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Photo of Nellie Drew and her students.

Sports Law Clinic Director Helen "Nellie" Drew speaking with students.

Sports Law Clinic

This exciting new clinic provides students with the opportunity to work on current issues in sports law and policy.  

About the Sports Law Clinic

The Sports Law Clinic works on a variety of cases rooted in making sports fair, accessible, and safe for all levels of athletes. Past projects have included developing NIL policy and procedures for UB's D1 Athletics Department, creating a model law and supporting white paper to require sports venues to implement emergency action plans ("Damar's Law"), and providing support to the public sector (Erie County) in negotiations for the Buffalo Bills new stadium project.  Students in this clinic also submit papers for industry publication.

Sports Law Clinic Director

Headshot of Helen "Nellie" Drew.

Helen "Nellie" Drew

Director of Sports Law Clinic; Professor of Practice in Sports Law; Director of the UB Center for the Advancement of Sport

Clinical Legal Education

507 O'Brian Hall

Phone: 716-645-5591

Email: hdrew@buffalo.edu

Buffalo Bills Stadium NIL Sports Bra Problem The Dance Project

Buffalo Bills Stadium Project

Nellie and 3Ls with Mark P.

UB School of Law Sports Law Clinic’s Stadium & Arena Project is designed to help students explore and develop transaction skills while serving as support to Erie County and providing transparency about the Buffalo Bills stadium project and the pending negotiations for renovation of KeyBank Center. Under the direction of faculty from UB School of Law, students have the opportunity to work with the Erie County Attorney’s Office. Students will conduct research, draft client memoranda, and respond to questions regarding ongoing matters with the Buffalo Bills new stadium and the pending negotiations for renovating KeyBank Center.

Work in this project will involve:

  1. Analysis and comparison of recent NFL, NHL and other pro sports stadium renovation and construction projects and relevant leases;
  2. Reviewing the status of the personal seat license agreements and the concerns of season ticket members such as obstructed views; 
  3. Researching associated issues such as the relationship between Kalshi and similar platforms with professional sports leagues and teams;
  4. Reviewing project documents and preparing summaries to 
    a) provide easily comprehended, detailed information for dissemination to the public; and 
    b) correct existing misconceptions about project details; and
  5. Providing such additional support as may be requested by Erie County.

Buffalo Bills Stadium Documents

Community Benefits Agreement

A Community Service Agreement that has been developed to give back to the community and ensure that the community and members of the community benefit from the Stadium Project and that they are able to participate in all stages of the Stadium Project. 

Executive Summary: Buffalo Bills Non-Relocation Agreement Comparison

An Executive Summary comparison of the Non-Relocation Agreement dated May 6, 2013, the Amendment to Non-Relocation Agreement dated March 29, 2023, and the Non-Relocation Agreement dated March 29, 2023 as it relates to Erie County, the Bills, and the Erie County Stadium Corporation. 

Financial Impact of New Lease v. Old Lease

An outline of the benefits and drawbacks of creating a new lease for the Bills to remain in Buffalo. The review includes an overview of the impacts, pros and cons, and projected revenue and expenses.

Student Attorney Legal Memorandum & Papers

Environmental Review Process for the Construction of New Sports Facilities

Written by Matthew Duke '24 - Memorandum that discusses the environmental review process under NYS law and how it will impact the construction of the new arena for the Buffalo Sabres and the new stadium for the Buffalo Bills.

Crosslands Arena LLC Analysis

Written by Chris Borgatti '24 - Memorandum providing an analysis of the chain of leases by which the land was assembled and transferred until all the interests were assembled and leased to Crossroads Arena LLC. 

History of the Buffalo Sabres

Written by Bill Christ '24 and Claire Hofmeister '24 - Memorandum regarding the history of the Buffalo Sabres and the area in which the team plays.

Analysis of the KeyBank Center

Written by Mohamad Naji '24 - Memorandum providing an analysis of the KeyBank center, including its funding, and compare it to the subsequent NFL stadiums that have opened since to provide realistic funding and renovation ideas for the center’s next lease.

Analysis of the Buffalo Sabres Bankruptcy of 2003

Written by Chris Atwood '25 - This paper provides an overview of the Sabres Bankruptcy of 2003 and the corresponding proceedings and their effects on future operations.