MEDIATION

Sports Mediation Services

Elite Dispute Resolution That Preserves Relationships & Reputations

80% of sports disputes settle in mediation within 28 days. Compare that to litigation that drags on for years, destroys relationships, and costs millions—all while playing out in public.

WORLD-CLASS SPORTS ARBITRATORS & MEDIATORS

CAS • FIFA • MLB Salary • USOPC • USSF • USATF

University of Oregon Professor & FAR • Author of The Sports Playbook & Strategic Negotiation • 30+ Years Experience

When Sports Disputes Go Public, Everyone Loses

Sports conflicts are uniquely destructive because they:

  • Play out in media and social media
  • Destroy recruiting and sponsorship opportunities
  • Poison locker rooms and team chemistry
  • Create divided fan bases and boosters
  • Result in expensive buyouts and settlements
  • End careers and professional relationships

The True Cost of Litigation:

$500K – $5M

Average legal fees for sports disputes

2-5 Years

Typical litigation timeline

100%

Public exposure of private matters

Sports Mediation: A Better Way Forward

Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process where a neutral expert helps parties find mutually acceptable solutions. In sports, where ongoing relationships matter and public perception is everything, mediation offers unique advantages.

Speed

65% of cases resolve in one day. 80% within 28 days. Compare to years of litigation.

Confidentiality

Complete privacy protection. No public records, no media coverage, no reputation damage.

Control

Parties design their own solutions rather than having decisions imposed by judges or arbitrators.

FIFA Mediator & International Sports Expert

Joshua Gordon has been mediating sports disputes since 1993. As a FIFA Mediator and CAS Arbitrator, he brings world-class expertise to every dispute—from youth sports to professional leagues, from local conflicts to international controversies.

1000+

Successful Mediations

30+

Years Experience

Team

Of Certified Mediators

Sports Disputes We Mediate

Contract & Employment Disputes

  • Coach termination and buyout negotiations
  • Player contract disputes
  • NIL agreement conflicts
  • Endorsement and sponsorship disputes
  • Agent-athlete disagreements

Governance & Compliance

  • NCAA compliance and eligibility issues
  • Conference realignment negotiations
  • Title IX and gender equity disputes
  • Booster and collective conflicts
  • Academic integrity matters

Team & Interpersonal Conflicts

  • Coach-athlete relationship breakdowns
  • Intra-team disputes and chemistry issues
  • Parent-coach conflicts
  • Staff and administrative disputes
  • Succession and transition conflicts

Business & Commercial

  • Media rights disagreements
  • Facility use and venue disputes
  • Vendor and supplier conflicts
  • Partnership and joint venture issues
  • Insurance and liability claims

Why Choose SCI for Sports Mediation?

Unmatched Sports Mediation Expertise

Joshua Gordon

FIFA Mediator
30+ years mediating (since 1993)
Faculty Athletics Representative
CAS Arbitrator

Team of Specialists

Certified mediators with specific expertise in NCAA compliance, professional sports, and Olympic governance

Sport-Specific Understanding

We know the unique pressures, timelines, and stakeholders in sports disputes

The SCI Mediation Advantage

  • Pre-Season Timing: Resolve disputes before they impact competitive seasons
  • Multi-Party Expertise: Navigate complex stakeholder dynamics unique to sports
  • Creative Solutions: Design agreements that go beyond monetary settlements
  • Relationship Preservation: Maintain ongoing professional relationships critical in sports
  • Media Management: Keep disputes out of headlines and social media

The SCI Mediation Process

1

Initial Contact

Confidential consultation within 24 hours

2

Agreement

Parties agree to mediate and select mediator

3

Preparation

Exchange of information and position statements

4

Mediation

Facilitated negotiation sessions

5

Resolution

Written agreement or next steps

Most sports mediations complete in 1-2 days. Urgent matters can be scheduled within 48 hours.

Proven Results in Sports Mediation

65%

Settle Day One

80%

Settle Within 28 Days

92%

Satisfaction Rate

10x

Faster Than Court

The Power of Mediation in Sports

Cost Effective

While mediator fees match attorney rates, cases resolve in hours or days instead of months or years.

Enforceable

Mediated agreements are legally binding and enforceable in court, with 95% voluntary compliance.

Future-Focused

Unlike litigation that rehashes the past, mediation creates solutions for moving forward.

Don’t Let Your Dispute Become Tomorrow’s Headlines

Confidential mediation protects relationships, reputations, and resources. Available for urgent matters within 48 hours.

24-Hour Response | Complete Confidentiality | Sports Experience

Sources

Mediation Success Rates and Settlement Statistics

Florida Mediation Group, Florida Mediation Success Rate: 2025 Study Insights (2025), https://themediationgroupinc.com/florida-mediation-success-rate/ [documenting 70-80% success rates across family and civil cases; 65-75% success rate in commercial mediation].

Rhino Mediation, Success Rate of Mediation: A Comprehensive Analysis (2025), https://rhinomediation.co.uk/exactly-how-usually-is-actually-mediation-successful/ [Harvard Law School study finding over 90% of commercial mediations resulted in settlements].

American Arbitration Association, Consumer Mediation Procedures and Fee Schedule (2025), https://www.consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com/2025/04/aaa-introduces-new-consumer-mediation-procedures-and-fee-schedule/ [mediation resolved in fraction of time and significantly lower cost compared to litigation].

Gitnux, Mediation Statistics: Market Data Report 2024 (2024), https://gitnux.org/mediation-statistics/ [85% of mediations result in settlement; 70% of workplace disputes find resolution; 96% of participants recommend process].

