University of Oregon Sports Business and the Law Conference

On Friday, January 23, the University of Oregon will be hosting its first "Sports Business and the Law Conference." Here's the press release for it:

EUGENE, Ore. -- (Jan. 9, 2009) -- Sports industry professionals will meet in downtown Portland on Friday, Jan. 23, for the University of Oregon’s “Sports Business and the Law” conference. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UO in Portland’s White Stag Block, 70 NW Couch St.

In a series of panel discussions moderated by faculty members from UO and Willamette University, graduate students and sports business professionals will discuss a variety of topics about legal issues of the sports industry. Scheduled panels will include: The Law of Sports Leagues; Sports Business In-House Counsel; The NCAA and Legal Compliance; and Agents, Contracts and Negotiation.

The conference will feature representatives from the Portland Trail Blazers, Nike, adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Professional Bowlers Association, BDA Sports Management and Sports Management Worldwide.

According to UO’s Jumane Redway, law and business student and conference organizer, this conference is the first of its kind for the university and is a celebration of the richness and depth of the local sports business community.

“The Portland metro area's beautiful settings and easy access to the outdoors have made it a hub for sporting goods companies,” said Redway. “Portland's position in the sports world presents questions for business professionals and legal experts alike, which make this conference a great opportunity for professionals, students and the general public.”

General admission to the event is $40, and student admission is $15. Participants must register by Wednesday, Jan. 21. For more information about the event and to register, visit http://bizlaw.uoregon.edu/lesa/sports08/. Lunch will be provided. CLE credit is pending.

The conference is sponsored by the UO Center for Law and Entrepreneurship, the James Warsaw Sports Marketing Center and the Sports and the Entertainment Law Forum.