Sports Law and Governance
Embark on a transformative educational journey with this masterclass in Sports Law and Governance. The programme is designed for sports professionals who want to shape the future of athlete representation. Over 6 carefully curated modules, participants will explore the cutting-edge intersections of law, governance, and sports ethics while networking with industry leaders and peers. This programme is ideal for athlete representatives, sports executives, lawyers, and other professionals who want to master the dynamic world of sports law with a particular focus on athlete-centric representation and governance.
Athlete representation and sports governance
High-level peer interactions and networking dinners
Direct input from leading experts and case-based learning
The latest knowledge on emerging legal, ethical, and financial challenges in the sports sector
For whom?
The Masterclass is designed for professionals such as:
- Sports Executives: Leaders navigating complex governance environments.
- Athlete Representatives: Agents and managers aiming to sharpen legal and negotiation skills.
- Lawyers Specialized in Sports Law: Legal experts broadening their expertise.
- Officials from Sports Governing Bodies: Professionals enhancing governance and compliance strategies.
- Key Stakeholders in the Sports Industry: Innovators and advocates for ethical and sustainable practices.
- Professional Athletes: Individuals seeking knowledge about their rights, contracts, and career management.
What Will You Learn?
Participants will:
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of sports law, governance structures, and ethical challenges.
- Develop negotiation and contract management skills for athlete representation.
- Understand regulatory frameworks regarding doping, corruption, match-fixing, sports betting, and financial sustainability.
- Explore human rights, safeguarding, and employment rights of athletes.
- Compare international perspectives, focusing on European and U.S. models.
- Apply insights through case studies and interactive discussions.
Why Should You Participate?
- Strengthen your expertise in athlete representation and sports governance.
- Expand your network through high-level peer interactions and networking dinners.
- Develop practical skills with direct input from leading experts and case-based learning.
- Access the latest knowledge on emerging legal, ethical, and financial challenges in the sports sector.
Program Structure
The Executive Masterclass spans six modules over five months (October 2025 – January 2026), combining on-site and online learning for maximum flexibility.
Modules 1 and 6 are in-person in Amsterdam, including networking dinners. Module 4 will be hosted by The Asser Institute based in The Hague.
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Module 1: The Athlete’s Legal Landscape – Representation, Careers, and Integrity
Date: 3 October 2025
Location: REC-P, Amsterdam
Guest Lecturer: Richard Parrish (Edge Hill University)
- Explore the key legal frameworks governing the careers of athletes internationally and nationally.
- Understand socio-economic aspects of athletes’ careers, integrity issues, and regulatory structures.
- Compare European and U.S. sports governance models.
- Case study discussions to bridge theory with practice.
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Module 2: Managing Athlete Responsibilities – Anti-Doping and Match-Fixing
Date: 24 October 2025
Location: Online
Guest Lecturers: Hans Neelen, Steven Teitler
- Legal frameworks for anti-doping measures and enforcement.
- Impact of corruption on athletes and sports organizations.
- Evolution of doping controls and challenges to regulation.
- Case studies on doping scandals and governance responses.
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Module 3: Ethical Challenges, Match-Fixing, and Sports Betting
Date: 7 November 2025
Location: Online
Guest Lecturer: Mike McNamee
- Ethical dilemmas in sports: match-fixing, betting integrity, and governance responses.
- Legal implications and the evolving regulation of sports betting industries.
- Prevention strategies combining education, regulation, and governance.
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Module 4: The Human Rights of Athletes
Date: 21 November 2025
Location: T.M.C. Asser Institute, The Hague
Key Speakers: Dr. Antoine Duval LL.M. and Dr. Daniela Heerdt
- General introduction to the human rights of athletes
- Case study 1: Freedom of expression of athletes
- Case study 2: Safeguarding frameworks
- Case study 3: Access to justice of athletes
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Module 5: Athlete Employment and Collective Bargaining
Date: 12 December 2025
Location: Online
Guest Lecturers: Evert Verhulp, Matthew Graham
- Labor rights, employment contracts, and athletes' legal status.
- Collective bargaining dynamics and negotiations in sports.
- Practical negotiation and contract management strategies for representatives.
- Case studies on labor disputes and collective actions in major leagues.
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Module 6: Best Practices in Athlete Representation and Governance
Date: 16 January 2026
Location: REC-P, Amsterdam
Guest Lecturers: Claudia Bokel, Matthew Graham
- Effective athlete representation: contracts, career management, conflict resolution.
- Governance challenges in sports organizations and the role of athlete voices.
- Transparency, decision-making processes, and accountability.
- Final presentation of participants’ case studies.
Organising partners
The Amsterdam Law School
As one of Europe’s leading institutions, the Amsterdam Law School offers a robust academic foundation combined with a strong connection to the legal profession. Its commitment to innovative teaching and research ensures participants gain top-tier knowledge directly applicable to real-world challenges.
The T.M.C. Asser Institute
Located in The Hague, the Asser Institute specialises in international and European law with a strong focus on sports law and policy. Known for its research and collaborations with global organisations, the institute ensures this programme addresses current and future challenges in sports governance.
Core Lecturers
- Richard Parrish (Edge Hill University) – Expert in sports law and governance.
- Hans Neelen – Legal expert on doping and corruption.
- Steven Teitler – Specialist in sports regulation.
- Mike McNamee – Ethics expert in sports.
- Dr. Antoine Duval LL.M (Asser Institute) – Expert in sports law, governance and human rights
- Prof. mr. Evert Verhulp – Specialist in labor law and sports employment.
- Matthew Graham – Collective bargaining and sports governance expert.
- Claudia Bokel – Former elite athlete and athlete representation expert.
- Dr. Daniela Heerdt (Asser Institute) – Expert in human rights in sport.
Moderators: Roberto Branco Martins & Chiel Warners