The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Law at Rice University provides students with a strong academic foundation in the legal, regulatory, and ethical dimensions of the sports industry. This interdisciplinary program explores how law interacts with professional and amateur athletics, addressing issues such as contracts, governance, labor relations, intellectual property, and athlete rights. Through a curriculum grounded in sports management, political science, and legal studies, students examine how legal systems shape the structure, fairness, and business operations of national and international sport.
Spanning four years of full-time, on-campus study, the program is designed for students who wish to combine a passion for athletics with a deep understanding of legal principles. Courses blend theory with real-world case studies, providing insight into litigation, compliance, arbitration, and negotiation processes in the sports world. Students are encouraged to engage in internships, participate in mock trials or moot courts, and collaborate on research exploring the evolving legal landscape in sports. The degree also allows for complementary studies in business, ethics, or media, offering a flexible and forward-looking approach for future legal or administrative professionals.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Sport Law
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 04 January 2026
- Location: Rice University, United States
- Field of Study: Sports Management
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Sports and Law
- Introduction to Sport Management
- U.S. Legal System and Legal Reasoning
- History and Sociology of Sport
- Writing in the Social Sciences
Year 2 – Core Legal Concepts in Athletics
- Sports Law and Policy
- Contract Law in the Sports Industry
- Ethics in Sport and Recreation
- Elective: Media Law or Athlete Branding
Year 3 – Governance, Labor, and Risk
- Legal Issues in Collegiate and Amateur Sports
- Collective Bargaining and Labor Law in Sport
- Risk Management and Liability
- Elective: International Sports Governance or Discrimination in Sport
Year 4 – Practice and Professional Development
- Capstone in Sport Law and Ethics
- Internship with Legal or Athletic Organization
- Sports Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
- Elective: Sports Marketing Law or NIL Regulations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Sport Law program at Rice University enter the workforce with a highly specialized blend of legal knowledge and sports industry insight, opening doors to a variety of professional fields. Many pursue careers as sports agents, compliance officers, legal consultants, or contract managers, working with professional teams, collegiate athletics departments, player unions, or legal firms that specialize in sports law. Others find opportunities in sports governance bodies, licensing agencies, or event management, where understanding labor laws, sponsorship rules, and intellectual property is crucial. The program also serves as an ideal pre-law pathway for students aiming to attend law school, particularly with an interest in entertainment, labor, or antitrust law. With the sports sector facing increasing legal complexity—from athlete rights to global expansion and digital media—Rice graduates are uniquely equipped to offer legal clarity and strategic solutions in a field where regulation and performance intersect. Their ability to navigate legal systems while understanding the dynamics of competitive sport makes them valuable contributors to law firms, sports organizations, and regulatory bodies alike.
Why Choose This Program
The Sport Law program at Rice University offers a distinctive and future-focused education that combines legal scholarship with a deep understanding of the business and ethics of sport. Students gain access to faculty who are experts in both law and sport governance, and benefit from Rice’s strong connections to legal professionals, athletic departments, and sports enterprises in Houston and beyond. Through case-based learning, real-world legal scenarios, and collaborative research, students build a robust skill set in negotiation, legal analysis, and organizational strategy. The program’s interdisciplinary flexibility allows students to customize their path—combining sport law with interests in economics, communications, or public policy. Whether your goal is to represent professional athletes, shape regulatory frameworks, or advocate for athlete welfare and fairness, this program provides the academic and experiential tools to lead with integrity and legal expertise in the competitive world of sports.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 713-348-7423
Email: admission@rice.edu
Address: Office of Admission – MS 17, 109 Lovett Hall, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States
