Pinsent Masons advises Manchester Storm on return to AO Arena

Led by Scott Oxley, the Pinsent Masons team is advising the owners and leadership of the Storm on all aspects of the arena move and will continue the relationship as sole legal providers to the team's owners, Emma and Ryan Finnerty. 

Ice hockey is a fast-growing sport across the UK, attracting 1.25 million spectators last season, and the move to a larger-capacity arena follows the Storm's success in reaching the playoffs during the 2025/26 season. 

Pinsent Masons' Head of Manchester, Neil Black, commented: 

"Manchester is a true sporting city, so it's a privilege to advise the owners of Manchester Storm on their move home to the AO Arena. 

"Having invested in our own premises in Manchester last year, we are firmly committed to supporting businesses across the city in unlocking the next chapter of their growth. As ice hockey continues to grow in popularity, we look forward to advising the Storm and its Community Interest arm, Storm in the Community, on the momentum that this new chapter will no doubt bring." 

Commenting on Pinsent Masons' advice, Managing Director of Manchester Storm, Emma Finnerty, said: 

"With the season getting underway, we're delighted to be facing off in what will become our new home. The Pinsent Masons team has provided invaluable advice as we relocate, ensuring we're well placed to start the season at the newly refurbished AO Arena. We look forward to having them as our sole legal providers in what's set to be an exciting year for the Storm and ice hockey in the UK more broadly."