LL.M. in Sports Law

An LL.M. in Sports Law is attractive to many people who have an interest in sports and the laws that govern them. Some find that these specialized programs marry two strong passions: sports and the law. 

It's an interesting time to study sports law. Leagues are increasingly becoming internationalized, which means that they can run into complex legal issues. Also, issues like gambling, steroid use, and even corruption mean that working in sports law can be exciting, if anything.

Whereas a general Master of Laws program might address some sports-related topic, a specialized degree in sports law will look closely at many specific issues in sports. Because the field is so broad, an LL.M. in Sports Law might cover a variety of topics, from copyright law to athletics law, trademark and even sports marketing. The degrees might also address player contracts as well as collective bargaining arrangements, as well. Typically, these programs will also include topics that are applicable beyond sports law, such as arbitration and international business law. 

Some schools offer specialized LL.M.s in Sports Law, as well as other programs that cover related fields, such as LL.M.s in Entertainment and Sports Law, for example.

Those who complete these degrees will have a solid foundation of how the law intersects with sports; an LL.M. can provide a springboard into the lucrative field of international sports law. Graduates can go on to a variety of post-degree careers, including working in sports teams' legal teams, or in law firms that represent sports leagues. Other career possibilities include working for sports merchandise firms or related companies.

See a list of all Sports Law LL.M. programs below.