Sports Law

Sports Law Services in Florida and Beyond

Leading Sports Law Representation

At Heitner Legal, we provide premier sports law services, led by Darren A. Heitner, Esq., a nationally recognized expert in the field. Based in Fort Lauderdale, our firm represents athletes, agents, brands, and other stakeholders across the sports industry, offering comprehensive legal solutions tailored to the unique challenges of sports law. From contract negotiation and trademark protection to litigation and arbitration, Heitner Legal is committed to safeguarding your interests and advancing your goals in the competitive world of sports.

Why Choose Heitner Legal for Sports Law?

Darren Heitner is a trailblazer in sports law, known for his deep industry knowledge and advocacy for athlete rights. He is an adjunct professor of Sports Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and an adjunct professor of NIL at the University of Miami School of Law. As a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and author of multiple editions of How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, Heitner brings unparalleled expertise to every case. His work has earned him recognition as one of the foremost experts on name, image, and likeness (NIL) by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3, and as a top sports trademark attorney by Sportico.

Our Sports Law Services

Heitner Legal offers a full spectrum of services to meet the diverse needs of the sports industry. Our expertise includes:

  • Contract Drafting, Review, and Negotiation: We specialize in crafting, revising, and negotiating a wide range of sports-related contracts, including:
    • Endorsement deals;
    • NIL collective agreements;
    • Revenue-sharing agreements; and
    • Agent representation agreements.
    Our meticulous approach ensures that every contract protects your interests while complying with the latest laws and regulations. We have a proven track record of securing favorable terms for our clients, from emerging athletes to established stars.
  • Trademark Protection for Athletes, Agents, and Brands: Intellectual property is a cornerstone of success in sports. We help clients safeguard their brands through:
    • Trademark searches and clearance;
    • Trademark registration in the U.S. and internationally; and
    • Enforcement against infringement and dilution.
    Our #TrademarkTuesday posts on Instagram celebrate the many trademarks we’ve secured for clients, showcasing our commitment to protecting your brand’s value.
  • Litigation and Arbitration: When disputes arise, we provide aggressive representation in:
    • Breach of contract cases;
    • Restrictive covenant disputes in employment agreements; and
    • Other sports-related conflicts.
    Our attorneys are skilled litigators with experience in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration forums like the American Arbitration Association (AAA). We’ve successfully resolved high-stakes cases, protecting our clients’ rights and reputations.
  • Arbitration and Expert Services: Darren Heitner serves as a certified arbitrator with the AAA and as an expert witness in sports-related litigation. His deep understanding of sports law makes him a sought-after authority in resolving complex disputes.

Notable Clients and Achievements

Heitner Legal has represented a diverse array of clients, from legendary athletes to major brands, including:

  • Athletes: Terrell Owens, Johnny Manziel, Fred Taylor, Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyreek Hill, Xavien Howard, Jamal Adams, Nick Chubb, Mac Jones, Shane Bieber, Manny Ramirez, Anna Kournikova, Draymond Green, Terry Rozier, and Haley and Hanna Cavinder.
  • Brands and Organizations: Rosenhaus Sports Representation, LIFT Sports Management, First Round Management, Young Money APAA Sports, Republik Sports, Gatorade, INFLCR, Marketpryce, Icon Source, and more.

Our firm has also been at the forefront of landmark sports law matters, such as assisting in the passage of Florida’s NIL legislation, a groundbreaking law that paved the way for college athletes to monetize their rights.

Industry Recognition and Awards

Darren Heitner and Heitner Legal have earned widespread acclaim for their contributions to sports law, including:

  • Named one of the foremost experts on NIL by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3.
  • Recognized as a power player in NIL deals by Action Network.
  • Honored as a top sports trademark attorney by Sportico.
  • Recipient of the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Award and the Levin College of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.
  • Named the best lawyer in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine.

Insights and Resources

Contact Heitner Legal for Sports Law Support

Whether you’re an athlete, agent, or brand, Heitner Legal is here to protect your rights and advance your interests. Contact us today for expert legal representation.