Tulane University Center for Sport

Still riding the momentum from an incredible Tulane Sports Law & Entertainment Conference!

Grateful to have been surrounded by so many sharp minds, industry leaders and passionate peers pushing the conversation forward in sports, media and entertainment. From insightful panels to meaningful connections, this experience was nothing short of inspiring.

The keynote from Desmond Howard was a standout moment filled with powerful insights and real stories, and serves as a reminder of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Big thanks to:

• Networking Reception Sponsor: Venable LLP

• Keynote Sponsor: Jones Walker

• Supporting Sponsors: Shearson Sports Opportunity Fund, Sher Garner, Cahil Richter, Klein & Hilbert, LLC and White & Case

• Supporting Panel Sponsors: Skadden, Stone Pigman, Phelps

And thanks to everyone who made it happen — already looking forward to what’s next!

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11,2026
Panel 7: Film Distribution & Film Festivals
3:20–4:05 PM

Making a film is an achievement—but getting it seen is an entirely different challenge. This panel explores the evolving landscape of film acquisition, distribution, and the festival circuit in today’s industry.

From navigating distribution channels to negotiating the right deal, panelists will share insights on how filmmakers can position their projects for success—securing the best home, strongest terms, and greatest impact.

The discussion will also cover what buyers are looking for, the role of film festivals, and how legal and business strategy can help bring independent films to audiences.

Join Cook, Fyvolent, and Green for this inside look at the path from production to distribution.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11, 2026
Panel 6: IP, Tech, and Entertainment

As technology rapidly evolves, so do the legal frameworks that govern intellectual property. This panel will trace how foundational IP concepts have adapted to past innovations and how they apply to today’s tech-driven landscape.

Explore how lawyers can help clients navigate complex challenges posed by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while also unlocking new opportunities to commercialize IP assets. Topics will include licensing, IP transactions, e-commerce, commercial contracts, and more.

The panel will also examine the idea that AI is a tool—not an outcome—and how legal strategy can drive value in an increasingly tech-forward world.

Join Blevins, Bransford, and Matasar for this forward-looking discussion.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11,2026
Panel 5C: Financing & Finishing Hollywood Productions (Concurrent Session)
1:35–2:20 PM

What does it take to bring a film or television project from concept to screen? This panel goes behind the scenes of modern Hollywood production—exploring how projects are financed, structured, and ultimately delivered.

From securing funding and navigating deal structures to finalizing credits, marketing assets, and distribution strategies, panelists will share insider perspectives on the legal and practical realities of getting projects across the finish line.

The discussion will also look ahead at what’s next for film and television in an evolving industry landscape.

Join David Boyle and Steven Pearl for this inside look at the production process.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11, 2026
Panel 5B: Sports Gambling (Concurrent Session)
1:35–2:20 PM

Since the fall of Murphy v. NCAA, sports gambling has rapidly transformed the sports industry. This panel will explore the evolution of the marketfrom the pre-PASPA era to today’s expansive, state-by-state landscape.

Hear from industry leaders on the regulatory frameworks governing sports betting, how leagues and organizations have adapted, and the key legal questions shaping the future of the industry.

Topics will include regulatory compliance, prop bets, differences between college and professional sports, prediction markets, and more.

Join Lerner, Loney, and Mishkin for this timely discussion.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11, 2026
Panel 5A: Sports General Counsel & In-House Counsel (Concurrent Session)
1:35–2:20 PM

As the sports industry has grown globally, the role of in-house counsel has evolved alongside it. This panel will explore the most pressing legal and business issues facing general counsel across major leagues and global sporting events.

From media and broadcast rights to intellectual property protection, data privacy, sponsorships, and partnerships, panelists will share insights into the complexities of today’s sports landscape. The discussion will also examine the legal, regulatory, and policy considerations involved in hosting major events like the World Cup and Super Bowl.

Join Wilkinson, Goldsmith, and Franks for this in-depth conversation.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11, 2026
Panel 4B: Working With Elite Athletes (Concurrent Session)
11:50 AM–12:35 PM

What does it take to build and sustain a career at the highest levels of sport? This panel offers a 360-degree look at the world of elite athletes from the perspectives of legal counsel, agents, and coaches.

Explore the most pressing legal, business, and practical issues facing today’s athletes, including playing contracts, NIL, marketing and branding, locker room dynamics, and on-field performance and how it all comes together in a high-pressure, high-visibility environment.

Join Haynes, .J. Stevens, and Salas for this dynamic conversation.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Join us for our next Sports Analytics Series featuring industry leaders from the New Orleans Pelicans, SumerSports, and Futi & American Soccer Analysis.

Thursday, April 9, 2026
3:30–5:00 PM
GWBC 120

Hear insights from experts shaping the future of sports analytics, followed by sport-specific breakout sessions.

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11, 2026
Panel 4C: Entertainment Law – Gaming & Social Media (Concurrent Session)
11:50 AM–12:35 PM

From viral content to immersive gaming, the digital entertainment landscape is evolving rapidly and the legal issues are keeping pace. This panel will explore the latest developments at the intersection of social media, gaming, and the law.

Dive into key intellectual property concepts shaping today’s most complex challenges, along with how these platforms operate from revenue models and consumer engagement to emerging technologies and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.

Join St. Martin and Slater Thomas for a forward-looking discussion.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/

Panel Spotlight for the 9th Annual Tulane Entertainment & Sports Law Conference!

Saturday April 11, 2026
Panel 3: Sports Antitrust (sponsored by .law )
10:50–11:40 AM

How are professional sports leagues structured and how do they balance cooperation and competition? This panel will explore the foundational role of antitrust law in shaping the business of sports.

From league rules and governance to disputes between leagues and players, competing leagues, and even fans, the discussion will unpack some of the most significant antitrust issues in the industry today.

Join Blevins, Kilaru, and Martino for this timely conversation.

Join us April 10–11. Registration is free—don’t miss it.
https://centerforsport.wufoo.com/forms/wl0bxjx0f3ram8/