Sports clubs often want to share their premises to generate additional income, collaborate with other organisations, or accommodate a trading subsidiary. While these arrangements can bring benefits, they also carry legal, financial and operational risks that need careful consideration.

Key challenges to consider

Practical arrangements: will the other organisation have exclusive use of part of your space, or will it be shared? How will access and usage be managed so your club’s needs are met at all times? Physical measures such as barriers or clear floor plans may be required to avoid disputes.

Financial terms: charging an appropriate rate is essential, even when the occupier is your own trading subsidiary. 

Flexibility and termination: agreements should include clear termination provisions to protect your club if payments are missed or arrangements need to change. A no-fault termination option provides additional flexibility if the relationship does not work out.

Legal status and security of tenure: whether the arrangement is a lease or a licence affects rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. Legal advice is crucial to ensure the arrangement reflects reality on the ground and avoids unintended obligations.

Clare Garbett in Russell‑Cooke’s sports law team has prepared a practical checklist to help clubs navigate the complexities of sharing their space.

How this checklist can help

This resource highlights the key issues your club needs to address before sharing its premises, highlighting potential pitfalls and the importance of professional advice.

It provides clear guidance so that you can:

• make informed decisions about sharing your space
• structure financial and operational arrangements appropriately
• protect the club’s long-term interests and compliance obligations

Download the free guide to ensure your club is fully prepared before entering any sharing arrangements.

Contact our specialists for advice on sharing your sports club premises 

Clare Garbett is a charity and not-for-profit senior associate in the sports law team. She advises sports clubs and other third sector organisations on all aspects of property law. Our sports law team helps businesses, not-for-profits and individuals to navigate the full spectrum of legal issues in sport.