Annual SLA Conference Goes Beyond the Traditional Content with a Broader Focus on ‘a Wide Variety of Sports’ and the ‘Globalization’ of the Industry
The Sports Lawyers Association (SLA) will be celebrating 50th year when its annual conference takes place May 15-17 in Nashville.
But the organization is hardly stuck in its ways, relying on its reputation as the premier organization for sports lawyers.
The upcoming conference is a great example of that. Proactively, the members organizing the conference this year, led by conference committee chair Arthur McAfee – VP of Football Operations at the NFL, are embracing a theme of enhancing the appeal of the conference – by presenting thought leaders from a wide variety of sports, a focus on globalization, and broader C-level representation.
Prospective attendees can now register for the event https://www.sportslaw.org/conferences/2025conf/registration/index.cfm.
The schedule begins Wednesday, May 14, at 3 p.m. with the Academic Research Paper Session and wraps up with a mid-day session on Saturday, May 17, with a panel addressing The Broad Impact of the Evolution in College Athletics.
In between are a host of worthwhile sessions, fitting the theme above:
For a global perspective, there is “How Antitrust and Competition Law Have Shaped U.S. and European Pro Sports,” on the afternoon May 15. Moderated by SLA Past President Matt Mitten, a Professor of Law and Executive Director, National Sports Law Institute, Marquette University Law School and an Arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the session features a powerhouse group of panelists:
- Jodi Balsam, Professor of Clinical Law; Director; Externship Programs, Brooklyn Law School
- Nick DeMarco, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers
- Jeffrey Kessler, Partner, Co-Executive Chairman, Winston & Strawn
- Gary Roberts, Former President, Bradley University; Former Dean Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and Gerald L. Bepko Professor of Law
Staying with the global theme, a session entitled “Evolution of Global Sponsorships and Brand Protection” follows later that afternoon.
A session that exemplifies a “wide variety of sports” is set for that afternoon. Normally, the General Counsel Forum represents a time slot for the top lawyer at the four major professional sports. This time, however, Mike Tannenbaum, an NFL Analyst for ESPN, moderates a session featuring lawyers from different areas of sports, including:
- Scott Bearby, General Counsel, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
- Curtis Franks, General Counsel, FIFA World Cup at FIFA
- Karena Vleck, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, World Athletics
Finally, SLA’s shift toward including other C-level executives, not just Chief Legal Officers, is exemplified by a session on Saturday, which addresses “Women Leaders Impacting the Future of Sports.” Moderated by Allison Rich, Director of Athletics, University of New Hampshire, the session features the following panelists, who will provide an executive’s perspective:
- Renee Chube Washington, Chief Operating Officer, USATF
- Michelle Kennedy, President and Chief Operating Officer, Nashville Predators
- Lisa Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
“The conference is recognized globally as a premier gathering for sports lawyers, offering an unparalleled forum for legal professionals to connect and collaborate,” said Layth Gafoor, SLA President. “It’s a unique chance to immerse yourself in inspiring discussions and engage with industry experts and trailblazers who share your passion for sports and law.”
“This is not just an event; it’s an opportunity. Seize this chance to forge valuable connections, gain cutting-edge insights, and grow alongside fellow enthusiasts dedicated to shaping the future of sports law.”