Passionate about sports?
Come to the Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute!
Join world-class law faculty, top industry professionals, and like-minded students from around the nation to learn about sports law and earn credits toward graduation.
Summer 2025 dates will be announced soon!
Meet the Director:
Professor Ryan Gauthier is an expert in sports law, with a special focus on the Olympic Games, sports and human rights, and sports governance.
“I’m thrilled to be leading the Summer Sports Law Institute and continuing this excellent program. The SSLI is a place for students to take a deep dive into sports law issues, and to hear from experts and practitioners in the field. Sports has faced significant challenges in recent years, from playing in empty stadiums due to the pandemic, to human rights issues such as discrimination against athletes and coaches, and the rise-and-fall of competing leagues such as the European SuperLeague. There’s been no more exciting time to work in sports law than now.”
— Ryan Gauthier
Director
Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute
Why study sports at Oregon Law?
Oregon is the headquarters of Nike and Adidas, the heart of American track and field, and the home of the Ducks. We even helped pass Title IX, and catalyzed reforms to the women’s NCAA basketball tournament.
The UO Summer Sports Law Institute emphasizes the legal and intellectual breadth of sports law, from economics to regulation, from Title IX to intellectual property, from international dispute resolution to e-sports, and much more. This summer’s schedule and syllabus will be posted soon.
We offer true expertise in today’s world of sports law – without the time or expense of an LLM.
Not every student who is interested in sports law will go on to actually practice in sports law, and with that in mind we treat sports law as a subset of business law. By using the sports industry as a case study, we train you to be not only a great sports lawyer, but also an excellent business lawyer.
Highlights from Summer 2024
Our Faculty
Each year, the Institute features some of the nation’s top sports law professors as well as guest speakers from the professional sports industry, the media, the NCAA, and other organizations.
Previous faculty and speakers have included:
- Andrew Brandt, Villanova School of Law
- Erin Buzuvis, Western New England University School of Law
- N. Jeremi Duru, American University
- Marc Edelman, City University of New York
- Sarah Hartley, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
- Mike McCann, University of New Hampshire School of Law
- Josephine R. Potuto, University of Nebraska
- Daniel A. Rascher, University of San Francisco
- Gregor Reiter, Reiter & Kemmeries Rechtsanwaite
- Travis Tygart, US Anti-Doping Agency
- Maureen Arellano Weston, Pepperdine University
And more! Take a look at our list of prior years' guest faculty and speakers.
Summer Course Lineup
Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute now offers TWO exciting, three-credit courses. Our updated curriculum reflects a tailored and progressive approach; whether you are exploring the fundamentals or seeking practical experiences and mentorship, Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute has something for you.
This introductory sports law course unpacks the legal frameworks governing professional leagues, college sports, and international bodies. You’ll explore a range of topics, including intellectual property, labor relations, antitrust issues, and hot-button topics like eSports, gambling, anti-doping, equity, and human rights. The course is designed to equip you with foundational insights into sports law, laying the groundwork for further studies and career exploration.
Immerse yourself in a four-week, in-person course designed to refine your sports law knowledge and skills. This course goes beyond theory, focusing on hands-on training in negotiation, contract drafting, and advocacy while developing your professional identity and network. From problem-solving sessions to guest lectures and optional stadium tours, this three-credit course offers an exciting blend of practical skills and real-world insights. Gain the expertise, connections, and confidence needed to excel in the dynamic world of sports law.
Click the link below to learn more about our courses.
Careers in Sports
Combine your business law skills with your passion for sports! The sports law field presents an exciting array of career possibilities at the unique intersection of law and the dynamic world of sports.
At SSLI, you'll learn about the many career paths available to you and make vital connections with leaders and experts across the industry.
Click on the link below to learn more.
"The Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute opened my eyes to how many different career paths in sports there really are, and it has encouraged me to consider my own interests within both the business and sports law fields. The curriculum is the perfect blend of discussion led by esteemed speakers from across the industry and the opportunity to work with peers to fine-tune practical skills such as negotiation and contract drafting. In addition, I was able to expand my network and meet new people who have continued to encourage and provide invaluable help to me."
— Mia Manney
JD/MBA Candidate, '25
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an athlete to attend? What if I have to arrive or leave early?
Find the answers to these and other questions in our FAQs page.