K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup (December 2, 2025)

Sports:

• Swimmers suing World Aquatics over alleged antitrust violations say the objection to an additional $1.16 million in attorney fees is “absurd,” arguing the international governing body knows payment would come from a fund separate from the already negotiated attorney fees. Swimmers Defend $1.16M Fee In Antitrust Fight With Aquatics – Law360
• In  seven weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases involving challenges to the constitutionality of laws in Idaho and West Virginia that prohibit transgender women and girls from participating on women’s and girls’ sports teams. A decision in these cases could have far-reaching implications nationwide. Supreme Court ruling next year could reshape transgender rights beyond sports – Just the News
• A Delaware bankruptcy judge Tuesday gave sporting gear and golf course design company Nicklaus Cos. permission to tap $10 million in Chapter 11 financing, even though counsel for founder and pro golf legend Jack Nicklaus said he was disputing the bulk of the company’s debts. Nicklaus Golf Co. Gets OK For $10M Ch. 11 Loan – Law360

NCAA

• Former LSU coach Brian Kelly received a letter from LSU on Wednesday confirming that he was fired without cause and is owed “liquidated damages as required” under his contract of about $54 million. LSU confirms Kelly was fired ‘without cause’ and is owed his full $54 million buyout – ABC
• As one college athlete’s case against NCAA eligibility rules is punted to a lower court, two rival quarterbacks are teaming up to sack the NCAA’s rules altogether. NCAA athlete’s ‘JUCO Rule’ battle hits setback in appeals court – Courthouse News Service
• A law firm has filed a suit against Shilo Sanders, claiming he has not paid more than $164,000 in owed bills. Shilo Sanders sued by law firm for not paying over $164,000 in owed payments – Fox News

Entertainment:

MUSIC

• Warner Music Group and AI music startup Suno entered a new music creation partnership that also resolves WMG’s copyright lawsuit against the AI-powered platform, the companies announced Tuesday, nearly a week after WMG also announced a settlement and collaboration with another AI music generator. Warner Music Group Settles Lawsuit With AI Music Platform Suno
• A CA federal judge has tossed for good negligence and fraud claims from a lawsuit by hundreds of Taylor Swift fans who allege Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and Ticketmaster LLC’s anticompetitive conduct caused the Eras tour ticket sale “disaster,” but kept alive breach of contract and antitrust claims. Taylor Swift ticket buyers can press ahead with Live Nation lawsuit | Reuters
• The estate of Johnny Cash has sued Coca-Cola in TN federal court, accusing the soda giant of using a soundalike singer to pirate the legendary musician’s “distinctive bass-baritone” voice in a television commercial without consent, in violation of the federal Lanham Act and a new TN publicity rights law. Estate of Johnny Cash suing Coca-Cola for using tribute act in advert | Johnny Cash | The Guardian

LAWSUITS OF THE RICH & FAMOUS

• Kevin Spacey failed to force a man suing him for alleged sexual assault to restart his claim due to the non-disclosure of a psychiatric report after a London judicial panel ruled that although there was “no good reason” for it, the proceedings should not be derailed. Kevin Spacey set to face civil sex assault claims in court in 2026