BCLP Expands Sports & Entertainment Practice with New Counsel in Washington, D.C.

International law firm BCLP today announced that Stephen Starks has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as counsel within the Sports & Entertainment Group.

Starks joins from INDYCAR, LLC, which sanctions the Indianapolis 500, where he served as vice president and directed the launch of an international in-house broadcast and digital media licensing program. Prior to that, Starks was deputy general counsel for Hulman & Company, which was the parent company to INDYCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions (now Penske Entertainment). 

A sports and entertainment lawyer with approximately 15 years of leadership both in-house and as a trusted legal adviser, Starks’ experience includes the crafting and negotiation of complex agreements covering licensing, media rights, sponsorships and promotions, compliance and safety, as well as advising on enterprise risk management. He is a member and panelist for the American Arbitration Association and has prior experience as legal affairs director with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. 

“We are excited to welcome Stephen to the firm,” said Partner Ryan Davis, co-leader of BCLP’s Sports & Entertainment Group. “His arrival bolsters our sports practice and provides new expertise and connections that will make him a significant addition to the team.”

BCLP’s global Sports & Entertainment Group is one of only two law practices worldwide recognized by Chambers as leaders in sports law in both the U.S. and U.K. Members of the group represent numerous professional sports teams or their owners, including all 31 NHL hockey clubs, over 20 Premier League, La Liga, Championship and other international football (soccer) clubs across seven countries and various MLB, MLS, NBA and NFL teams, as well as numerous collegiate clients, Olympics organizations, professional athletes, anti-doping movement clients, corporate sponsors, stadium and event venue developers and operators, and other sports and entertainment industry clients. The group advises clients in connection with transactional, dispute and real estate matters, including naming rights and sponsorship, anti-doping, Olympic movement, litigation and arbitration, M&A, real estate development and operation, financing and other matters.