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MASTERLY LEGAL SOLUTIONS | YOUR EXPERTS IN SPORTS LAW

Comprehensive Legal Solutions for the Sports Industry

We specialize in navigating the complex legal landscape of sports law. Our team offers unparalleled legal guidance to athletes, teams, universities, and organizations in the sports industry. Whether you're dealing with contract negotiations, compliance issues, or labor disputes, MLS is your go-to partner for practical solutions and strategic legal representation.

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WHAT WE DO?

Our Sports Law Services

We are experienced in sports law to provide answers to the day-to-day challenges faced by athletic teams, athletes, and universities. The MLS Sports Law team is led by a nationally certified ATIXA Level II Civil Rights Investigator that established his career at nationally ranked in big-law firms and has conducted investigations in various entities. Our clients receive customized solutions to address their specific legal needs. MLS provides legal guidance and training in the following areas:

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Contract Negotiation & Review

-> Player contracts for professional athletes and student athletes

-> Coaching contracts and team agreements
-> Sponsorship agreements and endorsement deals
-> Management and boxing contracts

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Compliance and Investigations

-> NCAA compliance matters

-> Title IX investigations and education
-> Internal investigations of athletic departments and sports teams
-> Employment law investigations into discrimination, harassment, FMLA, and ADA compliance

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Corporate and Governance

-> Corporate governance for sports teams and leagues

-> Legal advice for team owners and sports clients
-> Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
-> Support with conference realignment and organizational restructuring

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Litigation and Dispute Resolution

-> Representation in disputes involving governing bodies, sponsors, and athletes

-> Litigation of employment disputes in state and federal courts
-> Intellectual property protection for athletes and teams

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Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)

-> NIL consulting for athletes and universities

-> Contract drafting and negotiation for marketing and endorsement deals

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Employment Training and Audits

-> Sexual harassment prevention training

-> Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for athletic departments
-> Audits for compliance matters

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Outside General Counsel Services

-> Ongoing legal support for sports teams, professional sports leagues, and organizations

-> Tailored solutions for all legal issues in the sports and entertainment industries

Why Choose Masterly Legal Solutions?

At Masterly Legal Solutions, we offer more than just legal counsel

—we bring firsthand knowledge of the sports industry.

  • Real-World Experience

    Our team has worked as coaches, broadcasters, athletes, and corporate advisors within professional sports leagues.

  • Proven Success

    Trusted by NCAA Division I universities, professional sports teams, and leading athletes.

  • Tailored Solutions

    From compliance matters to litigation, we provide actionable strategies that allow you to focus on success on the field.

Who are our Sports Clients?

Masterly Legal Solutions provides guidance to all sectors in the sports business, offering innovative legal strategies tailored to our clients’ specific needs. We work with:

IN SPORTS LAW

The Masterly Legal Solutions Difference

The Masterly Legal Solutions Sports Law Team is led by Andrew F. Rhoden,

a national leader in the sports business realm and a former college football coach. We understand the complexities of athletics from professional sports to amateur athletics. Sports teams and athletes appreciate working with MLS because we allow them to focus on bettering their skillset and working on winning championships instead of dealing with distractions. One of the key differences of MLS versus other firms in the sports law sector is that we have been in the shoes of a college director, coach, sports broadcaster, athlete, and worked for a professional sports teams. As a result, we have been trusted by professional athletes, NCAA Division I universities, coaches, and companies that are in the sports business sector to provide them guidance. 

Learn more about Andrew ->

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To better understand the complexities of sports law, we’ve compiled answers to common questions using insights from our extensive work in the sports industry. These FAQs cover legal issues that affect professional athletes, sports teams, sports agents, and others involved in the business of sports.

  • What is Sports Law?

    Sports law encompasses legal practices and policies applied to the sports industry. It includes areas such as:

    • Player contracts and negotiations
    • Intellectual property protection for brands, athletes, and teams
    • Compliance with regulations from governing bodies, like the NCAA and players associations
    • Sponsorship agreements, coaching contracts, and endorsement deals
    • Litigation and dispute resolution for issues involving sports teams, sponsors, and other parties

  • What Legal Issues Do Professional Athletes Face?

    Professional athletes encounter unique legal challenges, such as:

    • Contract disputes with teams or sponsors
    • Name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements for marketing and endorsements
    • Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) negotiated through players associations
    • Intellectual property and branding concerns
    • Employment law issues related to discrimination or harassment

  • Why is Compliance Important for Sports Teams and Leagues?

    Compliance with regulations is critical for sports teams, leagues, and governing bodies. Non-compliance can result in:

    • Financial penalties
    • Damage to team reputation
    • Player eligibility issues for college athletes
    • Our team helps clients navigate compliance matters related to Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and other regulations to ensure their operations run smoothly.

  • Why Do Sports Teams and Athletes Need Legal Support?

    Legal challenges, from title ix investigations to compliance matters, can distract from your focus on the playing field. MLS ensures that your interests are protected, allowing you to concentrate on success.

  • What Role Does Sports Law Play in the Entertainment Industry?

    The sports and entertainment industries are closely connected, especially when it comes to media rights, branding, and sponsorships. Our team handles:

    • Contract review for partnerships between entertainment companies and sports teams
    • Corporate governance for businesses in both industries
    • Legal issues involving sponsorships, endorsements, and licensing

  • What Legal Support Does MLS Provide to New Professional Sports Leagues?

    Launching a new professional sports league requires navigating legal complexities, including:

    • Establishing corporate governance structures
    • Drafting contracts for players, coaches, and office personnel
    • Ensuring compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements
    • Negotiating sponsorship and media rights deals

  • How Does Sports Law Impact NCAA Compliance and College Athletes?

    College athletes face strict NCAA rules governing eligibility and NIL agreements. MLS assists with:

    • Navigating compliance requirements to maintain player eligibility
    • Drafting and reviewing NIL contracts
    • Conducting investigations for Title IX or other legal concerns affecting athletic departments

  • What is the Importance of Sponsorship and Endorsement Agreements?

    Sponsorship agreements and endorsements are crucial revenue streams for athletes, teams, and leagues. We ensure these agreements:

    • Protect the rights and intellectual property of athletes and brands
    • Clearly outline terms for sponsors and clients
    • Comply with legal standards to avoid disputes

  • What Sets Masterly Legal Solutions Apart from Other Law Firms?

    At Masterly Legal Solutions, we stand out due to:

    • Real-world experience in coaching, sports broadcasting, and league governance
    • A dedicated focus on the legal needs of athletes, teams, and organizations
    • Expertise in handling complex legal issues, from player contracts to conference realignment

  • How Can MLS Help with Disputes in Sports?

    Our team offers robust representation for disputes involving:

    • Player contracts and management agreements
    • Employment litigation in cases of discrimination or harassment
    • Disputes between sports clients, governing bodies, and team owners

Contact Us Today!

Masterly Legal Solutions is here to address the legal challenges of the sports industry with confidence and expertise.


Reach us at (972) 236-5051  to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve clients from our offices located in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and throughout Texas.

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