CJ (Sechaba) Ntsiu

CJ Ntsiu is a sports and entertainment lawyer, currently acting as Legal Counsel at Electronic Arts (EA). This role involves working with stakeholders across a variety of departments, such as esports, events and marketing, with a focus on advising on agreements. Prior to joining EA, CJ trained at Shoosmiths, which saw him spend time at Mercedes-Benz on secondment. CJ then went on to work as in-house counsel at a variety of organisations, including Southampton FC.[1]

1. When did you first come across ‘sports law’?

The easiest way to answer this question would be to say that my first introduction to what is colloquially known as sports law came in my third year of university when I took on a sports law module as a part of my degree. In reality, I am predominately a commercial contract lawyer, so my first introduction into what I do on a day-to-day basis came in my first year of university when I took on a contract law module.

2. When did you first gain legal experience in the sports sector?

My first real experience in dealing with sports properties was during my training contract when I was fortunate enough to spend six months sat with the commercial team at Mercedes-Benz in the UK. During this short stint with the team, I was lucky enough to work on some endorsement contracts with some well-known people within the sports and entertainment field.

3. How did you find the transition from private practice to working in-house, especially so soon in your legal career? 

My secondment definitely made the transition seem seamless. I'm fortunate enough that most of my time in law at this stage of my career has been spent in-house. In that sense, it's most of all that I know. However, I still remember much of what it was like being a solicitor within a law firm, even though that experience only extended to my time as a trainee.

4. Please can you tell us more about your role at EA?

My role predominately focuses on helping the FC esports team in everything that they do. While no day is every the same as the day before, much of what I do involves helping that team in the development, organisation, and management of FC esports events. Beyond that, a small part of my time is spent on assisting other parts of the FC business in licensing matters - i.e. in helping the game feel more authentic through the inclusion of club/league/player IP, etc.

5. What are the rewards and challenges of working in the e-sports/gaming industry? 

In terms of rewarding, one of the main things I really enjoy about my job is working on high-profile matters. In other words, whether it be assisting the esports team in putting together an amazing event, or playing a part in a licensing deal, it's great to know that the matters that I'm working on will be seen by a lot of people (including gamers, press, etc.). The main challenge I've found is ensuring that I can bring value to what is already greatly thought out and planned projects.

6. What is your proudest professional achievement so far? 

Nothing will ever beat inviting my mother to my undergrad graduation and my masters graduation, and my partner to my qualification ceremony.

7. Are there any legal trends or news stories in the sports industry that you have found particularly interesting?

One thing I've found interesting recently, having worked in-house at a football club, was the decision by Premier League clubs to prohibit themselves entering into front of playing shirt sponsorship agreements with gambling sponsors from season 2026/27. It will be interesting to see how the ban impacts clubs financially.

8. What advice would you give to aspiring sports lawyers?

The one piece of advice that I try to give anyone who asks about entering the sports and entertainment field is to try and plan as far ahead as possible. There are a finite amount of positions within the industry. Those that take steps to shape their careers have a greater chance of success than those that hope things land in their favour.

9. Please can you describe a typical day in your life?

One of the great things about my job is that there is no such thing as a typical day. I'd say my days are mostly spent working on contractual documents, discussing/reviewing event details, discussing/reviewing licensing details, and attending meetings.

[1] https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-sechaba-ntsiu-1092a9125/