Barnes & Thornburg Earns National Recognition for Its Collegiate Athletics Legal Team

Barnes & Thornburg has been recognized for its athletics legal services in Hackney Publications’ Sixth Annual “100 Law Firms with Sports Law Practices You Need to Know About.”

“Barnes & Thornburg has an industry-leading practice in college sports law and strategic planning,” said Hackney. The firm earned distinction as one of only two firms receiving national recognition for its representation of universities in the rapidly evolving area of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, and one of only six firms acknowledged for its legal services in Title IX athletics matters.

Barnes & Thornburg maintains a comprehensive and multidisciplinary sports law practice, with its University and Professional Athletics team serving as trusted advisors to colleges and universities, conferences, professional teams, leagues, and athletes across myriad legal issues.

Our attorneys have advised university athletics departments across 37 states and Washington, D.C., within the last two years, including major research institutions in 29 of those states. We are proud to represent the schools that accounted for 38 national championship teams in 2024-2025. On the pro side, we have advised the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and more than 60 teams in the U.S. major sports leagues over the last few years.

Learn more about our work in Collegiate Athletics.