Investigations and compliance
The sports industry presents unique legal and investigative challenges. High-profile leagues, teams, universities, coaches, and athletes operate in a fast-moving, global environment under intense public scrutiny.
Investigations in this sector often involve complex issues, including NCAA compliance, doping and performance-enhancing substances, gambling, sexual misconduct, off-field behavioral incidents, and potential federal and state regulatory violations. These matters require not only legal guidance but also strategic direction to manage reputational, institutional, and brand risk.
At Hogan Lovells, our Investigations, White Collar, and Fraud team advises clients across the sports landscape on high-stakes investigations and compliance matters. We combine the experience of former U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors and trial attorneys with a deeply integrated global network, providing comprehensive support through all stages of internal inquiries, regulatory reviews, and enforcement actions. Our team works seamlessly with law enforcement, government agencies, and regulators – including the NCAA, DOJ, U.S. Department of Education (DOE), and state attorneys general – to navigate complex legal frameworks and mitigate exposure.
The dynamic nature of sports investigations also requires careful consideration of public perception, media scrutiny, and institutional impact. High-profile incidents can generate international attention and amplify legal risk, making timely, strategic advice critical. Our experience spans internal investigations, grand jury proceedings, crisis management, and compliance program development. We also counsel clients on related matters, such as defamation claims, the improper use of funds, Title IX compliance, and other federal financial assistance regulations.
Whether advising professional leagues and teams or high-profile sports individuals, Hogan Lovells provides tailored, multidisciplinary solutions that balance regulatory requirements, legal risk, and reputational considerations. With the leading higher education practice in the U.S., the Hogan Lovells Investigations team is uniquely positioned to address the investigative needs of universities.
The depth and breadth of our experience with our clients affords us an unparalleled perspective in compliance with NCAA rules, as well as federal and state government oversight. We provide coordinated, multidisciplinary support through integration with our Sports, Media, and Entertainment sector team, delivering guidance that helps clients manage investigations effectively while safeguarding institutional integrity and public trust.
Capabilities
Serving as external Compliance and Ethics Officer for the soccer federations of the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica in connection with their joint bid to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
Advising the president of a well-known Football Association, in relation to an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Football Association into allegations of improper use of funds.
We also have deep knowledge advising universities and college athletics programs in high-stakes, multi-year investigations, including:
Representing the President of Pennsylvania State University in state and federal criminal and grand jury proceedings, a DOE Clery Act investigation, and related employee and victim jury trials arising from former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky’s criminal conduct.
Representing multiple Division I men’s basketball programs in five-year NCAA investigations and multi-day hearings before the Independent Accountability and Review Panel concerning bribery allegations tied to a major sportswear manufacturer.
Advising a large public university in a U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into alleged misconduct in NCAA men’s basketball programs relating to scholarships and athletic sponsorships.
Representing a leading university in an internal investigation of its football program involving allegations of race-based mistreatment, abusive conduct, and sexism toward female athletic department staff.
