The consumer now has much greater choice when it comes to watching sport, both at home and on the move. For those involved in the business of sports broadcasting, the convergence of media creates both opportunities and challenges. The market for the exploitation of rights in events changes with each new service that becomes available – whether free to air, satellite and cable, mobile or through the internet. You need to engage lawyers who stay at the cutting edge of such new developments.
We provide a comprehensive service at a time when the industry is changing rapidly. The digitalisation of delivery and broadband access has presented a wide range of challenges. The market for exploitation of rights in sports events is changing as new services, supported by new technologies, become available.
Our lawyers have extensive expertise advising on the exploitation of digital media sports content across all platforms. We are also experienced in negotiating agreements with broadcasters, distributors, mobile operators, online businesses and social media sites. You can expect a comprehensive service at a time when the industry is changing rapidly.
We can offer you specialist legal and commercial advice in relation to the following:
- Broadcasting agreements
- Event broadcasting agreements
- TV production/distribution agreements
- DVD production/distribution agreements
- Programme sponsorship agreements
- Player/club image rights exploitation online
- Website compliance.
Broadcasting rights
We have advised large technology providers on the meaning and effect of the Advocate General’s Opinion in the pub football cases (Murphy and FAPL) and the possible competition consequences of the practice of geoblocking in support of exclusive territorial licensing in Europe.
England Cricket Team
We advised the England Cricket players on the grant of player rights and image rights for use by Sky Sports as part of the Official Broadcaster Agreement between the ECB and Sky Sports.
England Cricket Team / Professional Cricketers Association
We advised the England Cricket players and the PCA in relation to the grant of online rights to the ECB for use by the ECB’s broadcast partners.
EA SPORTS
We advised EA Sports on the renewal of its exclusive videogame licence and on becoming the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Barclays Premier League.
