Sports contracts can be divided into three general categories:
" professional services contracts (e.g., between the athlete and the team);
" endorsement contracts, and
" appearance contracts.
Unlike the professional services contract, the endorsement contract does not involve an employer-employee relationship. Rather, it is one of contractor- independent contractor. An endorsement contract is one that grants the sponsor the right to use (i.e., license) the athletes name, image, or likeness in connection with advertising the sponsors products or services. There are no set rules for an endorsement agreement other than that they be legal. The more an sponsor feels that the athlete can assist in the sales of the particular product, the greater the likelihood of more money.
An appearance contract compensates the athlete for appearing at a public function (e.g., sports camp, golf tournament, store openings, etc.)
