Norton Rose Fulbright has added Steve Olenick as a partner in New York, appointing him U.S. Head of Sports Capital and Transactions and New York Head of Private Equity. Olenick joins from Mintz, where he chaired the firm’s sports and entertainment practice.
As a partner in Norton Rose Fulbright’s corporate, M&A and securities practice, he will advise private equity sponsors on transactions while expanding the firm’s work at the intersection of institutional capital and professional sports.
Olenick handles acquisitions, financings and strategic investments across multiple industries.
His practice also includes representing athletes, celebrities and other ultra-high-net-worth individuals on business ventures, endorsements and sponsorships.
The hire comes amid increasing institutional investment in sports teams, leagues and related businesses.
Norton Rose Fulbright has been expanding its U.S. transactional team, with Olenick becoming the firm’s 16th lateral partner with a transactions focus in 2026.
The firm also recently added Chicago M&A partner John Boelter, who has sports industry experience.
Globally, Norton Rose Fulbright has more than 400 partners and 700 additional deal lawyers working across transactional practices.
The firm’s 2026 Global M&A Trends and Risks report found that 52% of respondents expect global M&A activity to increase this year.
Another 48% identified the significant amount of available investment dry powder as a major driver of future transactions.
Olenick is licensed in New York and Texas.
He earned his law degree from Northwestern University and his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
KEY QUOTES:
“Steve is known for providing trusted counsel and sound commercial judgment on high-profile matters, bringing exactly the kind of perspective our clients seek in today’s active capital environment. His sports experience further strengthens our position in one of the most dynamic corners of the market at a time of growing investor interest and deal activity.”
Jeff Cody, Global And U.S. Managing Partner At Norton Rose Fulbright
“Steve has built a premier practice grounded in strong relationships and a deep understanding of his clients’ business objectives, making him a go-to adviser for their most important growth initiatives.”
Ward Atterbury, Global Head And U.S. Co-Head Of Private Equity At Norton Rose Fulbright
“The flow of institutional capital into sports is fundamentally reshaping the industry, and the sponsors and investors who are driving this transformation need counsel with genuine depth across practices, jurisdictions and sources of financing.”
Steve Olenick, Partner, U.S. Head Of Sports Capital And Transactions And New York Head Of Private Equity At Norton Rose Fulbright
