2017 Sports Law Hot Topics To Watch

In retrospect, 2016 was not half bad. Well, it was more like 60-65% bad, but the year undoubtedly had its moments, good and bad!

I believe in many ways that 2017 will be a continuation of things in one direction or another rather than a birth of entirely new topics, especially in the sports law realm. Part of the reason I believe this is because of the incoming US President's opinions and involvement in certain areas. Another part is due to the basic timeline of league and player contracts in the "Big Four" (NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB) so that instead of big changes in the relationship statuses taking place, upcoming practices acting upon and interpreting those contracts will create news and continue to add to existing sentiment. Without further ado, here are six hot topics we should keep an eye out for throughout 2017.

Throwing An Octopus (or Another NHL Team Spirit Animal) May Seem Harmless, But It Could Cost You

Jaime, Civil, Municipal, NHLJaime MiettinenApril 19, 2016Fine, Gary Bettman, Octopus, Detroit Red Wings, ArrestComment

A Little Ditty on Naming Rights for the New Detroit Red Wings Arena

Olympia Entertainment admitted that it selected a buyer for the Detroit Red Wings' new arena in The District Detroit 50-block area renovation project. Who is it? Who knows! Chris Ilitch, owner Mike Ilitch's son and president and C.E.O. of Ilitch Holdings, disclosed that the formal announcement could come within the next month or so. In the meantime, it may be good to know how naming rights operate so when the announcement is made, we can discuss the deal in an educated fashion and form an opinion on whether it was a smart decision overall.

What "Hockeytown" Is According To The Law

Here in Detroit, our fervor for the return of hockey season radiates brighter than ever, courtesy of the nauseating hangover the Tigers have left us with and the infinite number of ways the Lions manage to lose. Detroit is more than just any hockey town - it is "Hockeytown"! Those of us twenty-somethings who grew up in Michigan during the era where Detroit emerged and began its reign as "Hockeytown" were wonderfully privileged children. I think it is appropriate to learn about how we earned the right to call our city Hockeytown. So, I will dish out what "Hockeytown" is in the legal world of sports.