Foley & Lardner LLP has named Kevin Schulz and Jon Israel as co-chair and vice chair, respectively, of the firm’s Sports Industry Team. Transitioning from his prior role as vice chair, Schulz will now work alongside co-chair Mary K. Braza to guide the strategic direction of the industry team. Israel succeeds Schulz in the vice chair position.
“I’m thrilled that Kevin and Jon are taking on new leadership roles on the Sports Industry Team,” said Braza. “Kevin’s experience as vice chair and Jon’s extensive work in the sports practice have equipped them both with the knowledge and foresight to be successful. I’m looking forward to collaborating with them on growing our already deep bench of sports attorneys and servicing our industry-leading clients.”
Schulz has made significant contributions to Foley’s Sports Industry Team since joining the firm nearly 20 years ago. He has extensive experience representing organizations in the sports industry in transactional and commercial matters, including sales and acquisitions of professional sports franchises; licensing arrangements; promotional and advertising agreements; sponsorship and naming rights agreements; joint ventures; ticketing arrangements; stadium/arena service agreements; formation of regional sports networks; and television, radio and media rights agreements. Schulz’s background includes noteworthy work involving MLB teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers; NBA teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons; and NFL teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals; as well as minor-league and foreign sports teams, colleges and universities, sponsors of sports teams, media companies, and sports technology companies. A frequent speaker and media commentator on sports industry matters, Schulz was most recently named to Law360’s 2017 sports editorial advisory board.
Israel also brings substantial sports industry experience into his vice chair role, with a focus on advising professional sports leagues and teams on a wide range of labor, employment, and general corporate matters. He has extensive experience in league and team operations, including negotiating contracts with players, coaches and other team personnel; negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, including in television broadcasting and at venues and arenas; developing, administering and enforcing league and team rules and policies; auditing and investigating team and facility operations, including oversight and management of team medical personnel; and arbitrating grievances and disputes, including player disciplinary matters. Prior to joining Foley, Israel served as assistant general counsel at the NBA.
“I’m thrilled that Kevin and Jon are taking on new leadership roles on the Sports Industry Team,” said Braza. “Kevin’s experience as vice chair and Jon’s extensive work in the sports practice have equipped them both with the knowledge and foresight to be successful. I’m looking forward to collaborating with them on growing our already deep bench of sports attorneys and servicing our industry-leading clients.”
Schulz has made significant contributions to Foley’s Sports Industry Team since joining the firm nearly 20 years ago. He has extensive experience representing organizations in the sports industry in transactional and commercial matters, including sales and acquisitions of professional sports franchises; licensing arrangements; promotional and advertising agreements; sponsorship and naming rights agreements; joint ventures; ticketing arrangements; stadium/arena service agreements; formation of regional sports networks; and television, radio and media rights agreements. Schulz’s background includes noteworthy work involving MLB teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers; NBA teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons; and NFL teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals; as well as minor-league and foreign sports teams, colleges and universities, sponsors of sports teams, media companies, and sports technology companies. A frequent speaker and media commentator on sports industry matters, Schulz was most recently named to Law360’s 2017 sports editorial advisory board.
Israel also brings substantial sports industry experience into his vice chair role, with a focus on advising professional sports leagues and teams on a wide range of labor, employment, and general corporate matters. He has extensive experience in league and team operations, including negotiating contracts with players, coaches and other team personnel; negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, including in television broadcasting and at venues and arenas; developing, administering and enforcing league and team rules and policies; auditing and investigating team and facility operations, including oversight and management of team medical personnel; and arbitrating grievances and disputes, including player disciplinary matters. Prior to joining Foley, Israel served as assistant general counsel at the NBA.
People
Related News
April 9, 2026
Press Releases
Foley Expands Energy & Infrastructure Capabilities with Two Partner Additions in Houston
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Deanna Reitman and Glenn Reitman have joined the firm’s Houston office as partners in its Transactions and Finance Practices, respectively. Joining from Faegre Drinker, their arrival further strengthens Foley’s Energy & Infrastructure Sector and supports its continued investment in Houston as a core strategic market for the firm.
March 25, 2026
Press Releases
Foley Expands Downtown Jacksonville Footprint with Move to One Tower Court
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that it will be relocating its Jacksonville, Florida office to One Tower Court, downtown Jacksonville’s newest Class-A office building and the new home of the business headquarters for The National Football League’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
February 19, 2026
Press Releases
Foley Continues Strategic Expansion in California with Addition of Four Partners, Enhancing Corporate and Intellectual Property Capabilities
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today the expansion of its California platform with the addition of four partners to its San Diego, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley offices. Matt Browne, Darby Chan, Sanjeet “Sanj” Dutta, and Peter Stockburger join the firm’s Corporate and Intellectual Property Departments, bringing extensive experience advising clients across a wide range of industries and legal disciplines. Their arrival enhances Foley’s capabilities in its Innovative Technology and Health Care & Life Sciences Sectors, key areas of sustained client demand and a central pillar of the firm’s long‑term growth strategy.