Renowned for its market-leading expertise in the equestrian and horse racing fields, Ashfords LLP provides ‘unparalleled service’ to clients in sports regulation, contractual, and negligence matters. The team also brings strong capabilities across a range of sports sectors, with particular expertise in swimming, golf, football, and tennis. The Bristol-based sports practice is led by the ‘standout’ Rory Mac Neice, who is regarded as an expert in the equine and bloodstock sector. Mac Neice harnesses ‘deep knowledge of the relevant rules and regulations’ to act for both sportspersons and regulators in issues ranging from anti-doping violations, race and match fixing, and safeguarding, particularly within the horseracing industry.

The sports law practice at Burges Salmon LLP leverages extensive industry expertise and is praised for its ‘very commercial and efficient approach’. The multidisciplinary team advises clients on a wide range of regulatory, litigation, and commercial issues, with standout strengths in motorsport, polo, and horseracing, while steadily expanding its presence in the football sector. In Bristol, the practice is spearheaded by Jeremy Dickerson, who specialises in sponsorship, advertising and merchandising matters, alongside a robust sports litigation, and anti-doping practice. Helen Scott-Lawler lends IP expertise, while corporate finance-expert Dominic Davis advises sports sector clients on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Andrew Matheson is a key contact for commercial disputes, notably within football, tennis and golf.

The ‘very strong’ sports team at Clarke Willmott LLP acts for an impressive roster of leading organisations, clubs, managers, and athletes, handling a broad spectrum of high-profile sports-related matters. Core areas include contractual issues and terminations, sports sponsorships, sport employment, insolvency and regulatory advice. Regarded as ‘one of the best in the market for sports-related employment disputes’, Tim Copplestone advises Premier League footballers and managers, as well as Premiership rugby players, on the full scope of sport employment law issues. Robert Ridd is a key contact for corporate governance and football finance matters, handling corporate transactions across professional football, cricket and rugby. Regulatory expert Tim Williamson joined the team from Foot Anstey in October 2024.

Foot Anstey‘s sports law team handles the full gamut of sports law matters, spanning trademark protection, health and safety, licensing, and the planning and construction of sports stadiums. The team is distinguished for its longstanding football safety practice, advising Championship and Premier League clubs on policing, stadium management, and licensing issues. Practice head Nathan Peacey specialises in health and safety matters within the sports sector, notably football, as well as corporate governance and regulatory investigations. Annalisa Checchi departed the firm in October 2024.

Established in 2023, the ‘innovative’ sports division at Wollens continues to grow, with an ever-expanding clientele of regional sports clubs and athletes in the South West. From the South Devon office, practice head Marco Floreale comes highly recommended for a ‘unique ability to understand his clients’ needs’, harnessing prior sports agency expertise. Chris Hart advises on high-profile arbitration and licensing matters, while Barnstaple-based Jon Dunkley handles contentious and non-contentious employment matters for sports organisations and athletes. In Exeter, Craig Smith specialises in sports litigation and dispute resolution.