Wstecz
Prawo sportowe 18.07.2024

[Sports law] How to negotiate the terms of a player contract in football, basketball or volleyball?

Negotiating a player's contract is a complicated process that requires knowledge of sports law and the specificity of a given discipline. Athletes, especially footballers, basketball players and volleyball players, before signing a contract with a club, should carefully analyze all the terms of the player's contract, both in formal terms related to legal issues and financial conditions. A sports law firm specializing in sports law may prove to be invaluable support in this process, especially if the athlete is not represented by a sports agent in the process of negotiating a sports contract with a sports club.

What are the key elements of a player contract - sports contract?

Each sports contract - a player's contract, i.e. an agreement concluded between a sports club and an athlete on the basis of which the athlete provides sports services, i.e. simply practices sports in a given discipline, should contain several basic elements, such as:

contract validity period – precise determination of the contract start and end date,
remuneration – basic salary and additional bonuses for sports achievements,
rights and obligations of the parties - detailed definition of the obligations of the player and the club,
terms of termination of the contract - the principles under which the contract can be terminated before its expiry,
image rights – rules for using the player's image by the club and sponsors.


When concluding a professional contract, it is also worth paying attention to the legal form of the professional contract as well as tax issues and possible threats related to tax optimization, which affect the differences between the gross and net remuneration amounts. In many cases, these issues are individual and require special consideration by a lawyer specializing in sports law.

Player's salary and bonuses

Salary negotiations are one of the key aspects of a player's contract. In addition to the basic salary, it is worth paying attention to bonuses for sports results, which can significantly increase a player's income. Bonuses may be related to the number of goals scored, assists, appearances in matches or the achievement of specific goals by the team. A lawyer specializing in sports law will help you negotiate favorable financial terms.

Player's image rights

Image rights, the so- called image rights are another important element of the contract. The player's image is often used for marketing purposes by the club and sponsors. When negotiating a contract, it is worth ensuring that the terms of using the image are clearly defined and favorable to the player. A lawyer from a sports law firm can help protect image rights and ensure fair terms of cooperation. Image rights may also be the subject of a separate agreement concluded between the sports club and the player.

Player transfers

Transfers of players, both footballers, basketball players and volleyball players, i.e. changing club affiliation, is often a complex process that requires the involvement of lawyers specializing in sports law. The transfer of a footballer or volleyball player involves negotiating not only the terms of the individual contract, but also the terms of the transfer between clubs. A sports law firm can support the player at every stage of the transfer, taking care of his interests. This applies especially to international transfers when the player changes legal jurisdiction, including tax jurisdiction. The situation is, of course, simpler in the case of domestic transfers, e.g. within one league, because then the legal environment based on which contracts and other agreements concluded by the player does not change.

Specificity of individual sports disciplines

Negotiations of a football contract, basketball contract or volleyball contract vary depending on the specificity of each discipline and the sports law regulations applicable within a given discipline. For example, in football, legal relations between clubs and players are regulated by regulations of national football associations - e.g. resolutions of the Management Board of the Polish Football Association, or in the case of international agreements, FIFA regulations - e.g. RSTP - FIFA Regulation on Statutes and Transfers Players . In addition, the adopted practices of concluding transfer agreements and player contracts are important. For example, in the case of football, buy-out clauses are often an important element, which allow the player to leave the club for a certain amount. In basketball and volleyball, provisions regarding participation in international competitions or conditions regarding injuries may be important.

Help from a lawyer specializing in sports law

Negotiating the terms of a player's contract is a process that requires not only legal knowledge, but also experience in the sports industry. A lawyer specializing in sports law can help with:

  • analysis and negotiation of the financial terms of the contract,
  • protection of rights to the player's image,
  • preparation and negotiation of transfer terms,
  • establishing conditions regarding injury and insurance,
  • ensuring compliance of the contract with applicable sports law provisions.

