JBA Sports and Entertainment Section Chair Brad Blair
The recent Super Bowl was the most watched television event in United States history, slightly edging the final episode of MASH. A 30-second commercial block for advertising during the Super Bowl cost approximately $3 million. Hundreds of Web sites are devoted to how to run an NCAA college basketball tournament (better known as March Madness) pool. And, in total, about $90 million (in Las Vegas alone) was expected to be wagered on last year’s “March Madness” tournament.
“Avatar,” the most expensive movie ever made, recently broke several box office records during its release and became the highest-grossing film of all-time in North America and worldwide, surpassing “Titanic.” It also became the first film to gross more than $2 billion. Not to mention, over just the President’s Day weekend, the top 10 box office movies grossed over $183 million, collectively.
These are impressive numbers and highlight the prevalence, support and unwavering attraction to the sports and entertainment industries. The current financial and housing crisis has greatly impacted many industries, and yet, the sports and entertainment industries seem to have been less affected (other than local ticket sales).
In short, the sporting industry has never been hotter and the entertainment industry continues to thrive. It would behoove every lawyer to find out more about these industries and how, as lawyers, we might become involved in these industries that withstand the fluctuating economy.
All types of lawyers are needed in the sports and entertainment industries, whether transactional, litigation, behind-the-scenes, or otherwise. Lawyers are needed to negotiate, draft and review contracts; establish and enforce intellectual property rights; litigate and resolve disputes over various types of agreements; represent the interests of national and international sports organizations and entertainment outlets; and act as agents or representatives for individuals engaged in the sports and entertainment industries.
The diverse opportunities available in the sports and entertainment industries also require, as well as hone, skills across all facets of law. From contract law and interpretation, tort law, intellectual property law, corporate/commercial law and constitutional law, the areas of sports and entertainment law provide lawyers the ability to deal with issues running the gambit of practice areas.
As the newly appointed chair of the Sports and Entertainment Law Committee, I am looking forward to a productive year in which members of the committee, and other members of the JBA generally, can network and learn more about lawyers’ roles in these industries. Sports and entertainment are ever-growing industries full of opportunity. During the year, the committee will provide opportunities to educate lawyers in the legal principles and transactional aspects of entertainment and sports law, to provide a platform for the discussion of issues affecting these fields, and to help each member of the committee improve and expand their respective practices in these fields. We plan to host at least one CLE highlighting current and significant issues in today’s sports and entertainment law fields.
If you have any interest in joining the Sports and Entertainment Law Committee or would like to become more involved in our committee, please contact me at [email protected].