Sports Law Concentration: Master of Legal Studies
Pursue a Sports Law Degree Where the Action Never Stops
In 2023, Dallas, Texas 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 current or aspiring sport management professional. The degree is most useful for individuals who are passionate about the industry and want a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape it — without becoming a practicing attorney.
Careers in sports law
| Jobs in sports law | Job description |
|---|---|
| Sports agents | Represent athletes in contracts, endorsements and career management. |
| Sports industry consultants | Advise sports businesses on strategy, operations and compliance. |
| Sports business entrepreneurs | Build and manage startups and other business ventures in the sports industry. |
| Directors of sports compliance | Oversee adherence to NCAA and other organizational sports regulations. |
| Legal affairs managers | Manage contracts, disputes and legal compliance for sports organizations. |
Read more: career opportunities a Master of Legal Studies can unlock for you.
Sports law concentration course structure
In order to complete the sports law concentration, students must complete the following courses:
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.
- Business Associations
- Negotiation and Effective Communication
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.
- Business Associations
- Negotiation and Effective Communication
- 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
Learn more about course options for the sports law concentration.
Learning outcomes for the MLS in Sports Law
After completing this sports law 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.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Sports law is a field of law that is specific to the sports industry. It combines elements of contract law, labor law, intellectual property and other legal disciplines to support athletes, teams, leagues and agents. Key areas include player contracts, sponsorships, media rights, injury liability and regulatory compliance.
Sports law is a field of law that is specific to the sports industry. It combines elements of contract law, labor law, intellectual property and other legal disciplines to support athletes, teams, leagues and agents. Key areas include player contracts, sponsorships, media rights, injury liability and regulatory compliance.
Yes, an M.L.S. (Master of Legal Studies) in sports law can help you become a sports agent — especially if you’re looking to build expertise in the legal and business side of sports without becoming a licensed attorney.
An M.L.S. in sports law equips you to identify and navigate legal issues in the sports industry, such as NIL, labor relations and IP. You’ll also gain the skills to effectively represent clients and organizations by applying compliance standards, negotiating disputes and reviewing contracts..
Yes, an M.L.S. (Master of Legal Studies) in sports law can help you become a sports agent — especially if you’re looking to build expertise in the legal and business side of sports without becoming a licensed attorney.
An M.L.S. in sports law equips you to identify and navigate legal issues in the sports industry, such as NIL, labor relations and IP. You’ll also gain the skills to effectively represent clients and organizations by applying compliance standards, negotiating disputes and reviewing contracts..
Yes, students in the sports law concentration will learn from experienced sports lawyers, including those with expertise in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) issues.
The NIL landscape is evolving rapidly, and pursuing an M.L.S. in Sports Law equips students with up-to-date knowledge on the legal and regulatory developments affecting athletes, schools, and sports organizations..
Yes, students in the sports law concentration will learn from experienced sports lawyers, including those with expertise in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) issues.
The NIL landscape is evolving rapidly, and pursuing an M.L.S. in Sports Law equips students with up-to-date knowledge on the legal and regulatory developments affecting athletes, schools, and sports organizations..
Ready to learn more? Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission and FAQ pages.
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 enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.