Author: Holt Hackney

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Attorney Chris Greeley Appointed Head of Esports for League of Legends

Chris Greeley, previously a partner at Herrick Feinstein LLP, has taken over for Naz Aletaha and will be Head of Esports at Riot Games’ League of Legends. Aletaha resigned her post last month at Riot Games, creating the opening for Greeley. Greeley will oversee “creating a comprehensive, long-term plan that puts the financial success of…
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Sports Lawyer to Lead Santa Clara Athletics

Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan has announced the appointment of Heather M. Owen J.D. ’03, Stanford University deputy athletics director/SWA (Senior Woman Administrator) as the next Broncos director of athletics. Owen, who earned a J.D. from Santa Clara University’s School of Law, is a former student-athlete and WNBA player and is an accomplished athletics administrator who has…
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SLA President Layth Gafoor Discusses His Legal Career and His Plans for the Second Year of His Term

Layth Gafoor, a partner at Lucentem Sports & Entertainment Law, is the President of the Sports Lawyers Association, entering the second year of his two-year term. At Lucentem, he advises on legal and business matters within the sports and entertainment industries. Specifically, Gafoor serves as counsel and agent to a variety of sporting organizations, teams,…
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Sports Lawyers Association To Host First-Ever Fall Symposium on November 7 in New Orleans

The Sports Lawyers Association (SLA), a non-profit, international, professional organization whose common goal is furthering the understanding, advancement and ethical practice of sports law, will host its first-ever Fall Forum on November 7 at the New Orleans Marriott. The theme of the Symposium is “Tech and Sports: Data, Deals and Decisions.” “This topic couldn’t be…
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The Drake Group: ‘We Endorse 2024 GAO Report Detailing Title IX Enforcement Failures’

(Editor’s Note: What follows is a missive from the Drake Group endorsing the recent GAO report.) In April 2024, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, “College Athletics: Education Should Improve Its Title IX Enforcement Efforts.” Requested by U.S. Representatives Robert C. Scott and Suzanne Bonamici, both ranking members of the House…
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Paris Smith LLP Teams Up with Southampton FC as Official Legal Partner

Paris Smith LLP has announced its new role as the Official Legal Partner of Southampton Football Club. The partnership marks “a significant milestone for both organisations, uniting two pillars of the Southampton community through a shared commitment to excellence and innovation,” according to the firm. As part of this two-year partnership deal, Paris Smith will…
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Timberwolves General Counsel Suzanne Spellacy Recognized for Achievements

Twin Cities Business has announced Suzanne Spellacy has been named a 2024 “TCB Notable General Counsel” honoree. Spellacy “is being recognized for her guidance in negotiating a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Timberwolves, Lynx and iHeart Media, in addition to the signing of major retail partner, Fanatics.” “I truly appreciate this recognition and am thankful for…
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NFL Announces Three-Year, $6.4 Million Commitment with Problem Gambling Organization

The National Football League (NFL) announced yesterday an extended partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to “bolster nationwide problem gambling prevention services and promote responsible gambling initiatives.” As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, this renewed commitment “addresses the critical need for resources in responsible and problem gambling,” according to the…
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Is this the New Norm? The Case of Imane Khelif – From Sports Litigation Alert

(Editor’s Note: What follows is an exclusive piece from tonight’s Sports Litigation Alert.) By Gil Fried, Professor/Associate Dean, Lewis Bear Jr. College pf Business, University of West Florida The 2024 Paris Olympics were epic for many reasons.  There were phenomenal athletes who did some great things.  Similar to all Olympics, there were controversies.  Those controversies included…
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Hogan Lovells advises Seattle Sounders FC in investment in NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC

Global law firm Hogan Lovells has advised the Ownership Group of Seattle Sounders FC in an investment in Seattle Reign FC, three-time winners of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) shield. Following the completion of a final Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Ownership Group of Seattle Sounders FC, along with global investment firm Carlyle, have…
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