Martin Svatos, Mediation vs Litigation: The Advantages of Settling Out of Court, Kluwer Mediation Blog (2023) [70-80% of mediated cases result in settlement; higher compliance rates than court judgments].

Civil Mediation UK, Facts About Mediation (2021), https://civilmediation.org/facts-about-mediation/ [75-80% of cases settle on day of mediation; additional 10-15% settle shortly after; 86% total settlement rate per CEDR’s Eighth Mediation Audit].

Office of Justice Programs, Effectiveness of Mediation: An Independent Analysis of Cases Handled by Four Major Service Providers, https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/effectiveness-mediation-independent-analysis-cases-handled-four [study of 449 cases showing 78% settlement rate regardless of voluntary or court-ordered mediation].

Sports Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Charles Russell Speechlys, The Court of Arbitration for Sport Appeals Procedure (2025), https://www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com/en/insights/expert-insights/dispute-resolution/2025/the-court-of-arbitration-for-sport-appeals-procedure/ [CAS handling over 10,500 cases since inception; 80% of cases under Appeals Procedure].

Charles Russell Speechlys, An Overview of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (2024), https://www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com/en/insights/expert-insights/dispute-resolution/2024/an-overview-of-the-court-of-arbitration-for-sport/ [CAS established 1984 as independent institution for sports-related disputes through arbitration and mediation].

Paul Godin, Resolving Sports Disputes by Mediation, International Academy of Mediators (2023), https://iamed.org/resolving-sports-disputes-by-mediation/ [SDRCC settlement rates tripled from 14% to 46% after introducing mandatory mediation processes].

Watson Farley & Williams, Sports Arbitration – CAS, TCAS and Everything In Between (2023), https://www.wfw.com/articles/sports-arbitration-cas-tcas-and-everything-in-between/ [CAS mediation success rates generally 80% on day of mediation; additional 10%+ settlement shortly after].

Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS Mediation Rules (2021), https://www.tas-cas.org/en/mediation/rules.html [non-binding informal procedure based on good faith negotiations; confidentiality provisions protecting all parties].

Cost Savings and Efficiency

LegalClarity, How Much Is Mediation and What Costs Should You Expect? (2025), https://legalclarity.org/how-much-is-mediation-and-what-costs-should-you-expect/ [mediator rates typically $100-$500 per hour compared to attorney fees of $150-$500+ per hour].

Lawyers & Jurists, How Much Does Mediation Cost? A Guide to Fees and Access (2025), https://www.lawyersnjurists.com/article/how-much-does-mediation-cost-a-guide-to-fees-and-access/ [mediation costs 50-70% less than litigation per industry data; most cases resolved in 1-3 sessions].

The Mediation Group Inc., Mediation’s Role in Legal Systems: Analyzing Cost Efficiency and Judicial Outcomes (2024), https://themediationgroupinc.com/mediation-legal-system-impact-efficiency-outcomes/ [mediation presents cost-effective alternative with shorter duration and reduced legal resources].

Bryan Fagan Law Office, Comparing Divorce Mediation Costs to Litigation Expenses (2024), https://www.bryanfagan.com/blog/2024/05/comparing-divorce-mediation-costs-to-litigation-expenses/ [Texas mediation $600-$4,500 versus litigation costs exceeding $20,000; saved over $17,000 through mediation].

Skuld P&I Club, US vs UK – A Comparison of Mediation Processes, https://www.skuld.com/topics/legal/pi-and-defence/us-vs-uk—a-comparison-of-mediation-processes/ [cost savings of 80% compared to full litigation or arbitration; success rates 80% on day of mediation].

Compliance and Satisfaction Rates

Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation, How Does Mediation Work in a Lawsuit? Mediated Agreements (2025), https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/dealmaking-daily/does-lawsuit-mediation-really-work/ [studies showing higher compliance with mediated agreements than court orders; 5-43% report improved relationships].

The Mediation Group Inc., What Is the Average Settlement Offer During Mediation? (2024), https://themediationgroupinc.com/what-is-the-average-settlement-offer-during-mediation/ [settlements see higher compliance rates compared to court judgments; resolution typically within day or two].

Adriaans Attorneys, Mediation Could Save You Significant Costs in Litigation, https://adriaansattorneys.com/mediation-could-save-you-significant-costs-in-litigation/ [research indicating mediated settlements have higher rate of voluntary compliance than Court Orders; Jordaan B, ‘Court based mediation becoming a reality in SA civil justice system’ (2012) 517 De Rebus 20].

Relias Media, Mediation Can Resolve Disputes Faster, at Less Cost Than Litigation (2022), https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/143903-mediation-can-resolve-disputes-faster-at-less-cost-than-litigation [preparation key to success; realistically evaluate case ahead of time; ensure decision-makers present].

SCI Research and Publications

Joshua Gordon, Strategic Negotiation: Building Organizational Excellence (Routledge 2023) [frameworks for effective negotiation and dispute resolution in sports and business contexts].

Joshua Gordon, Gary Furlong and Ken Pendleton, The Sports Playbook: Building Teams That Outperform Year After Year (Routledge 2018) [sustainable competitive advantage through culture development and conflict resolution].

Gary Furlong, The Conflict Resolution Toolbox (2nd ed. 2020) [diagnostic tools and strategies for effective conflict resolution including mediation approaches].

Sports Conflict Institute, White Paper on Cost of Conflict in Sports (2015), https://sportsconflict.org/white-paper-on-cost-of-conflict-in-sports/ [proactive conflict resolution 100x more cost-effective than reactive approaches].

Note: All mediation services comply with applicable confidentiality requirements and ethical standards. Success rates and cost savings vary by case complexity, party cooperation, and mediator expertise. Statistics represent industry averages from multiple studies and jurisdictions.