Although Hugh James previously had a not insignificant presence in the sector, it was the merger with sports boutique Loosemores Solicitors in July 2023 that truly propelled the firm to the pinnacle of the market, ensuring that clients, be they governing bodies, rights holders, sponsors or individual sportspeople, can count on a multidisciplinary offering provided by a large full-service team, as well as niche pure sports-focused expertise. ‘Exceptional’ team head Mark Loosemore draws upon ‘sharp commercial acumen’ gleaned from his many years’ expertise in the sector, both in-house and in private practice, and has ‘a deep understanding of sports law’, including on relevant regulations, contractual issues, intellectual property rights and general commercial matters. Other key practitioners include ‘very astute lawyer and tactician’ Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, who has deep expertise of dispute resolution mechanisms specific to the sports industry, and Gerallt Jones, who regularly handles corporate and commercial work for sports clients, including Welsh Rugby Union. Banking and finance head Dominic Marshall provides support in financial matters while Karl Thomas aids with employment procedures and contracts in this sector. Rebecca McCarthy left the firm in June 2024.

Co-headed by Adrian Oliver and Justin Harris, Dolmans' multi-disciplinary team remains best known for advising national governing bodies/organisations on their regulatory, governance and commercial arrangements. Oliver continues to advise Federation of Disability Sport Wales, including on organisational issues, governance matters and sponsorship agreements. Other key practitioners include Peter Bennett, who remains at the forefront of the high-profile rugby concussion litigation; former Welsh international triathlete Clare Hoskins; and associate Tom Harris, who regularly assists individuals and sporting bodies in the drafting and review of contracts.

Leveraging its full-service capability, including in relation to private client, real estate, litigation and commercial matters, Newport-based firm Harding Evans LLP's sweet-spot remains in servicing the needs of a multitude of professional sports personalities. Many of these are former or current Wales rugby internationals, with Sam Warburton a notable longstanding client. Mike Jenkins handles some of this work, as well as continuing to provide advice to Dragons RFC on an ad hoc basis.

Overseen by business services head William Barletta, Morgan LaRoche deploys a multi-disciplinary approach to work in the sports sector, regularly drawing upon corporate/commercial and property expertise, in particular, on behalf of amateur and professional sports clubs, as well as governing bodies. Christopher Evans is a pivotal member of the team, with key clients including Swim Wales and Ospreys Rugby.

Under the guidance of the 'very knowledgeable and accommodating' David Thompson, boutique Cardiff-based firm Thompson Darwin Limited has developed a strong reputation within the sports sector, chiefly off the back of Thompson's longstanding relationship with the Scarlets. Through the firm's cost-effective retainer scheme, Thompson handles a myriad of matters for the aforementioned high-profile regional rugby club, including as these pertain to the drafting of players/coaches' contracts, sponsorship, commercial contracts, and IP and image rights.

Forming a part of Harrison Clark Rickerbys' fledgling multi-disciplinary national sports group, the 'attentive and hardworking' Cardiff-based offering has been particularly active handling dispute resolution matters for a range of stakeholders in the sports sector. Hefin Archer-Williams 'really understands how national governing bodies work', ensuring that he is well-placed to advise on member disputes. IP expert Wayne Beynon co-heads the team alongside Archer-Williams and is also noted for his sports-related litigation prowess, work which has recently included advice for England-based professional rugby and cricket clubs.

Under the guidance of the 'hardworking and client-focused' Andrew Meech, JCP Solicitors continues to act for longstanding Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron. In this context, as well as advising on commercial contract matters relating to kit and sponsorship, Meech is also engaged in contractual disputes should they arise.