When Dr. Jeffrey Levine stepped aside as SRLA President at the annual meeting in Baltimore a few months ago, every SRLA member knew what that meant. Levine, whose full-time job is that of assistant clinical professor of Sport Business at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, wasn’t going anywhere. The same passion for SRLA he exhibited as president would follow him to the role of past-president and then ultimately to just plain old member.
What follows is his interview.
Question: How did your interest in sports law come about?
Answer: My journey into sports law began as an undergraduate sport management student at the University of Michigan, where I worked for the athletic department. Observing the impact of legal issues on the business of sports sparked my interest. This interest solidified when I took a sports law class and subsequently assisted a local sports agent in preparing for a sports law CLE with the Michigan Bar. This hands-on experience provided a practical perspective on sports law, leading me to pursue a career as a lawyer within the sports industry. I attended Tulane Law School, taking advantage of a variety of educational and practical opportunities that were part of my sports law journey.
Q: What person (or persons) was responsible for helping you achieve the goal of being a sports law professor?
A: Professors Jordan Kobritz and AJ Moorman were pivotal in my path to becoming a sports law professor. Their mentorship and introduction to SRLA were crucial in guiding my academic and professional sports law academy journey.
Q: What areas of sports law most interest you?
A: I am particularly fascinated by the intersection of sports law with other business and societal aspects. Legal frameworks are fundamental in sport business, dictating the rules of engagement across various sectors. My interest is especially piqued by legal issues in esports, predominantly concerning IP, contracts, and governance, as well as regulatory issues in youth sports.
Q: What trends are you following in 2024?
A: In 2024, I am closely monitoring the evolving governance landscape in youth sports, especially following the recent recommendations from the Commission on the State of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Additionally, the shifting dynamics in esports and college sports are of great interest, reflecting significant legal and governance changes.
Q: What’s the best part of being a member of SRLA?
A: Reflecting on my first SRLA experience in 2014, I was immediately struck by the community’s warmth, collegiality, and vibrant energy. These qualities have consistently enriched each SRLA Conference I’ve attended. The most rewarding aspect is being part of a community that not only engages in impactful work but also fosters genuine, caring relationships among its members.
