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Want to become a sports lawyer? Below, we’ll explore the best sports law schools that can give you the skills you need to launch your career in this exciting field.
In the world of sports, where rules and regulations intertwine with the pursuit of victory, the role of legal expertise has never been more vital. This article is your ticket to exploring the 15 best sports law schools, where aspiring lawyers learn to navigate the intricacies of the game both on and off the field.
From the prestigious halls of Harvard Law School to the sun-soaked campuses of California, these schools are where the next generation of sports law experts is refining their skills and reshaping the rules of the game.
Here’s our list of the country’s best law schools for sports law.
Want to know even more about these schools? Read on below to find out.
It is common knowledge that Harvard Law School is one of the best in the country. It is the premier institution for pursuing a career in law. Its long-standing commitment to academic excellence is unparalleled, attracting some of the brightest legal minds from around the world.
The institution boasts a distinguished faculty with extensive expertise in sports law, ensuring students receive top-notch instruction and guidance. Harvard's vast network and reputation open doors to unique opportunities for aspiring sports lawyers, including internships, clinical placements, and connections with major sports organizations.
Harvard has a competitive acceptance rate of 10.97%. The school has a median LSAT score of 174 and a median GPA of 3.95. Tuition for Harvard Law will cost you $80,760 per year.
Boston University School of Law's sports law courses are renowned for their dynamic approach, offering students an unwavering commitment to practical education and real-world experiences.
Situated in Boston, a city steeped in sports culture, BU Law provides an extensive curriculum covering various aspects of sports law, including publicity rights, defamation, copyright, antitrust, and labor law, all geared toward preparing students for successful careers in this exciting field.
BU Law costs $66,670 per year to attend, and it has a 20.61% acceptance rate. The school has a median LSAT score of 170 and a median GPA of 3.88.
At Villanova Law, students have the unique opportunity to pursue a sports law concentration that provides them with specialized knowledge and experience crucial for potential careers in the world of amateur and professional sports.
With mentorship opportunities, case competitions, and events like the Moorad Speaker Series, Villanova Law's sports law concentration goes above and beyond to prepare students for exciting careers in sports law.
Villanova has a 21.93% acceptance rate and will cost you $58,815 per year. The school has a median LSAT score of 164 and a median GPA of 3.81.
The University of North Carolina School of Law stands out as a powerhouse in the field of sports law that’s celebrated for its distinctive approach and exceptional offerings. What sets UNC Law apart is its unwavering dedication to experiential learning, providing students with immersive, real-world opportunities right from the start.
Situated in the heart of North Carolina, a state steeped in sports culture and home to renowned collegiate and professional teams, UNC Law's strategic location opens doors to invaluable industry connections and practical experiences that few can match.
With a yearly tuition fee of approximately $28,082 for in-state students, UNC Law strives to make legal education accessible. The school has a 15.18% acceptance rate, a 167 median LSAT score, and a 3.85 median GPA.
At Ole Miss Law, students can pursue a concentration in sports and entertainment law that allows them to access a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and a vibrant community connected to the industry.
Student associations such as the Mississippi Sports Legal Society and the Mississippi Sports Legal Review offer students valuable opportunities to connect with peers and participate in professional growth endeavors.
About 46.23% of applicants are accepted into UMiss law. The school has a median LSAT score of 157 and a median GPA of 3.64. Students can expect to pay $19,220 for in-state tuition and $41,500 for out-of-state tuition.
Marquette University Law School is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is one of the top choices for students interested in sports law. The sports law certificate is notable for the clear interrelationship between law and sports.
This law school aims to provide an education that prepares students for the industry, giving them monthly networking opportunities with experts in the field while also allowing them to actively participate in mock negotiations and legal clinics.
Marquette Law has an acceptance rate of 29.42%. The school has a median LSAT score of 156 and a median GPA of 3.70. Tuition costs about $49,710.
The University of Georgia Law School boasts a noteworthy sports law course that's perfect for anyone eyeing a career in the sports industry. It covers the essentials, from sports law fundamentals to contract negotiation, ensuring you're well-prepared for the field.
This Georgia law school has an extensive network with sports organizations and law firms, which means you'll have opportunities to connect with key players and gain practical experience. By the time you graduate, you'll be well-equipped to make your mark in the exciting world of sports law and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
Attending the University of Georgia Law’s tuition is $18,044 per year. The school has an acceptance rate of 14.48%, a median LSAT score of 169, and a median GPA of 3.91.
Florida State University Law School offers an exceptional sports law certification, tailor-made for those looking to step into the exciting world of sports and law.
Located in Tallahassee, Florida, this law school delves into a wide range of topics, from contract negotiation and navigating player/agent dynamics to establishing a free market for players’ services.
