Sidley is representing Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in its public-private partnership with the District of Columbia to transform Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, into a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment destination. Sidley's multidisciplinary team of lawyers has been advising MSE on the complex legal and contractual aspects of this ambitious project valued at US$800 million, with the District contributing US$515 million and the teams covering the remainder.
Sidley has been working with MSE since the inception of the project, providing strategic counsel on the feasibility, structure, and financing of the partnership, as well as assisting MSE to negotiate the terms of the agreements and the legislation that will enable the project to move forward and keep the teams in D.C. until 2050.
Sidley is proud to partner with MSE on this visionary project, which will not only elevate the fan experience, but also contribute to the economic and social development of the District and the region. Sidley brings to this project its deep experience and expertise in sports, entertainment, real estate, infrastructure, finance, environmental, as well as its commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service. On October 21st, 2024, Monumental and D.C. Mayor Bowers announced the deal's details. The authorizing legislation, including the definitive agreements, have been submitted to D.C. Council for final approval by the end of the year.
The Sidley team is being led by Entertainment, Sports and Media (ESM) partner and co-chair Irwin Raij and includes partner Evie Whiting (ESM/Global Finance), senior managing associate Michael David Williams (Real Estate), as well as associates Max Budowsky, Greg Fritzius, and Alyssa Levy and Jessica Lamour (ESM/M&A and Private Equity). Additional team members include Tax co-leader Rachel Kleinberg and senior managing associate Jonathan Westreich (Tax).
