Where passion meets preparation.
A career in sports law sits at the dynamic intersection of law, business, and athletics. It’s a field that captures the imagination of many aspiring lawyers, and for good reason. Sports law touches everything from athlete representation and contract negotiation to intellectual property, compliance, and the expanding world of sports technology, data, and media.
But like many great games, the path to a sports law career isn’t always a straight line. Most attorneys who work in the sports industry start by building their fundamentals in business, contract, negotiation, or intellectual property law—areas that serve as a training ground for future opportunities in sports. The Summer Sports Law Institute focuses on foundational legal and business realities in the sports world while providing students with opportunities to learn from and connect with nationally recognized leaders in the field. In short, at Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute, we help you develop the knowledge, skills, and connections to make the journey possible.
What Sports Lawyers Do
Sports lawyers work in a diverse range of interdisciplinary roles, such as:
- Athlete Representation and Management: Guiding athletes through contract negotiations, endorsements, and career planning.
- Team and League Counsel: Advising professional or collegiate teams on contracts, compliance, and employment matters.
- Agency or Union Attorney: Providing legal counsel to sports agencies or player associations.
- Arbitration and Dispute Resolution: Resolving disputes between athletes, teams, or leagues through mediation or arbitration.
- Intellectual Property and Licensing: Managing trademarks, copyrights, and NIL agreements for athletes and brands.
- Media, Technology, and eSports: Navigating emerging legal issues in broadcasting, sponsorships, and digital innovation.
- Governance and Policy: Working with sports organizations to shape fair, transparent, and inclusive practices.
- Facilities and Venues: Overseeing contracts, development, and operations for major sports venues and events.
Chart Your Path
Whether your goal is to represent athletes, work in sports business, or influence policy and governance, Oregon Law’s Summer Sports Law Institute gives you an essential head start. You’ll train with industry experts, explore real-world case studies, and connect with professionals who’ve successfully navigated their own paths into sports law.