ArentFox Schiff Advises Multiple NBA Franchises in Groundbreaking Media Rights and Distribution Partnerships with Leading Platforms

Over the past year, ArentFox Schiff has advised multiple NBA franchises in a range of high-profile media rights negotiations and related agreements with leading broadcast partners and digital platforms. Collectively, these transactions reflect the rapidly evolving sports media landscape and the increasing demand for innovative distribution models that broaden fan access and create new commercial opportunities for sports franchises, leagues, and similar sports media rightsholders. 

The firm represented multiple NBA franchises in connection with these landmark media rights transactions, helping client’s structure innovative distribution partnerships with some of the industry’s leading broadcast and digital platforms. Collectively, the agreements underscore the growing shift toward flexible, fan-focused content delivery models across professional sports. 

“These transactions represent a significant shift in the sports media ecosystem as teams continue to explore new and innovative ways to reach fans,” said Phillip Gharabegian, partner in ArentFox Schiff’s Sports Industry Group. “Whether through streaming platforms, digital distribution strategies, or expanded over-the-air access, our clients are taking a forward-looking approach to content distribution and reaching fans. We are proud to support some of the most recognizable franchises in professional sports as they navigate these transformative opportunities.” 

The agreements build on growing momentum across professional sports as leagues, teams, broadcasters, and technology companies work together to modernize sports content delivery and meet evolving consumer viewing preferences and monetization opportunities. 

ArentFox Schiff has one of the most experienced and multifaceted sports law practices in the country. Recently recognized as a “Practice Group of the Year” by Law360 in the Sports & Betting category, the firm’s Sports Industry Group advises leagues, teams, venues, operators, sponsors, brands, investors, and owners across professional and collegiate sports throughout the United States and internationally, including purchasers and sellers of professional sports franchises and other sports properties. 

The group’s experience encompasses a broad range of sports-related transactions, including franchise acquisitions and sales, stadium and arena development, naming rights and sponsorship agreements, media rights and technology matters, investments in professional sports franchises, governance issues, intellectual property matters, and other complex commercial arrangements.  

The ArentFox Schiff team was led by Phillip Gharabegian and Cheyenne Rodriguez.