NCAA Adopts New Constitution and Pursues NIL Violations
The Bottom Line The NCAA’s revised constitution pushes governing authority down to its divisions, conferences and schools. The NCAA’s definition of amateurism has been simplified but leaves unresolved questions for student-athletes and sponsors. Team-wide NIL are the initial target of Continue Reading
Ballots Continue to Come in for Legalized Sports Betting
The Bottom Line Maryland, South Dakota and Louisiana join 18 states plus the District of Columbia that have already implemented legalized sports betting and four others that have legalized it pending regulatory legislation, pushing sports betting to the half-way point in the United States. Continue Reading
A Game of Inches: Measuring Sports Sponsorship Value and Planning for a Post-Covid World
The Bottom Line As major sports begin to plan for play in the COVID-19 era, leagues, teams and brands should each be rethinking their approach to sponsorships to:Examine the assumptions built in to the sponsorship;Reevaluate how to measure the elements of the partnership; andEngage in advance Continue Reading
What’s Next for Online Sports Betting in New York?
The Bottom Line The New York Supreme Court Appellate Division’s decision places one of the most lucrative betting markets temporarily out of reach of DFS operators. The decision, if upheld by the New York Court of Appeals, will also cast doubt on the New York Legislature’s efforts to authorize Continue Reading
Wait, There’s a Catch — Rule 40 Personal Sponsor Commitment Issued Ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The Bottom Line The Personal Sponsor Commitment, part of the revised Rule 40 Guidelines, creates a contractual relationship between athlete personal sponsors and the USOPC, which poses challenges and risks for sponsors. Marketers seeking to leverage Olympic athletes during the 2020 Tokyo Games Continue Reading
The Odds Are Getting Better for Sports Betting and Fantasy Sports in New York
The Bottom Line As New York lurches toward the legalization of sports betting and interactive fantasy sports, true national sports betting and fantasy sports gaming is still a long way from becoming a reality. Businesses in the sports gaming industry, including sports books, media companies, Continue Reading
Association of National Advertisers Brand Activation Legal Webinar | Endorsement Contracts in the #MeToo Era
On June 12, James Johnston, Davis+Gilbert Advertising and Marketing partner, and Samantha G. Rothaus, Davis+Gilbert Advertising and Marketing associate, will be presenters during a webinar titled "Endorsement Contracts in the #MeToo Era," hosted by the Association of National Continue Reading
German Challenge Further Thaws Olympics “Rule 40” Advertising Restrictions
5th Edition: Trends in Marketing Communications Law The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s) "Rule 40" has long restricted athletes from appearing in advertising for companies that are not official sponsors of the Olympics. The restricted blackout period extends from nine days prior to the Continue Reading
NCAA Obtains Injunction Over “March Madness” and “Final Four” Trademarks
The Bottom Line The NCAA has a history of diligently monitoring "Final Four," "March Madness" and other trademarks connected to the Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, and will be quick to act on unauthorized uses, especially when used to market or promote third-party products. Although Continue Reading