Sponsorships
In today’s dynamic sports landscape, players are no longer just athletes—they are global brands. Domestic and international companies actively seek partnerships with players for sponsorships and endorsements, recognizing the commercial potential of their personal brands.
Maximizing Image Rights
Players capitalize on their image rights through carefully structured licensing agreements with various entities, including:
- Leagues
- Clubs
- Players’ unions
- Third-party sponsors
These agreements grant the licensee the right to use a player’s name, nickname, likeness, image, and other personal identifiers for specific commercial purposes. They often include obligations such as:
- Personal appearances and photo-shoots
- Social media activations
- Corporate and promotional responsibilities
The scope of these licenses is determined by the terms of the contract, defining where, how, and by whom the player’s image can be exploited.
Navigating Challenges and Disputes
As lucrative as these opportunities are, they bring complex challenges:
- Clubs, leagues, or other entities may assert claims over a player’s image rights, often citing existing sponsorship agreements or concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- Contractual disputes frequently arise over the scope of image rights, exclusivity clauses, or revenue-sharing arrangements.
How We Assist
At Nir Inbar Sports Law & Business, we provide vital legal support to players seeking to protect and optimize their commercial image rights. Our expertise includes:
- Defining the permissible uses of a player’s image in contracts and resolving ambiguities.
- Assessing and drafting exclusive vs. non-exclusive rights clauses in licensing agreements.
- Preventing conflicts of interest with existing sponsors and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Representing players in disputes with clubs, leagues, or sponsors over image rights claims.
With deep expertise in sports law and commercial agreements, we empower players to maximize their earnings while safeguarding their personal brand. From negotiating favorable terms to resolving disputes, we ensure players retain control over their image rights and partnerships.
