We provide specialist advice on reputation protection, contractual and regulatory matters, as well as dispute resolution and enforcement and general protection of rights. Besides sports stars, our clients include leading sports agencies and clubs and major international sponsors. We also represent merchandisers, clothing manufacturers and many others involved in the fast-growing world of commercial sport.
The sports industry is a sophisticated and competitive marketplace. Correctly balancing the needs of the corporate sponsor with those of the sporting team and the players and personalities involved can provide a winning formula. However, in reality, this balance can be hard to achieve - and even harder to maintain - in an increasingly celebrity-obsessed society.
The media has always had an insatiable desire for gossip, scandal and private information regarding revered and adored sports stars and a media attack can move a sports personality from a sports page hero to a front page villain. The effects can be enormous and, as well as being personally very damaging and distressing, can also erode fan confidence and commercial value.
Whilst players and teams must continue to do their talking on the pitch, in the present climate, a media attack about activities off the field intensifies the damage to fan and consumer confidence, corporate backing of players and the team and the value of a brand itself.
Economic changes can quickly affect levels of sponsorship, corporate entertaining and consumer spending. Therefore, the need to protect brands and reputations to help provide a stable and secure future will be more crucial over the coming years than ever before.