London – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Stephen Townley, FCIArb, has been appointed as chair of the Global Sustainable Sport Advisory Board.
Global Sustainable Sport aims to bring the global voice of the sports industry together to drive sustainability in sports and provide a better future for the industry and the planet. It has worked with academics and practitioners to develop a standard methodology to evaluate the sustainable activations of a wide range of sports stakeholders. Additionally, the organization provides a range of products and services to help sports stakeholders develop their sustainability programs, evaluate their sustainable activities and communicate their outcomes to help engage athletes and fans.
“Mr. Townley is internationally regarded as a trailblazer in sports law, and his appointment as chair of the Global Sustainable Sport Advisory Board demonstrates the value that an ADR professional can bring to areas beyond the legal practice, extending to sustainability, ethics and innovation. We believe he will bring valuable insights on policy, dispute prevention and responsible governance that align with and support Global Sustainable Sport’s mission.”
Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president
Mr. Townley has a diverse litigation and transactional background, including the founding of Townleys, the first and largest international sports law and media boutique outside of the United States, which he founded in 1983. It merged in 2001 with the global 100 law firm Hammonds (now Squire Patton Boggs), where Mr. Townley served as head of international.
Mr. Townley is recognized as a leader in sports and media rights. He worked on the legal structures and agreements for the first commercial programs for FIFA, UEFA, the IAAF and the IOC. He was involved in the creation of the Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup, World Games and European Rugby Champions Cup. Additionally, he has been a founder, board member and investor, operating at a senior level in commercial organizations, governments and sports federations. Mr. Townley’s work in sport resulted in him being shortlisted by Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025 for a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In his role with JAMS, Mr. Townley is known for his unique experience that brings together global sports law, commercial strategy and ADR. His focus at JAMS on proactive dispute avoidance and reputational risk management through mediation and arbitration directly aligns with the mission of Global Sustainable Sport.
More information about Global Sustainable Sport can be found here.
About JAMS – Local Solutions. Global Reach.
Founded in 1979, JAMS is the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services worldwide. With a roster of nearly 500 neutrals and 29 locations, JAMS successfully resolves and manages tens of thousands of business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways to overcome barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized in-person, virtual and hybrid resolution services locally and globally through a combination of industry-specific experience, first-class client service, the latest technology and highly trained mediators and arbitrators.
Building on this foundation, JAMS Pathways focuses on early conflict resolution, facilitation and training. Learn more about JAMS Pathways at jamspathways.com.
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