Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of distinguished Fall 2024 alumni.
Oluwadu Rotimi “Rotimi” Ogunjobi knew from childhood that his future would be in politics. Growing up in Nigeria, he was interested in how the law affected people’s lives. However, as I grew older, I realized that I wanted to be more involved in my other passion, sports. That led him to the Sports Law and Business Master’s program at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law.
Ogunjobi came to ASU Law as an international student. For him, it was a leap with many challenges, but he was motivated to face them all.
“You can only get better if you enjoy what you do,” a mentor once told him. This advice stayed with him throughout the program. He saw this legislation as a way to amplify his love of sports and help shape the industry he admired.
While working at ASU Law, Ogunjobi interned with the Arizona Soccer Association, where he was able to gain hands-on experience. He said he loves getting out into the field and seeing firsthand how everything he learns in the classroom is applied in the real world.
Before coming to ASU Law, Ogunjobi practiced law in Nigeria, where he specialized in litigation and drafted commercial contracts. He said his time in Nigeria taught him the intricacies of the law and developed his ability to navigate complex legal situations.
Now, as graduation approaches, Ogunjobi is proud of the fact that he recognizes that his daily efforts were the key to his success.
“It feels good to graduate,” Ogunjobi said. “But what really matters is the effort I’ve put in to get to this point.”
Ogunjobi plans to remain in Arizona and continue working in the football industry. He hopes to play an active role in the World Cup to be held in the United States in 2026. His long-term goal is to start his own sports company.
In the Q&A below, Mr. Ogunjobi shares more about his experience with ASU Law and his hopes for the future.
Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.
Question: What is an interesting moment, story, or accomplishment in your ASU LAW career?
A: A personal highlight of my time in the program was working as a volunteer coordinator at the COPA America Games in Phoenix. This event was special because I grew up watching 3am Copa America games in Nigeria. Another unique feature was the diversity of nationalities participating in the tournament. I met people from different parts of South and North America who spoke other languages but shared the same passion for soccer.
Q: What was the moment you realized you wanted to study your field?
A: The fact that sports law is a law that applies to sports. I often get asked what’s going on in the world of sports lawyers, and I just relate it to general law practice. As the world of sports continues to grow by leaps and bounds, adhering to rules and regulations has become increasingly important. In professional sports, media, athletes, owners, legal advisors, front office staff, and fans are all stakeholders. Therefore, all stakeholders need to understand the rules of engagement in the event of a dispute, whether it relates to player contracts, sponsorships, the purchase or sale of a franchise, etc. Sports lawyers join teams because they have a wealth of knowledge.
Q: What did you learn at ASU LAW or in the classroom that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: A member of the SLB program’s advisory board told me about his beliefs. It meant “begin with the end in mind.” At first I thought this was rhetorical, but over time it became a helpful mantra whenever I had a formal conversation. I started asking more direct questions because I wanted to get specific answers.
Q: Why did you choose ASU Law?
A: The SLB program had a very detailed curriculum. It was broad and spanned a variety of subjects related to sports law and business. Every semester there were courses that helped me develop my professional abilities. The program was unique in that it combined elements of law and business under the umbrella of sport. It was perfect for me.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson at ASU Law?
A: Professor Jarvis is an open-minded professional. It’s interesting that everyone she met outside of the program had positive things to say about her work ethic and personality. I learned how important it is to do all tasks efficiently. She has a great job combining her life as an academic and a business consultant.
Q: What is the best advice you would give to those still in school?
A: A sense of direction is important. It’s about knowing what field you’re interested in and where you can be most fulfilled in your personal life. This can encourage growth and development in that particular area while reducing stress.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on earth, what would you work on?
A: I will build multi-million dollar sports academies on different continents. This will help tackle illiteracy at the grassroots level and develop future talent in the world of sports.
