Mergers & Acquisitions

Sports    Corporate/Media    Mergers & Acquisitions
 

Sports


Owning a sports team -- or even a piece of one -- is a fantasy for some, a lifelong passion for others.  Covington’s sports lawyers know the details of sports acquisitions.  We understand deferred player costs, club and suite revenues, the importance of arena or stadium concession arrangements, even how parking or naming rights revenues can make or break the economics of an acquisition -- even before the team hits the ice.  Our portfolio of M&A work includes team franchise sales and ownership transfers, “event” acquisitions and investments, joint ventures, and facilities transactions in virtually every sport. 

Representative Matters

  • Serving as advisor to the NFL and the NHL in connection with the structuring and league review and approval of numerous team franchise ownership transfers, including the sales of the Minnesota Vikings and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
  • Representing USTA in its acquisition of an interest in the JPMorgan Chase Open and the negotiation of the related joint venture with AEG.
  • Representing the NHL in the bankruptcy of the Buffalo Sabres and the subsequent financing and sale of the club to owner Tom Golisano.
  • Representing USTA in connection with its investment in the Pacific Life Open and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
  • Representing the NFL in the issuance and sale of the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans expansion franchises -- and in connection with the League’s Los Angeles efforts.
  • Representing the USTA in connection with its investment in The Tennis Channel.

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Contacts

bwilson@cov.com
202.662.5400