Six Sidley lawyers have been recognized in Variety’s 2023 “Dealmakers Impact Report,” which annually celebrates the top negotiators, including lawyers, financiers, executives, and entrepreneurs, who know how to “fight for their clients and generate growth against the odds.” Sidley’s honorees are: Luke Ashworth Stephen M. Fronk Tracy D. Smith Matthew C. Thompson Rusty G. Weiss Emily Zipperstein Variety lauded Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media group for handling several high-profile transactions. Matt, who is co-leader of the Sidley group, drew praise for creating Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artist’s Equity, for working with The Gersh Agency on a partnership deal with Crestview Partners, and for his representation of Warner Music Group in the September 2023 formation of a joint venture with Elliot Grainge’s label, 10K Projects. Rusty was commended for handling soccer league CONCACAF’s strategic partnership agreement with Universal Music Latino that had their artists creating and performing the 2023 Gold Cup Anthem “No Es Solo un Juego.” Variety also spotlighted Stephen and Emily’s representation of high-end gaming headphone maker Audeze in its acquisition by Sony Interactive Entertainment; and Luke’s work with HarbourView Equity in its efforts to acquire BET from Paramount Global. Finally, Tracy was recognized as an “Up Next” rising star by the publication, which highlighted her contributions to several of the abovementioned deals, including the firm’s work on behalf of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and The Gersh Agency.

Sidley has a long tradition of helping clients navigate the legal and business complexities of the entertainment, sports, and media industries. The group’s lawyers, strategically located in industry hubs, assist with significant M&A transactions, capital raises, complex joint ventures, financings, cutting-edge distribution deals, tax matters, high-profile litigations, restructurings, and regulatory matters.~~Six Sidley lawyers have been recognized in Variety’s 2023 “Dealmakers Impact Report,” which annually celebrates the top negotiators, including lawyers, financiers, executives, and entrepreneurs, who know how to “fight for their clients and generate growth against the odds.” Sidley’s honorees are: Luke Ashworth Stephen M. Fronk Tracy D. Smith Matthew C. Thompson Rusty G. Weiss Emily Zipperstein Variety lauded Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media group for handling several high-profile transactions. Matt, who is co-leader of the Sidley group, drew praise for creating Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artist’s Equity, for working with The Gersh Agency on a partnership deal with Crestview Partners, and for his representation of Warner Music Group in the September 2023 formation of a joint venture with Elliot Grainge’s label, 10K Projects. Rusty was commended for handling soccer league CONCACAF’s strategic partnership agreement with Universal Music Latino that had their artists creating and performing the 2023 Gold Cup Anthem “No Es Solo un Juego.” Variety also spotlighted Stephen and Emily’s representation of high-end gaming headphone maker Audeze in its acquisition by Sony Interactive Entertainment; and Luke’s work with HarbourView Equity in its efforts to acquire BET from Paramount Global. Finally, Tracy was recognized as an “Up Next” rising star by the publication, which highlighted her contributions to several of the abovementioned deals, including the firm’s work on behalf of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and The Gersh Agency.

Sidley has a long tradition of helping clients navigate the legal and business complexities of the entertainment, sports, and media industries. The group’s lawyers, strategically located in industry hubs, assist with significant M&A transactions, capital raises, complex joint ventures, financings, cutting-edge distribution deals, tax matters, high-profile litigations, restructurings, and regulatory matters.