This law school has a 19.91% acceptance rate and tuition costs range from $20,640 for in-state students and $40,650 for out-of-state students. The school has a median LSAT score of 165 and a median GPA of 3.90.
As one of the best law schools in Arizona, Arizona State University’s Sports Law and Business, MSLB seamlessly blends the worlds of sports, law, and business. This program uniquely equips students for promising careers within the sports industry, offering comprehensive insights into various facets such as sports operations, player development, and marketing/branding.
Nestled in Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth-largest city in the nation, students have the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty, including Major League Baseball Commissioner, Emeritus Allan “Bud” Selig.
The ASU Law acceptance rate is 22.05%, has a median LSAT score of 165, and a median GPA of 3.90. Attending ASU Law will cost $29,037 for in-state students and $51,359 for out-of-state students.
The University of Miami Law School provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the sports and entertainment industries. With a comprehensive sports law track, including innovative "short courses" taught by industry leaders, students can build a strong foundation and gain practical insights from visionaries in the field.
Miami's strategic location offers unparalleled networking opportunities in a city that hosts major television networks, international events, professional sports franchises, and cultural institutions like the Pérez Art Museum and Wynwood Walls.
UMiami law students pay $31,925 in tuition annually. The school has an acceptance rate of 29.13%, a median LSAT score of 163, and a median GPA of 3.76.
Located in the heart of Boston, Suffolk University offers a sports law course with access to an excellent Sports & Entertainment Law Association. This association regularly hosts industry experts as speakers and panelists, providing invaluable insights into the field.
Internships with esteemed organizations like the Boston Red Sox and K Sports and Entertainment offer hands-on learning opportunities, further enhancing their understanding of the industry.
Suffolk has a 65.30% acceptance rate, a median LSAT score of 155, and a median GPA of 3.55.
Tulane Law became the first in the nation to offer a specialized certificate in sports law, which reflects its commitment to excellence in this field. By focusing on both amateur and professional sports, this certificate provides students with a deep understanding of the industry’s unique legal and business challenges.
Students also gain valuable insights from Tulane University's Sports Law Society, which organizes discussions with legal experts regarding current issues in the field. Additionally, events like the Mardi Gras National Moot Court Competition and an annual sports negotiation competition offer hands-on experience to further enhance students' practical skills.
Tulane has an acceptance rate of 53.03% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. The school has a median LSAT score of 160 and a median GPA of 3.64.
Vermont Law School is renowned for its unique intersection of environmental and sports law, housing the esteemed Sports Law Institute. This institution emphasizes the impactful role that sports lawyers can play within the industry through legal avenues.
Vermont Law School is located in South Royalton, Vermont. Tuition costs $53,768 per year. The acceptance rate of Vermont Law School is 64.66%, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1. The school has a median LSAT score of 151 and a median GPA of 3.18.
Pepperdine Law offers a certificate in entertainment, media, and sports law that allows students to deepen their knowledge in these three areas. The school prioritizes experiential learning by providing mentorship and externship opportunities to admitted students, reinforcing its commitment to their career development.
Pepperdine Law School has a 28.44% acceptance rate and a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school has a median LSAT score of 164 and a median GPA of 3.85. Tuition costs $69,950 per year.
The University of San Francisco Law School’s sports, entertainment, & the arts area of study prepares its students to effectively manage legal issues involving athletes in the US and beyond. Students can access various externship opportunities in top law firms and join associations in the law school to have access to professional and career development opportunities.
USF Law has an acceptance rate of 54.52% with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. Tuition costs $55,130 a year and has a median LSAT score of 154 and a median GPA of 3.37.
Below we’ll answer a few frequently asked questions about sports law schools.
It takes about three years to complete a sports law program.
Look out for factors like the school's reputation, the comprehensiveness of its sports law curriculum, and its connections within the sports industry.
When choosing a law school, make sure to also consider the school’s location, internship opportunities and financial aid options to ensure the program aligns with your career goals and budget.
Sports law graduates have promising career opportunities in sports law firms, sports agencies, in-house counsel for sports organizations, and roles in sports compliance. They can also explore various roles in sports business, media, arbitration, academia, and non-profit organizations.
In this article, we've introduced you to some of the best sports law schools in the country. With their comprehensive programs, accomplished faculty, and hands-on experiences, these schools offer the knowledge and practical training essential for success in this dynamic field.
Whether you aspire to advocate for athletes' rights, navigate intricate legal dilemmas, or make a lasting impact in the sports industry, these institutions provide the foundation to launch your career with confidence and competence.
David Merson was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.
Reviewed by:
Senior Law School Admissions Advisor & Litigation Attorney, USC Gould School of Law
