Course Descriptions
The Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute’s comprehensive curriculum introduces aspiring sports lawyers to a broad range of legal topics relevant to the practice of sports law. The Institute features two courses and a unique mix of classes, lectures, panels, and excursions, led by the Institute's director, Professor David Weber, and a host of guest faculty and industry leaders.
Over the course of the summer, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wide world of sports law theory and practice. Learn more about our course offerings below.
Professional Sports Law (3 Credits)
Explore the exciting world of professional sports law in this foundational course. In this course, you will learn about the legal structures and regulations governing professional sports leagues, the professionalization of college athletics with NIL and NIL’s interrelationship with Title IX, the impact of legalized gambling in sport, and international sporting bodies. This introductory course aims to familiarize students with the legal frameworks in sports, paving the way for further studies and careers in sports law.
Format: The course is designed as a distance learning experience combining primarily synchronous class sessions via Zoom, negotiation and simulation exercises, and an optional hyflex/immersive in-person week. During synchronous sessions, students will participate in live class sessions with faculty and guest speakers to explore contemporary issues in sports law, such as gambling, antitrust, the business aspect of sports, and mega-sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup.
Hyflex/In-person Week: During the hyflex/in-person week, students may choose to continue the course remotely or they may choose to attend in person. Those attending class in Eugene will have the opportunity to have classes at the Knight Law Center, participate in various events and attend potential field trips to major corporate sports brands, professional teams, and more.
Timeline: The course spans five weeks in the first part of summer session.
Topics Covered:
- Sports Law Foundations: Introduces students to labor relations (NLRA), antitrust issues, league formation and governance, and intellectual property concerns.
- The Professionalization of College Athletics: Examines the evolution of Name, Image, and Likness from its implementation in 2021 to its current management by the College Sports Commission and NIL Go, and the role of Title IX with NIL.
- Dispute Resolution: Guides students through the dispute resolution systems in sport including grievance and salary arbitration, and international sport arbitration through the Court for the Arbitration of Sport
- The Business of Sport: Exposes students to the legal issues around the business of sport including agents, gambling in sports, tort liability, immigration, and human rights concerns.
Key Takeaways: This course provides a blend of theoretical foundations and practical insights into the complexities of sports law, the evolving landscape of sports governance, and the ethical and business dimensions of this growing field.
Pathway to Practice (3 Credits)
This immersive course merges legal theory with practical application in sports law. Through a hands-on approach, students hone their negotiation, contract drafting, and advocacy skills while engaging in career development opportunities, including professional identity formation and networking.
This immersive course merges legal theory with practical application in sports law. Through a hands-on approach, students hone their negotiation, contract drafting, and advocacy skills while engaging in career development opportunities, including professional identity formation and networking.
Format: This is a primarily online/synchronous career-focused course. One week of the course will be hyflex allowing those students who are interested to attend courses in-person at the University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene, Oregon, while allowing those who prefer only online coursework to continue to participate in that fashion.
Timeline: The course occurs over the second five-week summer session.
Hyflex/In-person Week: During the hyflex/in-person week, students attending in person will have the opportunity to have class in person, participate in various events including potential trips to major corporate sports brands, local professional sporting events, and more.
Topics Covered:
- Negotiation: Introduces negotiation fundamentals and includes hands-on problem-solving sessions, guest lectures, and practical exercises.
- Contract Drafting: Explores the art of drafting legal contracts through problem-solving scenarios, lectures, and practical exercises.
- Career Development: Engages students in resume/CV reviews, professional identity development sessions, and a trip to Portland to foster networking opportunities.
- Advocacy: Focuses on advocacy skills with problem-solving exercises, guest lectures, moot exercises with guest judges, and dedicated reflection/networking sessions.
Key Takeaways: This course not only hones essential legal skills but also provides invaluable insights into the practical application of sports law. Students gain hands-on experience, refine their professional identities, and establish connections within the sports law field, preparing them to hit the ground running in the dynamic field of sports law.