Q&A: Stephen Townley at California International Arbitration Week

In this Daily Journal livestream interview from California International Arbitration Week, JAMS neutral Stephen Townley, FCIArb reflects on a career shaped by international sports, commercial rights, intellectual property and dispute resolution. Drawing on decades of experience in London and abroad, he discusses how his work evolved from legal practice and arbitration counsel to a broader advisory role focused on helping organizations navigate complex disputes and commercial challenges across the global sports industry. 

Townley also highlights the growing impact of geopolitical risk and climate-related disruption on international sports and the disputes that may follow. From event scheduling and athlete safety to insurance, risk allocation and the future viability of major venues, he offers a wide-ranging perspective on how global change is reshaping the business of sport and creating new opportunities for arbitration and other ADR processes.

Watch the full interview for his insights on sports disputes, evolving global risk and the future of international dispute resolution.