From Spectator to Player: Transitioning into a Sports & Media Law Career

Mar 08, 2024

Written By Nandini Jadeja

Sports and Media Law is an incredibly dynamic, fast paced area of law that impacts everything from everyday film and television to decisions made in the Premier League. There is a growing demand for sports and media lawyers, as the rise of new phenomena like ‘esports’ brings fresh opportunities to the field. But how do you actually forge a career in sports and media law? This article will take you through all the information you need in order to transition into a successful sports and media law career.

Understanding Sports and Media Law

Sports and Media Law is a specialised practice area which sits within the broader field of entertainment law.

Sports law deals with legal issues around sports governance, athlete contracts, doping regulations, disciplinary actions and dispute resolution, both in professional and amateur sports.

Meanwhile, media law is concerned with areas such as media production and content regulation, including copyright, defamation, privacy and freedom of expression issues in traditional and digital media.

Rising media consumption, in particular through streaming services and social media platforms, is fuelling a new demand for sports and media lawyers, to provide innovative solutions to new issues facing clients.

Academic and Professional Preparation

Although it is not necessary, obtaining an undergraduate degree in law, or another relevant subject is the most common way of beginning a career in sports and media law.

You may also choose to study for a postgraduate diploma in law. If you are able to, it is a good idea to specialise in sports, media or entertainment law during your postgraduate studies, for example, by writing a dissertation on these areas of law or selecting modules that are aligned with them.

Alongside this, gaining practical experience is crucial and can be done through participating in internships or legal clinics focused on sports and media law. This will help you to decide whether sports and media law is for you, and also help you gain practical experience for your application.

Recommended courses and experiences

There are a multitude of additional, specialised courses and experiences which you can try during your studies if you want to dig deeper into sports and media law.

You may look at taking a sports law course, which includes studying things like sports contracts, sports arbitration, sports marketing and sports governance.

Alternatively you might consider a media Law course. This will cover areas like media regulation, content licensing, intellectual property rights and digital media law.

You can also gain practical experience by participating in moot court competitions related to sport and/or media law, externships with sports agencies or media companies, or volunteering with sports organisations or media outlets.

Navigating the Sports and Media Industries

As well as having a solid academic background and a range of experiences, having a good understanding of key industry insights and trends within sports and media law is important if you are to transition from a spectator to a player in this field.

For example, globalisation, digitalisation, athlete empowerment and diversity and inclusion are all trends impacting the sports industry.

Within the media industry, shifts in consumer behaviour, content disruption models, and regulatory challenges are all prominent trends.

Building a professional network

As sports and media law is still a somewhat niche area, building and harnessing a professional network is key to ensuring success and longevity within the field. Networking can open doors for job opportunities, mentorship and career development.

To build a professional network, try attending industry events, joining professional associations and connecting with alumni and practising lawyers within the sports and media law field.

Some good networking strategies to implement include attending conferences, seminars and networking mixers focused on sports, media and entertainment law topics.

In a digital age, social media platforms, professional networking sites and online forums are also great ways of establishing connections that are just as meaningful as in-person interactions, so harness the power of online networking. This can help you learn about career paths, gain insights into the industry and explore potential work opportunities.

Exploring career paths

There are a diverse range of career paths in Sports and Media law. These include roles in law firms with a specialism in sports and media law, sports agencies, media companies, regulatory bodies and industry associations.

You might also choose to specialise in specific areas of sports and media law, such as athlete representation, sports sponsorship, media licensing, e-sports law and sports gambling regulation.

Career opportunities and specialisations

Many law firms will have specialist sports and media law departments. Therefore, if you choose to do a training contract, make sure you do so at a firm where you have an option to do a ‘seat’ in this area. You might also look into specialist sports law or media firms.

Many sports franchises, media companies, advertising agencies, talent agencies and digital platforms will also have in-house counsel opportunities relating to a wide range of legal matters specific to the sports and media law industry.

There may also be regulatory and compliance opportunities in government agencies, sports governing bodies and industry associations overseeing regulatory compliance, ethics and integrity issues in sports and media.

Navigating the job search process

When looking for jobs in this area, make sure that your CV and cover letter are tailored to sports and media law as much as possible. You can do this by showcasing relevant experience, skills and industry knowledge and linking this back to sports and media law.

Using legal job boards and industry specific job platforms can also help you identify job opportunities in the sports and media law field.

Also, don’t forget about your network! Consistently reach out to people in your network, as referrals from mentors, colleagues and industry professionals can give you an edge in accessing job markets and securing interviews.

Continuing education and professional development

Staying on top of developments in sports and media law is key to long-term success, so make sure that you prioritise continuous learning and professional development. Some ways to do this include undertaking further training or specialisation, and by staying on top of legal developments, industry trends and emerging issues within the sports and media law field.

Attending seminars, workshops and webinars offered by legal organisations and industry groups on Sports and Media Law is a great way of continuing your legal education and staying up to date with developments in the industry.

Other ways you can continue your professional development include reading industry publications, legal journals and academic articles covering legal and business issues in sports, media and entertainment.

You can even create your own networking event! Attending or even participating in industry events, panel discussions and speaking engagements can expand your professional network and help you stay informed about industry developments.

Conclusion

Breaking into a niche area of the law like sports and media may at first seem daunting. But by using the tips outlined in this article, you will be ready to embark on a career as a sports or media lawyer.

By leveraging academic and practical experiences, building a professional network and staying informed about industry trends and legal developments, you can have a meaningful impact in shaping the future of sports and media industries through legal advocacy, innovation and ethical leadership!

Becoming a Lawyer