The "perfect" sports contract

Abstract

This paper deal with the relevant issues that occur by negotiating and drafting a sports contract between a professional athlete and a team By illustrating these issues a number or problems in several areas of law arise. The paper deals with negotiation, transfer systems and the international private law aspects of players' contracts The different league structures, the existence of collective bargaining agreements, the large economic relevance of sport contracts and national laws have large impacts on the players" contract and are closely paid attention to throughout the whole paper.A closer look at American basketball, German football and New Zealand rugby is made. Differences between these leagues arc clarified and put into Context with the players' contracts. Other parts deal with taxes, arbitration, sponsorship, salary caps, sports agents' regulations and other specific sport obligations and typical sport contract clauses. As suitable solutions for the player's needs are formulated in order to achieve the best conditions for the contract, the paper could be helpful by negotiating and drafting the "perfect" sports contract.