Athlete endorsements connect brands with their target audience through an authentic and genuine connection. These relationships are strengthened when an athlete’s values align with the brand’s, which can boost consumer trust and increase visibility.
In the digital age, athletes can also leverage their platforms to promote socially responsible messages. Socially responsible endorsements can support community-driven initiatives such as education and sports facilities. These campaigns can have far-reaching impacts, shaping societal changes and inspiring future generations.
Endorsement contracts require precise drafting and clarity to reduce legal risks, including disclosure obligations, authenticity standards, and intellectual property protections. Attorneys can help athletes avoid litigation by structuring agreements with specific terms and conditions. For example, many contracts limit content deliverables to a particular geographic scope and/or product categories and include exclusivity clauses to prevent cross-marketing of competing products.
Athlete endorsements can expose both parties to significant reputational and financial risks. For instance, if an athlete fails to disclose sponsored content as required by FTC guidelines, they may be subject to fines and regulatory action. In addition, false advertising claims—even without intent to deceive—can result in litigation and impose liability on both athletes and brands. To mitigate risks, attorneys can build robust contractual provisions that include NIL reporting, agent fee limits, institutional conflicts, and other risk mitigations.