 

Negotiating the terms of a player's contract is a key moment in every athlete's career. It is worth using the services of a sports law firm to ensure professional support and protection of your interests. The sports law firm in Gdynia offers comprehensive legal assistance, which includes analysis and negotiation of contracts, protection of image rights and support in player transfers.

Remember that a well-negotiated contract can have a huge impact on the development of your professional career and financial stability. Contact our sports law firm to learn more about how we can help you negotiate your player contract.

Sports & business lawyer - sports law attorney in Poland

If you have questions about negotiating a player contract or need legal assistance in the field of sports law, please contact our law firm. Our lawyers and legal advisors specializing in sports law are at your disposal.

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Wstecz
Prawo sportowe 09.05.2024
[Sports law] A few words explaining what sports law is and who a sports lawyer is and what he really does.

In this post, we present answers to a few questions related to sports law, also known as "lex sportiva," which often arise in our sports law practice conducted within ADVISER Armknecht & Partners attorneys-at-law Sports Law Firm. These questions were asked to the managing partner of our law firm, Bartosz Armknecht, who as a leading sports lawyer in our firm specializes in sports law. Bartosz Armknecht represents athletes in legal disputes and negotiations with sports clubs, both football players and female footballers, as well as athletes from other sports such as volleyball, basketball, combat sports including MMA, and athletes practicing table tennis or handball. Bartosz's legal experience in sports law is not limited to representing athletes in negotiations or in cases before sports arbitration courts. He also handles matters for football clubs, basketball clubs, or sailing clubs. These matters include sponsorship agreements, advertising agreements, player contracts, agreements with sports agents, including football agents, as well as ownership changes in sports clubs. His experience extends beyond traditional legal services and sports law advice. He also has experience in sports marketing, creating branding strategies in sports during crisis situations, as well as restructuring sports clubs or designing the structure of sports clubs (corporate governance). Sports Lawyer A sports lawyer is a specialized professional who deals with the legal aspects of sports activities. His tasks include negotiating contracts, representing athletes in legal disputes, advising on labor law, copyright law, and image rights. A sports lawyer must know the specifics of individual sports disciplines in order to effectively represent the interests of his clients. Encouragement to use the services of a sports lawyer For the Footballer "Are you a football player who wants to make the most of your opportunities both on and off the pitch? A sports lawyer will help you negotiate contracts, protect image rights and in matters related to transfers. Thanks to professional legal support, you will be able to focus on the game, and We will take care of your interests." For a Basketball Player "Your basketball career may bring many challenges, both on and off the court. Our sports lawyer will provide you with comprehensive legal services, including contract negotiations, management of image rights and protection against unfair practices. Focus on scoring points and we will take care of for your rights." For the Volleyball Player "As a volleyball player, you are exposed to a variety of legal challenges, from contracts with clubs to sponsorship issues. A sports lawyer will help you in negotiations, protecting your interests at every stage of your career. Thanks to our legal assistance, you will be able to fully enjoy your game, being sure that your legal affairs are in good hands." For the Handball Player "Handball is a dynamic and exciting sport that requires full commitment. Our sports lawyer supports handball players in contract negotiations, protection of image rights and in legal disputes. Trust us and you will be able to focus on scoring goals while we take care of Your legal matters." For the Boxer "Boxing is a sport full of challenges, both inside and outside the ring. Our sports lawyer will help you manage contracts, negotiate with promoters and protect your rights. With us, you will be able to focus on training and fights, being sure that your interests are legally protected." For the MMA Fighter "The career of an MMA fighter involves numerous legal challenges, from contracts with organizations to image issues. A sports lawyer will provide you with professional support in negotiations, protection of image rights and legal disputes. Focus on your career in the octagon, and we will take care of the rest " www.adviser.law Professional legal support is crucial for every athlete, regardless of the discipline. A sports lawyer with experience and knowledge in sports law will protect your interests, allowing you to fully focus on your sports career. Contact us to find out how we can help you!

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