Sports and Entertainment

The sports and entertainment industry is changing as rapidly as the athletes, talent, technologies, and distribution channels upon which it relies. Changes to the NCAA’s long-standing prohibition on student-athlete pay have opened the door to new, unexplored business and legal opportunities for businesses and college athletes to pursue financial sponsorship, influencer, and other commercialization opportunities tied to an athlete’s name, image, and likeness (NIL). Across the spectrum, independent producers are creating more content on a larger scale and with wider access to consumers than ever before, while established studios are shifting their focus to blockbusters and franchise productions. 

At the same time, state and foreign tax incentives and new financing structures are becoming increasingly complex, and constantly evolving distribution models, including social media, are increasing the availability of music, books, television, and other content while turning traditional marketing, distribution, and profit models upside down.

Ranked among the top law firms in the region by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and other national ratings publications, the sports and entertainment law attorneys at Jones Walker counsel companies and individuals in the professional and amateur athletics, arts, entertainment, and hospitality industries. With lawyers practicing across the Southeast, we provide up-to-the-minute, seamless counsel to clients where they do business, and where their customers live.