Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction

This week has witnessed significant legal settlements and emerging disputes across professional and Olympic sports, presenting critical considerations for mediators, arbitrators, and negotiators within the sports industry.

Professional Sports

Settlement of Relevent Sports’ Antitrust Lawsuit Against U.S. Soccer

Relevent Sports has officially dismissed its antitrust lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), concluding a legal battle initiated in 2019. The lawsuit stemmed from Relevent’s attempt to host a La Liga match in Miami, which was blocked due to FIFA’s policy prohibiting international league matches. Relevent alleged that USSF conspired with FIFA to prevent official foreign matches in the U.S., violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. While the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, this resolution potentially opens the door for international league matches to be hosted in the U.S., pending approval from respective leagues and stakeholders. The Guardian​

Legal Action by Professional Tennis Players Association

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, has filed a lawsuit against the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The PTPA, along with 12 current and former players, accuses these governing bodies of forming a cartel that suppresses competition, manipulates prize money, enforces restrictive ranking systems, and implements invasive anti-doping and anti-corruption protocols. The lawsuit seeks to address systemic issues and advocate for reforms to ensure fair treatment and compensation for players. The Guardian​

Olympic Sports

Proposed Reforms to the U.S. Center for SafeSport

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced the Safer Sports for Athletes Act, aiming to implement significant changes to the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The proposed legislation seeks to impose a 180-day limit on resolving abuse cases, enhance communication with survivors, and potentially increase funding to $10 million annually for training and education purposes. The bill also mandates providing victim advocates at no cost and assigning case managers to ensure timely updates. These reforms address longstanding criticisms regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency in handling abuse cases within Olympic sports. AP News​

Emerging Trends and Policy Changes

Impact of Competition Law on Sports Governance

The influence of competition law in sports is becoming increasingly prominent, as evidenced by recent legal actions in professional tennis. The PTPA’s lawsuit highlights tensions between players and governing bodies over control, prize money, and scheduling. Similar disputes have arisen in other sports, such as football and golf, where breakaway leagues have challenged centralized control. These developments underscore the need for sports organizations to navigate competition law carefully to maintain fair competition and uphold the integrity of their respective sports. Latest news & breaking headlines