Sports Breach of Contract & Contract Disputes

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Breach of Contract & Contract Disputes

In sports, contracts govern nearly everything: playing agreements, sponsorships, endorsement deals, coaching arrangements, and more. A contract dispute arises when one party fails to live up to their obligations. Whether it’s unpaid fees, broken promises, or ignored contractual clauses, these disputes can threaten careers, livelihoods, and reputations.

We help clients -athletes, coaches, staff, agents, clubs, and sponsors- through every step of a contract dispute.

Common Types of Contracts & Disputes:

Employment Contracts (Athlete-Club): Non-payment or delayed payment of salary or bonuses; breach of clauses (e.g. termination, injury protection).

Coaching/Staff Contracts: Disputes over duration, duties, compensation, termination.

Agent/Representation Contracts: Disagreements over commission percentages, scope of work, fiduciary duties.

Endorsement/Sponsorship Agreements: Conflicts about deliverables, image rights, termination, exclusivity.

Appearance/Exhibition / Promotion Contracts: Cancellation, travel costs, performance obligations, breach of promotional requirements.

How Contract Disputes are Resolved

Sports contract disputes can be resolved in several ways, depending on the terms of the agreement and the nature of the conflict. In many cases, early negotiation or mediation provides an opportunity to reach a practical solution without escalating the matter, saving both time and cost while preserving important professional relationships. Where contracts include arbitration clauses—as many international sports agreements do—disputes may be decided by arbitrators or specialized sports bodies rather than national courts, with decisions that are binding on all parties. In other cases, formal litigation may be necessary, particularly when arbitration is not available or when the issues extend beyond sport-specific regulations. Each approach carries its own risks and benefits, and choosing the right path is critical to achieving a fair outcome.

Possible Remedies and Consequences

When a contract has been breached, the remedies available will depend on the circumstances and the governing law of the agreement. Common outcomes include compensation for lost income, damages for reputational or professional harm, or interest and penalties where specified by contract. In some situations, a court or tribunal may order specific performance, requiring the breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations, or may declare a contract terminated or invalid. Parties who fail to honor their obligations also risk reputational damage, strained professional relationships, and potential financial liability that extends beyond the original terms of the agreement. For these reasons, addressing disputes promptly and strategically is essential to protecting both career and reputation.

Contract disputes in sport can move quickly and have lasting consequences for your career, finances, and reputation. Our team has extensive experience representing athletes, coaches, agents, and clubs in both domestic and international disputes, including arbitration before sports governing bodies and proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. We take a strategic, client-focused approach, working to resolve matters efficiently, protect your interests, and secure the best possible outcome. If you are facing a potential breach of contract or need advice on your legal options, contact us today to discuss how we can help safeguard your future in sport.

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