SFC SELECTS DLA PIPER TO ADVISE ON LEAGUE GOVERNANCE & FORMATION
Industry Leading Saltwater Fishing League Retains DLA Piper to Advise on New League Format
(DALLAS) - Executives at Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) announced today they've selected global law firm DLA Piper to serve as legal advisor on the launch of its new 16-team league professional format.
SFC announced in September its transition from an amateur open format to a traditional “team and league” model, similar to NASCAR’s Cup Series and Formula 1. Since September, notable high profile team owners have been announced including Scottie Scheffler, Alvin Kamara, Brian Kelley, Randy Moss, and most recently, Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl RB Raheem Mostert.
“It’s an honor to work alongside the executive team at SFC on the launch of a transformational league format for pro fishing,” said Ehab Elsonbaty and Alexander Steinberg, DLA Piper partners. “Our firm believes SFC is building a generational league format to address a large whitespace in pro sports.”
“It was apparent out of the gates that Alex Steinberg and DLA Piper were the right advisors for our league,” said Mark Neifeld, CEO & Commissioner of SFC. “The unique nuances of pro fishing, our initial 16 team offering, and long-term vision for league expansion, demand extensive knowledge and experience from the top sports league and media advisors. We feel like we have the top firm in the industry with DLA Piper.”
The 2025 SFC League Meetings will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, December 3-4, in the first formal offseason sit-down between the league and its new team ownership groups. The League’s Constitution & By-Laws, of which DLA Piper advised on, will be formally reviewed by the teams at the League Meetings.
SFC has completed sales for 11 of its 16 teams in the initial offering, with only one team still available for purchase this offseason.
SFC and its team owners have agreed to a plan where the league will operate four of the 16 teams over the next “few seasons” before selling off the remaining exclusive rights territories, which includes high demand markets like New York, Boston, Puerto Rico and Alabama.
ABOUT SPORT FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP
Founded in 2021, Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) is a competitive sports fishing league representing 16 regions across North America. With a focus on growing the sport and engaging fans through innovation, SFC+ offers a direct-to-consumer OTT platform that delivers unparalleled access to live events, fishing content, and its celebrity-driven team format.