Robert Pannullo
Associate
Recognized as a rising “New Voice” by Sports Business Journal, Robert focuses his practice on sports, antitrust, and labor law. He regularly represents athletes, agencies, Players Associations, and other high-profile sports industry clients in litigation and arbitration.
Key Matters
- NFLPA Commercial and Labor Arbitration: Robert has represented the NFLPA in commercial disputes governed by the American Arbitration Association as well as labor disputes under the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Job Creators Network v. Major League Baseball, et. al.: Robert successfully represented the MLBPA in litigation that challenged Major League Baseball’s decision to relocate the 2021 All-Star Game from Atlanta to Denver in response to Georgia’s laws imposing voting restrictions.
- Major League Baseball Player Salary Arbitrations: Robert actively represents the MLBPA on salary arbitration matters where he advises player agents in salary negotiations and presents arbitration cases on behalf of MLB players.
- Major League Baseball Player Agent Arbitrations: Robert has represented several high-profile baseball agents and agencies in arbitrations and investigations under the MLBPA’s Regulations Governing Player Agents.
- MLB-MLBPA Grievance Arbitration: Robert has represented the MLBPA in grievances under the MLB-MLBPA Basic Agreement.
- MLB Players Inc. v. DraftKings et al & MLB Players Inc. v. Underdog Sports et al: Robert represents MLB Players Inc. in litigation against numerous sports gambling companies related to the misappropriation of MLB players’ rights of publicity.
- Porter v. National Football League Players Association: Robert successfully represented the NFLPA in litigation challenging conduct arising under the Union’s Regulations Governing Contract Advisors.
- Hubbard et al. v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, et al.: Robert represents a putative class of current and former college athletes in antitrust litigation against the NCAA related to restraints on compensation for academic achievements.
- Olympic Athlete Counseling: Robert counseled a gold-medal Olympic skier in her return to competition pursuant to governing domestic and international regulations.
- Labor and Employment Counseling: Robert has counseled numerous companies in employment litigations, arbitrations, and mediations.
Robert also maintains an active pro bono practice, where he has represented a non-profit organization advocating for the rights of Minor League Baseball Players, a client seeking asylum in the United States, and a client in a New York State criminal defense action.