Hong Kong, 21 February 2025: The fast-evolving and increasingly important world of sports law was examined today at a major conference attended by our Senior Partner Colin Cohen.

Themed “Be Just! Be a Good Sport”, the Sports Law Conference featured a series of discussions on key developments in the sector, including intellectual property, media and broadcasting rights, innovation, and mechanisms for resolving complicated sports disputes.

“Many sports have become multi-billion dollar global industries with myriad governance, regulatory and compliance issues,” says Colin, a member of the Law Society of Hong Kong’s Sports Law Committee.

“A perfect example is European football, where financial sustainability rules, stymied plans for a Super League and state-owned Manchester City’s protracted legal disputes, first with UEFA and now with the English Premier League, are having a profound effect on the sport and shaping its future.

“In this context, today’s conference was highly relevant and a welcome addition to our city’s legal landscape. Asia has become a huge market for international sport and it is vitally important for lawyers in Hong Kong and across the region to stay updated and be aware of developments in the sector.”

Organised by the Law Society, the conference was held at the Hopewell Hotel in Wanchai. Attendees included culture, sports and tourism minister Rosanna Law, Executive Council convenor Regina Ip and Olympic gold medal fencer Vivian Kong.

It was part of a four-day programme of events focusing on the interface between, sports, law and business, bringing together legal professionals and other industry stakeholders from the Greater Bay Area.