Post by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Litigation partner Arianna Scavetti recently spoke at the 2026 Tulane University Entertainment and Sports Law Conference on a panel, “Athlete Advocacy.” The discussion brought together experts who have spent their careers advocating for athletes at every level and across virtually all aspects of sport. Panelists examined the evolution of athlete advocacy over the decades, how the most significant legal issues have developed and where things stand in 2026. From athlete compensation to safety and well-being issues, player discipline, collective bargaining, work stoppages and more, this panel discussed the representation of athletes, their unions and others at the highest level. Arianna was joined by panelists Gabe Feldman – Sher Garner Professor of Sports Law, Paul and Abram B. Barron Professor of Law, Tulane Sports Law Program Director, Tulane Center for Sport Co-Director and Associate Provost for NCAA Compliance – and DeMaurice Smith – former NFL Players Association Executive Director and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.