Biography

Tracey Lesetar-Smith is a distinguished sports and entertainment law expert and executive with nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and sports industries. After graduating from Duke University, she began her career in politics, working for civil rights icon Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, followed by working as a lobbyist in Washington, DC for a notable academic nonprofit. After graduating from The George Washington University School of Law, she began her legal career as a litigation associate at the prestigious global firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLC, where she began building a groundbreaking industry practice focusing on the then-nascent Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) industry.

Having built a niche practice from her deep sports expertise, Tracey soon joined Viacom-owned combat sports league Bellator MMA as General Counsel and chief legal officer. As one of the most respected female executives in MMA, she helped build Bellator to be one of the fiercest and longest-standing competitors in combat sports, expanding company operations into 9 countries, exponentially growing Bellator’s global media rights revenue business, spearheading legalization of MMA in France and New York, and ushering in the first legitimate free agency market for MMA athletes in decades. Tracey was the first woman to serve in this senior role for a global MMA promoter in the history of the sport.

After nearly a decade in combat sports, Tracey became Senior Vice President and General Counsel of motorsports behemoth NASCAR, overseeing the league through its historic $4 billion merger, culminating in the addition of twelve massive racetracks to a league portfolio of 8 racing series across 3 continents. She oversaw the reorganization of 50+ corporate subsidiaries and was a pivotal decision-maker and crisis manager throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During her time in NASCAR’s core senior management, the league made groundbreaking gains in diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as transforming its business to usher in a new era of efficiencies and growth investment. Her expertise played a critical part in NASCAR’s being the first major pro sport returning to action during the global pandemic. Leading Government and Community Affairs for NASCAR, she was also responsible for shepherding all crucial relationships with public officials and community organizations everywhere NASCAR holds races, as well as serving as Chairwoman of NASCAR’s corporate PAC.

Tracey’s current advisory practice spans a wide range, from legal advice to comprehensive operations, strategy, and fundraising advice for startup leagues, clubs, and teams. She later took on executive roles in sports organizations, further honing her skills in managing legal affairs, governance, and strategic partnerships. Tracey currently Chairs the Board of Directors for nonprofit global volunteerism organization United Planet, as well as sitting on the Boards of Directors and Advisors for seven other nonprofit organizations, including the California Lawyers Foundation, AYSO Soccer, and Guardian Jiu-Jitsu.

At the William S. Richardson School of Law, Tracey brings a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, teaching students about the legal complexities of the sports and media industries. In addition to her teaching, Tracey is an active thought leader and speaker, contributing to discussions on diverse leadership, sports governance, athlete representation, and emerging legal issues. She has been recognized for her achievements in the field and remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals in law.