Key Takeaways
- • Clifford Chance added Charles Baker as a partner in its U.S. private equity practice, the firm announced on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
- • Baker joins from Sidley Austin, where he advised on sports-related transactions.
- • Baker's practice covers team owners, investors, private equity sponsors, leagues, and sports-focused investment platforms across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NWSL, WNBA, Liga MX, Formula 1, and several European football leagues.
- • His work spans franchise acquisitions, league expansion, major ownership investments, media, gaming, and strategic transactions across the sports ecosystem.
Summary
Clifford Chance has hired Charles Baker as a partner in its private equity practice in the United States, the firm announced Tuesday, according to a Bloomberg Law report. Baker joins the firm from Sidley Austin.
According to the firm, Baker advises team owners, investors, private equity sponsors, leagues, and sports-focused investment platforms. His client base spans a broad set of professional sports properties, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NWSL, WNBA, Liga MX, Formula 1, and multiple European football leagues.
The firm said Baker's practice covers franchise acquisitions, league expansion, major ownership investments, media, gaming, and strategic transactions throughout the sports ecosystem. The hire reflects continued demand from private capital for sports assets, an area where legal advisers with league and ownership experience are in demand.
The primary source did not disclose deal values or further details on the move.
According to the firm, Baker advises team owners, investors, private equity sponsors, leagues, and sports-focused investment platforms. His client base spans a broad set of professional sports properties, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NWSL, WNBA, Liga MX, Formula 1, and multiple European football leagues.
The firm said Baker's practice covers franchise acquisitions, league expansion, major ownership investments, media, gaming, and strategic transactions throughout the sports ecosystem. The hire reflects continued demand from private capital for sports assets, an area where legal advisers with league and ownership experience are in demand.
The primary source did not disclose deal values or further details on the move.
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