Last week’s NBA Draft was remarkable for the number and prominence of freshman that were selected. The top 3 picks, and 5 of the first 7 players chosen were college freshman, and 10 freshman were selected in the first round – all NBA records. The message for the top players entering college is clear: “one and [...]
Officials Still Discussing Possibility of a New Downtown Hartford Arena
June 26, 2008 By 5 Comments
The Hartford Courant reports that Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez continues to convene the task force he appointed to study whether corporate support exists for a new downtown arena to replace the Hartford Civic Center (now the XL Center). Although the Courant has filed a complaint with the state’s Freedom of Information Commission, seeking public access to the [...]
Big Money Heading to Storrs: UConn Athletics and Nike Agree on $45.5 Million Contract
June 25, 2008 By 5 Comments
The Hartford Courant reports that UConn and Nike have reached a 10-year, $45.5 million contract for exclusive sponsorship rights. The deal is “believed to be one of the biggest in the country.” The agreement operates as follows: Nike will provide uniforms, sports apparel, practice gear and equipment for all 24 varsity teams The retail value of [...]
Billy Andrade on the Business and Legal Aspects of the PGA
June 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment
PGA golfer Billy Andrade graciously addressed the Connecticut Bar Association’s Sports & Entertainment Law Section at a reception at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell. Andrade made some interesting points about the interplay between sports lawyers and sports lawyers in professional golf: Andrade said that Grant Hill’s contract changed the landscape for many sports, including golf. Hill, rather [...]
Notre Dame Extends TV Deal With NBC; UConn Assured of Playing on National Television
June 19, 2008 By 1 Comment
Notre Dame and NBC have renewed their television contract – excellent news for UConn football. The extension runs through the 2015 season. Thus, Notre Dame’s home games against UConn will be on national television for at least the majority of the newly formed UConn-Notre Dame football series. UConn is set to play Notre Dame on [...]
Seattle SuperSonics Lawsuit Could Set Precedent for Relocation of Sports Franchises
June 19, 2008 By 2 Comments
The dispute between the Seattle SuperSonics and the City of Seattle, now on trial in federal court, includes the usual acrimony and public mud-slinging common when a sports franchise moves from one city to another. The trial, based upon the Sonics’ attempt to escape from under its lease of Key Arena with the City, is essentially [...]
Berger’s Take on Sports Illustrated Soccer Hater Feature
June 16, 2008 By 4 Comments
Ben Berger, Connecticut Sports Law’s resident soccer expert, shares his thoughts on Chris Mannix’s Sports Illustrated Feature entitled “Are You Like Me? (I bet you are.) I Bet You Hate Soccer”. Sports Illustrated recently sent Chris Mannix, a self described “soccer hater” on a whirlwind tour of soccer. During his trip, Mannix saw three MLS [...]
Sports Litigation Alert Publishes Connecticut Sports Law Article
June 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Sports Litigation Alert, a newsletter that monitors case law and legal developments in the sports law industry, published Connecticut Sports Law’s article entitled “Home Field Advantage: Patriots Prevail in Suit Against Club Seat Ticket Holder in Case Before Massachusetts High Court” in its June 6, 2008 issue. Sports Litigation Alert is published by Holt Hackney of Hackney [...]
