Sports lawyers in the Bristol office of Clarke Willmott have advised long-standing client, global sports, music and entertainment agency Wasserman, on its acquisition of the UK’s leading women’s football agency.
Volante Sports’s client roster includes England and Arsenal star Alessia Russo, fellow Arsenal player Emily Fox, Chelsea’s Jorja Fox and Manchester United’s Leah Galton. 
Wasserman represents some of the biggest names in professional sport, including Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, ex-England and Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy and Uruguay and Real Madrid star Federico Valverde
It also handles a number of the US women’s international national soccer team stars, including captain Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan – and two past Players of the Year, Naomi Girma and Sophia Smith.
As part of the acquisition, Volante director Luca Russo – brother of Alessia – will join Wasserman as vice-president, women’s football, Europe.
Clarke Willmott corporate partner Robert Ridd led on the deal alongside sport employment partner Tim Copplestone. They were supported by a full squad of specialist lawyers.
Robert, pictured, said: “We have worked closely with the Wasserman team for over a decade and congratulate them on another exciting acquisition for their global business. We wish Wasserman, Luca and the team every success in the future.”
Wasserman executive vice president Richard Motzkin, who is also its managing executive of global soccer, added: “I have no doubt that the addition of Luca, his team and their clients will help further grow our women’s football practice globally and continue to provide precedent-setting deals and opportunities for our TeamWass clients.”
Luca Russo said Wasserman had long been a leader in global football – especially with regard to elevating women’s players – and so it was a privilege to be part of what he considered to be the premier representation practice in the industry.
“The entire Wasserman football division have set the standard, and through our steadfast work for our clients, I hope to continue to be at the forefront of pushing boundaries as women’s football continues to grow and evolve worldwide,” he added.
Clarke Willmott also has offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton, has a long-established and respected sports law team.
Three years ago Robert Ridd and Tim Copplestone advised Wasserman on its acquisition of renowned German boxing promoters Team Sauerland.
