Matthew (Matt) C. Thompson, co-leader of Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media group firmwide, has been recognized in Variety’s 2024 “Dealmakers Impact Report,” which annually celebrates the top negotiators in the entertainment industry, including lawyers, financiers, executives, and entrepreneurs. Variety lauded Matt for handling the launch of Dwayne Johnson’s Papatui line of personal care products; the merger of the XFL with the USFL to create the United Football League in partnership with ESPN and Fox; and a deal for Dwayne Johnson to join the board of WWE parent company TKO Group Holdings, re-enter the ring, and take full ownership of the name “The Rock.” Based in Sidley’s Century City office, Matt represents entertainment companies and sources of capital in complex M&A and financing transactions, as well as general corporate matters. He also represents entertainment companies and other similar parties in a wide variety of industry-focused commercial transactions.~~Matthew (Matt) C. Thompson, co-leader of Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media group firmwide, has been recognized in Variety’s 2024 “Dealmakers Impact Report,” which annually celebrates the top negotiators in the entertainment industry, including lawyers, financiers, executives, and entrepreneurs. Variety lauded Matt for handling the launch of Dwayne Johnson’s Papatui line of personal care products; the merger of the XFL with the USFL to create the United Football League in partnership with ESPN and Fox; and a deal for Dwayne Johnson to join the board of WWE parent company TKO Group Holdings, re-enter the ring, and take full ownership of the name “The Rock.” Based in Sidley’s Century City office, Matt represents entertainment companies and sources of capital in complex M&A and financing transactions, as well as general corporate matters. He also represents entertainment companies and other similar parties in a wide variety of industry-focused commercial transactions.