Guest Speaker Dick Semerdijan Discusses Legal Challenges for the Sports Industry In 2025

Last Thursday, SMBA '25 was visited by Dick Semerdjian, one of the top litigators in San Diego and founding partner at Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush LLP.  Semerdjian has spent much of his life in San Diego, receiving his bachelor’s from UCSD and attending USD for law school. He is also a sports enthusiast, made evident by his involvement with several local sports organizations, including San Diego Sports Association, San Diego Sports Commission, and San Diego Sports Alliance. 

Dick presented and shared his insights on several prominent legal challenges in the sports industry in 2025. During his interactive guest lecture, students discussed seven hot topics including NIL, use of AI in sports & generative AI techology, rights of publicity, sports betting, the future of sports media rights & entry into streaming, the institutionalization of sports investment, and the expanded CFP and conference realignment. It was an engaging discussion with many students offering their thoughts on the challenges and how the industry will move forward.

Thank you Dick Semerdjian for sharing your extensive knowledge with us and Professor Linder for arranging the class visit!