services

Contract Negotiation

The career of a professional athlete is relatively short. As a result it is vital for every athlete to negotiate contracts that reflect market value. JFA provides complex market analysis, comprehensive statistical research and strategic and tactical solutions to assist agents and players in contract negotiations.

Salary Arbitration

Salary arbitration is one of the most important rights for professional athletes. For many players it represents the first time they will have their salaries determined against the backdrop of a marketplace. To help players take full advantage of this valuable opportunity JFA closely examines the player’s performance and develops creative and effective ways to present the player’s case before an experienced panel of arbitrators.

Agent Fee Disputes

Far too often the player-agent relationship breaks down and a dispute arises over fees. Increasingly, fee disputes also arise between rival agents. JFA is adept at handling both types of disputes on behalf of players and agents, whether it involves negotiating a settlement or taking the case to arbitration.

Client Representation and Management

JFA represents college coaches in a variety of sports at the Division-1 level. Representation includes negotiating coaching contracts, administering and enforcing contractual terms and conditions, monitoring the coaching market, positioning clients for new opportunities, publicity management and off-the-field advice and guidance

Labor Relations

The leading North American professional team sports are governed by collective bargaining agreements negotiated under principles of labor law. With over 20 years of labor relations experience, JFA has advised organizations such as the MLBPA, NHLPA, and scores of independent sports agencies in their dealings with league officials and team front office personnel on a variety of hot topics and complex labor issues.

Market Analysis

Negotiating lucrative player contracts requires a detailed understanding of the player contract market. Clubs utilize a variety of statisticians and other experts for this purpose. Players are wise to do the same. JFA provides its clients with thorough market analyses to help players and agents understand the relevant market and thus maximize the player’s bargaining position.

Contract Enforcement

Terms in a player’s contract, the CBA or other agreements set forth important rights and obligations for both players and clubs. Enforcing these terms is vital for players and for the agents who represent them. JFA helps ensure that the terms of a deal are understood by the player and his representative and are honored by all parties to the agreement.

Grievance Arbitration

Contract disputes in professional sports are an inevitable part of the business. Whether these disputes arise under the individual player’s contract, the collective bargaining agreement or other agreements, JFA brings a wealth of grievance arbitration experience to help resolve such matters through settlement or through litigation of the matter before a neutral arbitrator.

Marketing and Endorsements

Marketing deals provide valuable off-the-field income for players and other sports figures. JFA assists its clients in securing such deals, particularly in the emerging world of digital marketing, which includes monetizing websites, social media and other digital platforms. We are also focused on 360 integrated solutions to offer our clients the best opportunities to maximize exposure.