Employment and Labour Relations Law in the Premier League, Nba and International Rugby Union

This book describes the regulatory framework and organisation of three professional team sports competitions. It examines how the monopolistic, private regulation of the National Basketball Association, Premier League Football and International Rugby Union can impinge upon the employment of professional players. It provides a comparative analysis between the sports on issues such as salary caps, nationality restrictions and the acquisition of a player’s intellectual property. It draws conclusions regarding the legal, economic and political factors which balance the commercial and regulatory interests of the governing body and the clubs, with the employment rights of players.

The book is important reading for scholars and practitioners in the fields of international sports law, employment law, competition law, European law and human rights law. It is also highly recommended for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels taking modules and courses in Sports Law or Sports Business Management.