9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m.

Registration and Light Breakfast

10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Across the Pond: Leading Clubs on Both Sides of the Atlantic
What does it take to lead a sports organization in today’s fast-evolving global market—and how do the challenges differ between the US and UK? This panel brings together senior executives to explore the strategic, legal and operational contrasts of managing clubs in two of the world’s most influential sports ecosystems. From governance structures and media rights to fan engagement and labor relations, this cross-continental conversation will unpack the unique dynamics of running major teams.

Moderator:

Ben Shribman, Partner, Cooley

Speakers:

Katie Charles, Chief Legal Counsel, Everton Football Club
George Pennington, Chief Legal Officer, Nottingham Forest
Nyea Sturman, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Orlando Magic

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m

Smarter, Faster, Fairer? Sports Dispute Resolution on a World Stage
How are the latest developments driving the resolution of sports disputes around the globe — where are we heading in the future? Listen to our panel of experts discuss crucial issues, standards and their own views on anticipating and navigating sports disputes. This session dives into the world of arbitration and mediation in sport, comparing how entities in Europe and North America manage conflicts and how international sports policies, national laws and contract provisions can determine the path to resolution. We’ll explore the role of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), shed light on processes used by major professional leagues and discuss the latest cases which impact the validity of arbitration clauses in sporting rules. This panel will provide a global perspective on how to navigate legal disputes in the business of sport.

Moderator:

Scott Lerner, Partner, White & Case

Speakers:

Matt Mitten, Professor of Law and Executive Director, National Sports Law Institute, Marquette University Law School; Arbitrator, Court of Arbitration for Sport, SLA Past President
Kendrah Potts, Barrister, 4 New Square Chambers
Matthieu Reeb, Director General, CAS

12:00 p.m – 1:00 p.m.

Hosted Lunch

1:00 p.m – 2:00 p.m.

Beyond Borders: Legal and Business Strategies for Growing an International Fan Base
As professional sports leagues and franchises expand their reach beyond domestic markets, building and sustaining a global fan base has become both a commercial imperative and a complex legal challenge. This panel will explore the intersection of law, business and international engagement strategies as teams and leagues navigate broadcast rights, sponsorship deals, intellectual property protection, data privacy laws and cross-border marketing initiatives. Panelists will discuss jurisdictional differences in consumer protection, legal risks in digital fan engagement and strategies for managing compliance across varied regulatory environments. Whether it’s launching a branded academy in Europe, signing international NIL deals or streaming games in untapped markets, this panel will offer practical insights on how to grow global fandom while mitigating risk.

Moderator:

Rohan Massey, Managing Partner, Ropes & Gray

Speakers:

Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director, The Hundred
Tom Herne, Lead Counsel, Commercial Partnerships, Formula 1®
Allison Rich, Director of Athletics, University of New Hampshire
Stu Wood, Senior Legal Counsel, TikTok

2:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m.

Global Gameplans: Models of Sport in a Changing Landscape
Global models of sport reflect divergent legal, cultural and commercial priorities. With significant changes driven by litigation, legislation and opportunities for market growth, unique sport models are taking shape. This session explores differences in league design, athlete compensation and governance across the U.S., Europe and beyond. With a spotlight on the rise of women’s leagues and seismic changes in NCAA sports, this panel will examine how emerging models affect parity and generate new legal issues. Attendees will gain insights into shifts around labor, revenue sharing and cross-border opportunities — and how sports lawyers are influencing the next era.

Moderator:

Neil Rigby, Partner, Weil

Speakers:

Scott Bearby, Chief Legal Officer, NCAA
Clodagh Curran, Senior Vice President, Head of Legal, Rights and Content, DAZN
Nick DeMarco, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers

3:00 p.m – 3:30 p.m.

Refreshment Break

3:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.

From Governance to Enforcement: Comparative Analysis of Financial Regulations in Sport
Join leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as they dissect the evolving landscape of financial regulation across three major sporting bodies — UEFA, the NFL and the FIA. Through discussing UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations, the NFL’s salary cap system and the FIA’s cost cap regulations in Formula 1, this panel will explore how different regulatory philosophies, enforcement mechanisms and governance structures shape competitive balance and financial sustainability in professional sport. From the boardroom to the courtroom, we'll examine real-world enforcement challenges and institutional constraints and also consider what comparative insights and lessons can be taken from both the American and European regulatory models.

Moderator:

Shalabh Gupta, Associate Director, Secretariat

Speakers:

Federico Lodi, Single-Seater Financial Regulations Director, FIA
Wyndam Makowsky, Vice President, Labor Operations, NFL
Pablo Rodriguez, Chief of Financial Monitoring and Compliance, UEFA

4:30 p.m – 5:30 p.m.

Power, Politics and Play: The Winds of Change Reshaping Global Sport
Developments around the world are affecting investment, execution of large-scale sports events and legal frameworks. The rising entanglement of sport and geopolitics presents a new landscape for international competition and participation by teams, athletes and fans. This session will provide sports lawyers key insights into how to navigate this evolving terrain from both a legal and strategic standpoint.

Moderator:

Blake Davidson, Executive Vice President, Pro Leagues, NGBs and Clubs, RealResponse

Speakers:

Curtis Franks, General Counsel, FIFA World Cup at FIFA
James Hamilton, Director, Global Host Cities Sports + Entertainment, Turner & Townsend International Limited
Louise Savage, General Counsel – International, LIV Golf
Aarij Wasti, Partner, Entertainment & Sports Group, Gowling WLG

5:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m.

Closing Reception