What Does a Professional Sports Attorney Do?

In the early part of 2019, the global sports industry reached $1.1 billion. It’s not out of the ordinary to see young talented athletes negotiating major contracts in their late teens or early twenties. At that age, it is difficult to consider your long-term needs, and know whether or not you are being treated fairly.

An experienced contract attorney can help in the negotiation process or major sports contracts, endorsement contracts, licensing or merchandising agreements, and any other sports financial agreements. Also, there are legal issues that often arise during the transition from being a full-time athlete and determining what your life after sports will be.

Sports Law FAQs

What is Sports Law?

Sports law deals with any and all laws, regulations, or judicial decisions that govern professional sports and athletes. Common matters dealt with are contracts, torts, agencies, antitrust, labor, trademarks, sex discrimination, criminal, and taxes. If you are a professional athlete, consider hiring a sports attorney to guide you over the legal hurdles you will most certainly encounter.

How Do NFL Player Contracts Work?

Though contracts vary, most NFL contracts consist of four main components. A signing bonus, guaranteed money, incentive clauses, and the salary amount. Higher round picks receive bigger signing bonuses. Undrafted players are able to negotiate UFA contracts and receive a signing bonus based on the team’s UFA cap and the level of talent/worth the player has to the team.

What is An Endorsement Contract?

An endorsement contract is an agreement between a pro-athlete and a sponsor where the athlete grants the sponsor the right to use their name, image, or likeness in advertising the sponsor’s organization, business, products, or services. Most professional sports leagues have rules when it comes to endorsement.

Why Do I Need a Sports Lawyer?

A sports attorney can help you navigate the complexities pro-athlete faces during their career. Such as player contracts, endorsement, licensing, and merchandising agreements, etc. Due to the fact that most pro-athletes become very wealthy, false accusations are often filed against them. If you are a professional athlete, consider hiring a sports attorney to guide you over the legal hurdles you will most certainly encounter.

How a Contract Attorney Can Help

A contract lawyer near you will have the experience and knowledge to guide you through complex business and contract related processes and decisions. He or she can ensure the contracts you enter into are fair to you and protect your long-term needs.