In the News: Chris Deubert Speaks to Bloomberg Law on U.S. Soccer Antitrust Trial
Constangy senior counsel Chris Deubert provided insights for a Bloomberg Law article, “US Soccer Trial to Begin in Defunct League's Monopoly Suit,” which explores the antitrust trial between the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the defunct North American Soccer League (NASL). The case centers on allegations that USSF policies hindered competition, leading to NASL's downfall.
The article delves into the legal intricacies of the case, including the NASL's claim that the USSF engaged in monopolistic practices by limiting league certification and sanctioning. As an authority on legal issues in sports, Chris offered several insights into the complexities of the trial.
Highlighting the unique challenges of sports-related antitrust litigation, Chris noted, “You have complex economic analysis from experts and a mix of economics and law.” This underscores the dual layers of expertise required to navigate such cases, blending legal interpretation with economic theory.
He also commented on the broader implications of the case, stating, “The outcome here could set a precedent for how leagues interact with governing bodies in sports.” This perspective frames the trial as a potential turning point in sports governance, with effects likely to ripple beyond soccer.
Finally, Chris emphasized the difficulty of achieving victory in such cases, observing, “Antitrust claims are notoriously hard to prove, particularly in the sports context.” This point highlights the uphill battle NASL faces in making its case.
The trial's outcome will shape the governance and competitive structure of professional soccer in the United States, with potential ramifications for how sports organizations balance market competition and operational control.
To read the full article on Bloomberg Law, click here.
Chris Deubert is a seasoned attorney with over thirteen years of diverse legal experience spanning labor and employment, sports law, and litigation matters. Throughout his career, Chris has adeptly represented and counseled employers on issues such as discrimination complaints, wage disputes, and employment agreements. In addition to his work in labor and employment, Chris has provided legal guidance to a wide array of entities within the sports industry, including professional sports teams, associations, athletes, agents, and marketing agencies. His practice covers a broad spectrum of legal areas, encompassing employment litigation, corporate governance, intellectual property, transactional matters, and sports betting. Chris’s diverse background, which includes roles in law firms, in-house positions, and academia, uniquely positions him to address the multifaceted legal needs of his clients.
