DU Negotiation Team Finishes in Semifinals at High-Profile Football Competition

Adjunct Professor Emily Staker (l) with members of the Sturm College of Law team at the Tulane Professional Football Negotiation Competition.

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law negotiation team delivered a standout performance at Tulane University Law School's Professional Football Negotiation Competition held January 31-February 1, 2026.

In a field of 56 teams from law schools across the country, the Denver Law team of Landon Phalen (1L), Mason Cashman (2L), and Francoise Farrell (3L) advanced to the playoffs with the number two overall seed and made it to the semifinals as a top three team. "I am very proud of them and extremely excited for their progress next year, as we will have four returning to the team," said Adjunct Professor Emily Staker. 

Held annually each spring by the Tulane Sports Law Society, the competition is a simulated contract negotiation that uses real-life scenarios about upcoming National Football League (NFL) free agents. Participants are given confidential objectives and represent both the football organization and the free agent over the course of the competition, using a specialized Excel tool to run numbers and determine whether proposals meet those objectives. Judges for the competition are football industry professionals, and in past years have included executives from NFL teams and other industry experts.

Congratulations to this year's DU team, and good luck to the four competitors slated to return next year!