Sports

AAA Sports Contract Clauses

ADR Clauses

Ensuring your sports contracts contain clear and enforceable arbitration clauses is key to resolving disputes efficiently. The AAA provides tools such as ClauseBuilder® AI (Beta) to help you draft effective clauses using AI technology. You can also use our ClauseBuilder online tool for more traditional drafting.

Commercial (U.S. domestic): Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the AAA in accordance with its Commercial [or other] Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

Why Choose the AAA?

Why AAA?

Unmatched Expertise: Our panel of arbitrators and mediators includes seasoned professionals with deep knowledge of sports law, industry practices, and the unique dynamics of the sports world. 

Speed and Efficiency: We understand that time is of the essence in sports. Our streamlined procedures and expedited options allow for swift resolutions, minimizing disruptions and getting you back in the game. 

Privacy: Protect your reputation and sensitive information with our commitment to privacy throughout the dispute resolution process. 

Cost-effectiveness: Avoid the financial burden and lengthy delays associated with traditional litigation. Arbitration and mediation offer a cost-effective path to resolution. 

Flexibility and Customization: We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your dispute, offering flexible scheduling, virtual hearings, and other customizable solutions. 

Types of Sports Disputes We Handle 

Dispute types

The AAA provides arbitration and mediation services for a broad range of disputes in the sports sector, including: 

Dispute types

Contract Disputes

Conflicts related to playing agreements, coaching contracts, transfer terms, and other binding arrangements between athletes, teams, agents, and organizations. 

Disciplinary Actions

Disputes involving suspensions, fines, or other penalties issued by leagues, governing bodies, or teams. 

Salary Arbitrations

Independent arbitration for salary disagreements, commonly used in professional leagues, where player compensation is determined based on precedent, performance, and market value. 

Doping Allegations

Neutral resolution of disputes involving alleged anti-doping violations in accordance with league, federation, or international anti-doping codes. 

 

Eligibility Issues

Cases involving athletes’ eligibility to compete, including age, amateur status, transfer rules, and compliance with league or association guidelines. 

Sponsorship & Endorsement Conflicts

Disputes between athletes, brands, agents, or teams over contract terms, NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights, exclusivity clauses, and revenue sharing.

Intellectual Property Disputes

Matters involving trademarks, licensing agreements, broadcast rights, and the commercial use of names, images, and likenesses (NIL). 

The AAA Sports Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators

Panel

Deep Sports Law Knowledge

Our panelists have a proven track record in sports law, encompassing contract disputes, disciplinary actions, salary arbitrations, doping allegations, eligibility issues, and intellectual property matters. 

Industry Insight

Many of our panel members have firsthand experience in the sports industry as athletes, coaches, agents, or league officials, giving them a nuanced understanding of the challenges and complexities of the disputes before them. 

Impartiality and Neutrality

The AAA is committed to providing fair and unbiased dispute resolution processes. Our sports panel members adhere to the highest ethical standards and maintain strict neutrality in all proceedings. 

Proven Track Record

Our panelists have successfully resolved countless sports disputes, earning the trust and respect of athletes, teams, leagues, and other stakeholders. 

Latest Updates

News

Second Circuit’s NFL Arbitration Ruling Extends to the Boardroom

Navigating Sports Participation and NIL Disputes: Fair, Fast and Focused Solutions through Arbitration

Documents for Sports Arbitration and Mediation

Rules & forms

Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures

Supplementary Procedures for the Arbitration of Sports Participation and Name, Image, and Likeness Disputes

AAA Optional Appellate Rules

Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Administrative Fee Schedules

Due Process Guidelines for the Arbitration of Disputes Over Sports Participation and Name, Image, and Likeness

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Lance Tanaka