A Superstar Exception to Professional Baseball Licensing Logic?

Abstract

(4 Willamette Sports L.J., no. 1, 2007). This article examines the rise of group-licensing agreements in professional sports and the decision of a few superstar athletes to negotiate separate contracts. First, the article reviews the legal foundation for licensing agreements, which is premised on the right of publicity. Second, it looks at the few cases regarding group-licensing agreements. The article concludes by discussing factors that affect an individual athlete’s decision to select a group-licensing program or to negotiate licensing agreements alone.