India’s sports and gaming sectors are witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by the convergence of sports, media, technology, and entertainment. The rise of professional leagues, esports tournaments, fantasy sports, real-money gaming, and digital fan engagement platforms has created significant commercial opportunities, while also introducing novel legal and regulatory challenges. Stakeholders in these sectors must navigate a dynamic legal environment marked by state-level regulation, evolving jurisprudence on gaming legality, IP ownership, sponsorship agreements, cross-border investments, and disputes over commercial and player rights.
At KNM & Partners, we provide end-to-end legal support to clients operating at the intersection of competition, commerce, and compliance. The Firm’s Sports & Gaming Practice combines sector-specific insight with core strengths in corporate advisory and dispute resolution, enabling us to deliver strategic and commercially relevant legal counsel. The Firm works closely with sports federations, esports organisers, gaming platforms, professional leagues, team owners, fantasy operators, talent management agencies, investors, and technology platforms, providing holistic support throughout the business lifecycle.
The Firm’s services encompass the structuring of gaming platforms, drafting and negotiating player, sponsorship, franchise, and media rights agreements, advising on investments and M&A transactions, and assisting in the resolution of high-stakes disputes involving leagues, brands, and players. The Firm supports clients in managing risk, safeguarding intellectual property, and ensuring regulatory alignment with gaming laws, advertising standards, and IP enforcement mechanisms.
The Firm’s disputes practice handles complex litigation, arbitration, and mediation in relation to player disputes, revenue sharing, broadcasting rights, endorsement disagreements, and platform liability issues. With a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances, including its fast-paced and public-facing nature, the Firm is adept at providing tailored legal strategies that balance commercial objectives with legal defensibility.
Our Expertise
Advising on formation and structuring of gaming platforms, esports ventures, and sports franchises. Assisting in joint ventures, cross-border investments, capital structuring, and corporate governance for sports and gaming businesses.
Drafting and negotiating player contracts, sponsorship deals, franchise agreements, league governance documents, broadcasting and streaming rights, licensing agreements, and influencer endorsement arrangements.
Advising on compliance with gaming laws, FDI restrictions, advertising standards, and monetisation models for online gaming and sports businesses. Providing counsel on evolving legal positions on real-money gaming, esports tournaments, and skill-based competitions.
Representing clients in player-brand disputes, IP infringement actions, tournament rights conflicts, breach of franchise and endorsement contracts, prize money claims, and jurisdictional disputes in online gaming contracts. Supporting clients in arbitration, mediation, and pre-litigation negotiations.
Advising on protection, enforcement, and monetisation of IP assets including game formats, logos, proprietary content, league rights, and broadcast arrangements. Managing disputes involving piracy, unauthorised streaming, and content takedowns.
Related Practice Areas
Our Experience
The Firm has successfully represented and advised clients across diverse segments of the sports and gaming sector, including:
- Fantasy Sports & Skill Gaming Platforms
Advising on business structuring, platform terms, regulatory compliance, and defence against user and regulatory disputes. - Esports Organisers & Startups
Supporting in tournament structuring, licensing, and negotiating partnerships with teams, brands, and sponsors. - Professional Sports Franchises & League Owners
Advising on player contracts, commercial arrangements, revenue sharing, and governance frameworks. - Talent & Endorsement Agencies
Assisting in the negotiation of talent management contracts, brand partnerships, image rights licensing, and resolution of disputes with influencers and celebrities. - Investors & Funds
Supporting in acquisitions, exits, and strategic investments in sports tech, fantasy gaming, and esports ventures, including risk assessment and due diligence.
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