From Fanfare to Farewell: Legal Aspects of Sports Franchise Relocation

• Semester: Spring 2025
• Course ID: 196V
• Credit Hours: 1
• Unique: 29323

Description

What happens when a beloved sports team trades one city for another? Dive deep into the legal drama, high-stakes negotiations, and emotional fallout that accompany the relocation of professional sports franchises. In this course, you'll explore the tension between team owners, cities, leagues, and fans through real-life case studies such as the Oklahoma City Thunder's controversial move from Seattle, the Oakland Raiders' storied journey to Las Vegas, and the St. Louis Rams’ departure to Los Angeles.

Through these cases and more, students will unravel the intricate web of legal obligations, from stadium contracts to league relocation policies, and navigate the intense regulatory battles teams face when uprooting a franchise. The course will also examine the ethical dilemmas involved—how does a team balance its financial interests with its responsibility to its fanbase? And what role do city officials play in these high-profile relocations?

Students will engage with topics such as the role of municipal bonds in stadium financing, antitrust considerations, league governance structures, and the impact of relocation on local economies. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the legal frameworks that shape these decisions and be prepared to critically assess the future of franchise movement in the evolving sports landscape.

If you’re passionate about sports or the business of professional teams, this course will provide you with the knowledge and insight to appreciate—and perhaps one day influence—one of the most dynamic aspects of sports law.