreale chiefly advises professional athletes on contract negotiations, as well as in contentious proceedings related to harassment claims and disciplinary allegations. Sports litigation expert Craig Smith, commercial contract specialist Chris Hart, and corporate and HR contact Jon Dunkley bolster the team’s expertise, enabling it to handle commercial matters for a range of clubs and companies active in the sector.