Allison Rich is a collegiate athletics executive and sports lawyer with three decades of managing, negotiating, and resolving commercial, labor, licensing, space, and construction-related matters. Significant experience in contracts, facilities use, employment, institutional governance and compliance, equity, and student-athlete support, along with significant national committee experience and issues of engagement.
Tell us about your background in sports-related disputes.
Rich: I have extensive experience navigating and mediating commercial and institutional disputes in a collegiate athletics setting, including: salary and contract disputes; scholarship, transfer, and NIL conflicts; eligibility issues; disciplinary actions; gender equity and Title IX compliance; resource allocation; medical clearance; student-athlete welfare support; recurring facility-scheduling disputes between multiple competing user groups; multi-party disputes between commercial marketing partners and athletics venues over sponsorship placement and category restrictions; and disputes between commercial partners and third-party stakeholders over sponsorship-related cultural and brand sensitivities. Often served as a final decision-maker where a negotiated resolution could not be reached.
What kinds of matters do you most often see as an arbitrator or mediator in the sports industry?
Rich: As a member and chair of the NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee (September 2017–August 2026), with service as Committee Chair, September 2024–August 2026, and Vice Chair, January 2021–August 2024, I participated in 21 cases, hearing appeals of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions' decisions. These matters required careful application of complex rules and standards to the facts of each case, including consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors, review of penalties, and collaboration with fellow committee members to reach well-reasoned, defensible decisions. I also helped guide the ongoing development of the committee’s internal operating procedures and case management practices.
What drew you to ADR work in this space, and what do you find most rewarding about serving on the AAA’s Sports Conflicts Panel?
Rich: I enjoy analyzing complex issues and helping parties find practical, constructive solutions. ADR allows me to apply my experience in a thoughtful, efficient, and creative way. Serving on the AAA’s Sports Conflicts Panel is especially rewarding because I can help resolve disputes in a timely and productive manner while supporting positive outcomes for the parties involved.