Latham & Watkins is bringing on prominent sports and private-capital transaction partners Matthew Eisler and Russell Hedman to its New York office, a move the firm says strengthens both its Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice and its market-leading M&A and private equity platform.
Eisler and Hedman will join as partners across Latham’s M&A and Private Equity Practice and its Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice. The firm highlighted the duo’s experience advising on high-profile acquisitions, investments, stake sales, consortium and joint venture formations, and expansion franchise transactions across major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NWSL, and international sports organizations.
Latham leadership framed the hires as a strategic growth investment as sports continue to draw increasing private capital and institutional interest. The firm also emphasized the pair’s client base, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, private capital funds, and teams, and their work on transaction structures and regulatory issues, including compliance with league rules.
Eisler and Hedman are joining from Hogan Lovells. Latham also noted the partners’ industry recognition, citing multiple honors for Eisler across legal and sports business outlets, and awards and listings for Hedman, including Bloomberg Law’s “40 Under 40” and Law360’s “Rising Star” in Sports. Eisler earned his JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and Hedman earned his JD from Harvard Law School.
KEY QUOTES:
“Matt and Russell are extremely talented lawyers whose impressive track record speaks to their market reputation. We’re delighted to have them join our team… it’s exciting to think about the synergies between their practice and ours, as well as the opportunities to build and solidify our position at the center of the global sports industry.”
Marc Jaffe, Managing Partner, Latham & Watkins New York
“Our sports practice has been one of the firm’s fastest-growing areas for several years, with significant opportunities to expand further… Their addition to our platform will help us unlock tremendous opportunities.”
Adam Sullins, Global Co-Chair, Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice, Latham & Watkins
“Matt and Russell’s depth of knowledge and prominence in the sports industry will significantly enhance our capabilities and further bolster our reputation in the industry… at a time when we expect this asset class to continue attracting significant private capital and institutional investment.”
Paul Kukish, Global Co-Chair, M&A and Private Equity Practice, Latham & Watkins
