Athlete Contract Negotiations
Athletes rely on commercial contracts to give structure to their careers, provide security and protect the goals they work so hard to achieve. For those in professional sport, every agreement is also subject to public and regulatory scrutiny, which is why it matters that contracts are written with fairness, clarity and future success in mind.
At Switalskis, we understand the pressures that come with life in sport and the impact contracts can have on athletes and those who support them. We work with athletes, coaches, clubs and organisations to negotiate, draft and review agreements that take into account training hours, performance obligations, conduct provisions and the role of support staff. Our approach is to explain every clause in plain terms, so you feel confident about what you are committing to and how it may affect your career, reputation and wellbeing.
No matter your legal needs, the sports law professionals at Switalskis can help. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website to learn more about how we can support you.
Our team of sports solicitors recognises that contracts are only one part of an athlete’s wider career. The legal issues you face can range from everyday arrangements with clubs and sponsors to unexpected challenges that arise through injury, disputes or reputational concerns. Our role is to provide guidance that addresses your immediate contractual needs and supports your long-term stability and success in your chosen sport.
We understand that the pressures of training, competition and public expectation often leave little time to focus on legal detail. That is why our solicitors explain every step of the process in clear terms and remain available to answer questions as they arise. As a full service law firm, we combine knowledge of sports law with experience across many other areas of law:
This joined-up approach means athletes can focus on their performance and future plans, knowing that their professional commitments and personal circumstances are supported by clear and consistent legal advice.
Sports contracts cover a wide range of situations, such as agreements with clubs and governing bodies, sponsorship deals and personal brand management. Each contract comes with its own expectations and risks, and the terms can have lasting effects on your career. Our solicitors advise athletes, teams and organisations to make sure contract provisions are fair, realistic and fully compliant with the law. We tailor our advice to reflect the standards of your sport as well as the specific circumstances of your career or organisation.
Our team has expertise across all of the key types of sports contract, including:
Commercial advice before signing such an agreement can help you to avoid exploitative terms, reduce risk, and secure long-term benefits from your contractual relationships, whether you are an athlete or an organisation.
Every sports contract contains provisions that can directly shape how an athlete trains, competes and develops their career. Termination terms, disciplinary procedures and clauses addressing reputational damage can determine how disputes are handled or whether an athlete can move to a new club or organisation.
Our solicitors are experienced in drafting and reviewing commercial contracts for athletes at all levels. We look at the details of each provision, explain in plain language how it works in practice, and advise on whether it is fair given the realities of your sport. Where needed, we can negotiate changes on your behalf and highlight risks that might not be obvious at first glance - such as clauses that could give an employer too much control or obligations that are difficult to meet during the course of a season. Areas of note include:
Performance obligations are often central to sports contracts, but they can vary widely depending on the sport, the team and the level of competition. These clauses can cover expected hours of training, fitness levels, participation in practice sessions and compliance with team rules. In some cases, they also link to performance bonuses, appearance fees or eligibility to play, which can make them particularly sensitive if expectations are not realistic or clearly defined.
At Switalskis, we take time to assess whether performance obligations are proportionate to the athlete’s circumstances and career stage. We identify potential risks, such as overly strict conditions or provisions that fail to take account of injury or recovery time, and negotiate to make sure expectations are achievable. This allows athletes to compete and train knowing that contractual requirements are fair and sustainable over the course of their career.
Employment status determines rights to pay, hours, holiday, termination protections and access to remedies under employment law. Professional football contracts may classify players differently to other employees in the same club business, while governing bodies often set their own standards that athletes are expected to comply with.
Our solicitors advise how employee or worker status is determined and what it means in practice. We review contracts to make sure the language reflects the true nature of the engagement, that rights are properly protected, and that obligations are fair. Where disputes arise, we represent athletes to safeguard their positions and prevent long-term damage to their careers.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.
Working with Switalskis means choosing solicitors who combine knowledge of sport with expertise in contract and employment law. Our service is defined by:
We explain contractual language in straightforward terms so athletes and organisations understand their rights and obligations.
Our solicitors recognise the pressures of competition and career development, and support clients with advice that reflects their circumstances.
The Switalskis team has experience across sport, employment, commercial and property law, so we can provide you with a complete service.
We sit firmly in your corner and will stand up for your interests at all times to make sure you are treated fairly and receive favourable contract terms.
If you are an athlete, coach, club or organisation seeking legal advice on commercial contracts, Switalskis can help. Our solicitors provide thorough, pragmatic guidance to protect your rights and give you confidence in your future.
Call us today on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website to arrange a confidential consultation.