With a team praised as ‘first class from top to bottom’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is noted for its ability to handle complex litigation, contract negotiations, and corporate transactions arising within the sports sector. With a client list encompassing high-profile athletes, players' associations, and media and entertainment corporations, the practice stands out in particular for its bespoke guidance regarding antitrust claims as well as disputes over programming rights and e-commerce issues. Andrew Tulumello co-heads the team from Washington DC and is an expert in commercial litigation and sports-related appeals, whilst Yehudah Buchweitz co-leads from New York and focuses on rights of publicity and antitrust matters. Also in Washington DC, Arianna Scavetti has vast experience acting in investigations surrounding allegations of sexual harassment and emotional abuse. Zach Schreiber and David Lender are also highlighted as key contacts in New York.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team was first class from top to bottom. Always responsive, informative and very, very knowledgeable and always patient in explaining details to "laypeople". Could not be in better hands than working with this team of smart and caring people.’
‘David Lender was an incredible lead on our case from start to finish. Both he and his team were outstanding in every way. Zach Schreiber was a standout for his communication skills, knowledge, and genuine caring about clients was evident right from the start and never changed. An incredible effort and calm, thoughtful approach to all aspects of our case made a huge difference.’

Key clients

Washington State University
National Women’s Soccer League Players Association
Zion Williamson
Tri-City ValleyCats
Norwich Sea Unicorns
CBS Sports
Major League Baseball Players Association
DIRECTV
Shohei Ohtani
Warner Bros. Discovery

Work highlights

Advised Washington State University in connection with a high-profile litigation dispute with ten departing members of the NCAA Pac-12 Conference concerning governance rights and the direction of the Pac-12 Conference going forward.
Advised several Minor League Baseball teams in a dispute against Major League Baseball and certain professional MLB clubs and negotiated a favourable settlement worth tens of millions of dollars which resolved a pending U.S. Supreme Court cert petition and multi-day trial scheduled in New York state court.
Advised Zion Williamson in connection with litigations arising out of a marketing contract he entered into prior to turning professional.