Sports have the power to energize fans, inspire generational loyalty, bring people together, and spark positive economic impact. The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC), a nonprofit that aims to inspire a cultural movement that leaves a legacy for future generations, tapped Nixon Peabody’s cross-practice team of attorneys to help maximize the economic and community benefits associated with hosting global sporting events. Nixon Peabody’s interdisciplinary team is helping the organization on a range of issues, including implementing cybersecurity and privacy preparedness plans and developing partnerships across sports leagues and Bay Area businesses to help facilitate the BAHC’s long-term growth.
The BAHC connects communities and helps boost the regional economy through world-class sports & entertainment
The BAHC Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from the region’s professional sports teams—including the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and San Jose Earthquakes—and cross-industry executives. The BAHC, which focuses on attracting major events to the region that can foster deep cultural roots and provide significant economic impact, was recently selected to host some of the highest-profile global sporting championship events.
“The Bay Area is an incredible region that loves its sports,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the BAHC. “This is a unique opportunity to tap into what makes our region stand out and to grow the sports of soccer and American football in ways that resonate with our residents, our business community, and fans from around the world who will gather in the Bay Area for these events.”
Of the BAHC’s work with Nixon Peabody, Janmohamed added, “Selecting and partnering with the Nixon Peabody team has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my early tenure with the Host Committee. Their expertise across a wide range of issues and their willingness to lean in is second to none. We are a better, more capable, and smarter organization because of this partnership.”
Click here to read more on how the BAHC is helping to make 2026 a blockbuster year for the Bay Area.
Supporting the Bay Area’s COVID-19 recovery process
While many local businesses are still recovering from downturns sparked by COVID-19, welcoming national and global sporting events to the region in the years ahead will help introduce tens of thousands of visitors, making a significant positive economic impact on both individual local establishments and the region as a whole.
Recognizing that sports teams, large-scale entertainment events, and global brands have new ways of connecting with their fans and consumers, Nixon Peabody’s cross-practice team understands it is critical to stay in step with laws and regulations while pursuing opportunities to help the BAHC grow.
“As a sports fan, seeing first-hand how sports can energize communities and businesses, I am proud to work with the BAHC to help bring major, world-class sporting and entertainment events to our region and drive economic vitality, community-wide engagement, civic pride, and global recognition,” said Robert A. Weikert, Nixon Peabody San Francisco office managing partner. “I have been fortunate to have a long legacy of working with cross-industry coalitions focused on bringing premier sporting events to our region, including representing and serving on the board and, in other capacities, with the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee for many years in connection with its bids to host the Summer Olympic Games. I’m excited to draw from those experiences and work alongside my NP colleagues with the BAHC. It’s truly an honor and privilege to do so.”
In addition to Weikert, the core team of Nixon Peabody attorneys advising the BAHC includes Los Angeles office managing partner, Sonia Nayak, and the firm’s pro bono partner, Matthew Richards. The Nixon Peabody team looks forward to continuing its partnership with the BAHC to help energize the Bay Area, connect with fans, and invest in its communities through the power of sports.
