Clifford Chance announced Tuesday it appointed Charles Baker as a partner in its private equity practice. Baker joins from Sidley Austin, bringing experience negotiating deals for private equity clients investing in sports.
Baker has represented significant figures in sports ownership, including Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and former Chelsea FC owner Todd Boehly. He advised Arctos Sports on transactions involving equity stakes in NBA and NHL teams.
He is currently advising on a $12.5 billion transaction for the Los Angeles Lakers. His recent work includes equity transactions for the San Diego Padres, Washington Commanders and Charlotte Hornets.
Baker's expertise spans franchise acquisitions, league expansion, ownership investment, media rights and gaming deals. His work connects to teams across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NWSL, WNBA, Liga MX, Formula 1 and various European soccer leagues. He has advised major sports figures including Eli Manning, Kevin Durant and Tracy McGrady on business deals.
The move reflects intensifying competition among law firms for lucrative sports private equity work. The growth of the sports industry and rising franchise values drive transactional activity, as investor groups increasingly purchase majority or minority stakes in teams.
Weil, Gotshal Manges, a longtime industry leader in private equity representation within sports, is winding down its operations. That creates an opening for other firms to capture market share.
