TheSports Lawyers Association (SLA) is preparing to host its 51st Annual ConferencefromMay 13–16, 2026, at theSheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, Illinois. The four-day event is expected to draw legal professionals, academics, industry executives and sports law students for a deep dive into the most pressing legal issues facing the sports world.
The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to engage with thought leaders on subjects such as governance, media rights, antitrust litigation, contract negotiations and regulatory compliance. Panels, keynote addresses and networking sessions are designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among practitioners from law firms, leagues, teams and governing bodies.
The 2026 conference marks more than five decades of SLA’s commitment to advancing the understanding and ethical practice of sports law. Scheduled sessions will likely cover evolving topics such as athlete representation, collective bargaining developments, intellectual property challenges, and international sports law trends. While a detailed agenda has yet to be released, past conferences have featured a mix of educational panels and keynote speakers from high-profile sectors of the industry.
In addition to formal programming, attendees can expect numerous opportunities for professional development and networking throughout the four days. The event also typically includes receptions, committee meetings and informal gatherings that help build community among members of the SLA and the broader sports law ecosystem.
Registration details and session schedules are expected to be announced in the months leading up to the event. For sports law practitioners and students alike, the SLA 2026 Annual Conference represents a key moment to stay current on legal trends shaping the business of sport.
