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Charlie Baker
Co-Chair, Entertainment, Sports and Media Group, Sidley
Charlie Baker, often referred to as Chuck Baker, is a prominent attorney specializing in sports and entertainment law, currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Entertainment, Sports, and Media Group at Sidley Austin LLP. His extensive career spans several decades, during which he has represented investors and franchises across various professional sports leagues.
Professional Background
- Current Position: Co-Chair of the Entertainment, Sports, and Media Group at Sidley Austin LLP since May 2022. In this role, he focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions within the sports and entertainment sectors.134
- Previous Experience: Before joining Sidley, Baker held significant positions at other leading law firms including O'Melveny & Myers LLP and DLA Piper. He co-chaired the Sports Industry Group at O'Melveny and has been involved in high-profile transactions across major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS.234
Notable Achievements
Baker has been recognized for his expertise in sports law by multiple prestigious publications:
- Named to Sports Business Journal’s "Power Players" list in 2021.
- Recognized as a "Sports & Betting MVP" by Law360 in 2020.
- Featured in The American Lawyer’s “Dealmakers of the Year” in 2019.14
He has played a pivotal role in landmark deals such as the record-setting purchase of the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion and the acquisition of minority stakes in teams like the Los Angeles Lakers.4
Education and Community Involvement
- Education: Baker earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from Cornell Law School.
- Community Engagement: He actively serves on boards for organizations like the March of Dimes and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law and a distinguished lecturer at NYU's Tisch Institute for Sports Management.14
Baker's reputation as a knowledgeable and effective transactional lawyer has made him a key figure in the sports law landscape, where he continues to influence significant developments within the industry.
