Sports Law Concentration
In 2023, Dallas was named the No. 1 sports business city in the country by Sports Business Journal. Learn how to be an effective sports agent or a sports management leader from experts in a top sports city.
America’s love for sports continues to grow, and with more athletes eligible for NIL opportunities, there is a growing need for knowledgeable sports professionals to support them. Sport agents and those who work in sports management need practical legal knowledge and negotiation skills to rise to success in the sports industry. The SMU Dedman School of Law’s online M.L.S. in sports law will provide sports professionals with these skills in a part-time, affordable two-year program.
The M.L.S. in sports law features coursework that will enhance your knowledge and skills in negotiation, NIL, licensing, trademarks, copyright and contracts.
Who is this program for?
This sports law master’s in legal studies will be useful for any sport management professional, but individuals wanting to pursue the following careers may find the SMU Dedman Law program particularly beneficial:
- Sports agents
- Sports industry consultants
- Sports business entrepreneurs
- Sports organization leaders
- Directors of sports compliance
- Legal affairs manager for sports organizations
Sports law concentration course structure
Foundational course
Students will choose either Business Associations or Negotiation and Effective Communication. If you’d like to take both courses, one may count toward your elective requirement.
Electives (choose at least three)
- Sports Law
- Collegiate and Professional Sports Law and Compliance
- Labor and Employment Law
- Employment Discrimination and Workers’ Rights
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Trademark, Copyright and Licensing
- Regulatory Law
Learning outcomes
After completing this concentration, students will be able to:
- Recognize and navigate legal issues and regulations affecting the sports industry, including contracts, NIL, labor relations and intellectual property.
- Successfully resolve sports law disputes through effective negotiation and communication.
- Apply compliance and ethical standards specific to sports organizations, ensuring adherence to governing bodies and regulatory requirements.
- Review and revise sports-related contracts to ensure they are effectively representing their clients and organizations.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies offered by Southern Methodist University, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admissions counselor directly by calling us at 855-741-1818.