GCSEL and LawNK Announce Advanced Training on Interplay of Law and Commerce in Sport

The GNLU Centre for Sports & Entertainment Law (GCSEL), in collaboration with LawNK Partners, has unveiled an advanced training programme titled “Interplay of Law & Commerce in Indian Sport.” Scheduled for 6–9 October 2026, the 16-hour course—spread across eight sessions—aims to equip participants with a nuanced understanding of the legal and commercial forces reshaping India’s rapidly professionalising sports ecosystem.

A Curriculum Built for the Modern Sports Landscape

From governance structures and commercial leagues to player rights, dispute resolution, media rights, IP protection, sponsorship, and endorsement deals, the programme covers the full spectrum of sports law practice. The final session integrates all themes, providing a holistic view of how law, commerce, and sporting institutions intersect.

Sessions will be led by Abhinav Shrivastava , Partner, and Sanjay Ravi , Associate, both from LawNK Partners, bringing frontline industry expertise to the classroom.

Who Should Apply and How to Join

The course is open to law students in their 3rd year and above (5-year integrated programmes) or 2nd year and above (3-year programmes), as well as graduates, research scholars, and professionals. With only 50 seats available, early registration is encouraged.

Participants from Gujarat can attend on campus at the GNLU campus in Gandhinagar, while outstation participants have the option to join online.

Fee Structure

  • GNLU students: ₹1,500
  • Other students: ₹2,000
  • Research scholars: ₹2,500
  • Professionals: ₹4,000

All fees are exclusive of GST.

Key Observations

“The need for legal practice with a sports lens has never been greater, as stakeholders—including athletes, sports organisations, federations, sponsors, and media houses—require guidance to navigate the balances and values that are intrinsic to sport and the intricacies of sports-related legal frameworks.”

“The course will delve into the unique characteristics of Indian sports law and commerce, with an overview of its development, unique challenges, and emerging issues with a view of equipping students with the knowledge to understand the critical aspects and tenets of sports law practice.”

Looking Ahead

As the Indian sports industry attracts ever‑larger investments and a growing fan base, the demand for specialised legal expertise is surging. This advanced training programme represents a timely initiative to bridge that gap, preparing the next generation of legal professionals to advise on everything from franchise‑player contracts to ambush marketing disputes.

Interested candidates can reach out to GCSEL at gcsl@gnlu.ac.in for further details and registration.