With nearly 30 years as an in-house attorney and strategic business leader, combined with advanced mediation training, Norman Wain brings exceptional expertise in navigating complex sports disputes and organizational challenges. Having been involved in hundreds of high-stakes cases and business negotiations, Norm understands that true resolution begins with active listening, deep understanding of all perspectives, and a systematic approach to uncovering root causes. His unique combination of legal acumen, business savvy, and collaborative problem-solving makes him a sought-after mediator and advisor for the most challenging conflicts in sport.
A recognized leader in the sports industry, Norm has built a distinguished career spanning elite athletics, billion-dollar retail operations, and entertainment law. As the former Chief of Business & Legal Affairs and General Counsel for USA Track & Field (2010-2024), he managed all business and legal aspects of America’s national governing body for track and field, including contract negotiations, corporate governance, anti-doping matters, SafeSport compliance, and athlete representation programs. His prior role as Vice President of Corporate Legal Affairs at The Finish Line, Inc. – a publicly traded athletic specialty retailer with over $1.2 billion in annual revenues – provided deep insight into the commercial side of sports business and the intersection of sport, retail, and consumer behavior.
Currently leading The Sports Business Consultants, LLC, Norm serves as a trusted advisor to sports organizations, startups, and non-profits seeking strategic business and legal guidance. His approach blends sharp analytical and problem-solving skills with pragmatism, commercial sensitivity, and thoughtful collaboration. As an International Trustee for SafeSport International, member of World Athletics’ Governance Commission, Director on the Sports Lawyers Association National Board, and Chair of the Law In Sport Advisory Board, Norm brings a global perspective to conflict resolution and sports governance. His academic contributions as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University and his authorship of influential works including “The Twelfth Teammate” demonstrate his commitment to advancing the field through education and thought leadership.
Professional Experience
Current Positions
Founder & President
The Sports Business Consultants, LLC | 2024-Present
Providing strategic business and legal consulting services to sports entities, startups, corporations, and non-profits. Specializing in governance, conflict resolution, and organizational strategy.
Senior Advisor
Sports Conflict Institute | 2024-Present
Serving as mediator and strategic advisor for complex sports disputes, organizational conflicts, and governance challenges.
International Trustee
SafeSport International | 2024-Present
Governing global initiatives to end all forms of interpersonal violence, abuse, and harassment in sports environments worldwide.
Selected Previous Experience
Chief of Business & Legal Affairs, General Counsel
USA Track & Field, Inc. | 2010-2024
Managed all business and legal affairs for the national governing body, including contract negotiations, corporate governance, anti-doping compliance, SafeSport initiatives, and athlete representation programs.
Vice President – Corporate Legal Affairs
The Finish Line, Inc. | 1999-2010
Led legal department for $1.2 billion publicly traded athletic retailer, managing integration across business verticals and affiliated entities.
Business Affairs
Writers & Artists Agency, Inc. | 1998-1999
Negotiated talent agreements and managed business affairs for prestigious Los Angeles talent agency representing writers, actors, producers, and directors.
Areas of Expertise
- Complex Sports Dispute Resolution
- Business Management & Strategy
- Anti-Doping Compliance
- SafeSport & Athlete Welfare
- Sports Governance Systems
- Athlete Representative Regulations
- Commercial Negotiations
- Intellectual Property in Sport
- Labor & Employment Law
- Collegiate Sports Compliance
- Team Selection & Eligibility
- Disciplinary & Ethics Matters
Academic Credentials & Teaching
Education
- J.D., Corporate Law & Sports/Entertainment Law – Pepperdine University School of Law (1996)
- B.A., Psychology (Minor: Business Administration) – University of California, Berkeley (1992) – Phi Beta Kappa Honors
- Executive Education – Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Team USA Leadership Program (2017)
Teaching & Academic Appointments
- Adjunct Professor, Sports Law – Indiana University (2010-Present)
- Adjunct Professor, Sports Management & Marketing – University of Indianapolis (2000-2009)
Publications & Thought Leadership
Featured Publications
- The Twelfth Teammate – The Role of the Sports General Counsel – A key resource for understanding the intersection of legal and business principles in sports
- “Welcome to the Metaverse – And the Virtual Pitfalls that Await” – Featured article on legal issues in sports commercialization
- “The Business Case for the General Counsel” – Analytical discussion on in-house legal presence
- “Developing Your Own Guidelines For Retaining Outside Counsel” – Practitioner’s guide for in-house lawyers
- “The Network Within – How General Counsels Can Increase Their Value” – Maximizing effectiveness within organizations
- “MLS: The Identity of the Single Entity” – Antitrust implications of American professional sports leagues
Professional Service & Leadership
- Sports Lawyers Association – National Board Director (2016-Present)
- World Athletics – Governance Commission Member (2020-Present)
- Law In Sport – Advisory Board Chair (2012-Present)
- SafeSport International – International Trustee (2024-Present)
- Association of Corporate Counsel – National Board Director (2009-2015)
- ACC Sports & Entertainment Committee – Founding Chair
- Uniform Law Commission – Observer, NIL Act Committee (2021-2022)
- 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee – Volunteer Leader
Notable Achievements & Recognition
- Diversity In Practice Award (2009) – Indiana Lawyer, for commitment to diversity in legal department
- Chapter of the Year (2007) – ACC, for achievements as President of Indiana Chapter
- Committee Member of the Year (2007) – ACC, for leadership of National Small Law Department Committee (5,000+ members)
- International speaker at conferences including LawInSport Annual Conference (London), World Events Forum Global Sports Summit (Lausanne), and Harvard Law School Sports & Entertainment Law Society
- Successfully managed legal aspects of USA Track & Field through multiple Olympic cycles and major international championships
- Led The Finish Line legal department through successful acquisition by JD Sports
Speaking & Consulting Topics
Norman is available for keynote speaking, workshops, mediation, and consulting on:
- Sports Conflict Resolution & Mediation Strategies
- Building Effective Legal Departments in Sports Organizations
- SafeSport Compliance & Athlete Welfare Systems
- Anti-Doping Programs & Integrity Management
- Corporate Governance in National Governing Bodies
- The Business of Sport: Legal and Commercial Intersections
- Negotiation Strategies in Sports Business
- Intellectual Property Protection in Athletics
- Risk Management & Insurance in Sports
- The Future of Sports Law: Metaverse, NIL, and Emerging Issues
Norman Wain, Esq.
Senior Advisor | Sports Conflict Institute
Founder & President | The Sports Business Consultants, LLC
Connect & Learn More
Leverage nearly 30 years of expertise in sports law, business management, and conflict resolution.
Sports Conflict Institute | Portland, Oregon | info@sportsconflict.org

