ABSTRACT
In 2015 the global sport industry was estimated at USD $1.5 trillion, with the US market share comprising USD $498.4 billion (Sports Industry Statistics, n.d.). The 2015 ranking of “The World’s Highest Paid Athletes” published in Forbes Magazine in 2015 listed the top 100 athlete salaries and (or) winnings from #100 James Harden (Basketball) at USD $14.8 M to #1 Floyd Mayweather (Boxing) at USD $285 M. When you factor in remunerations from endorsements, the overall earnings of top athletes are staggering, making them highly valuable commodities. It is not surprising then, that professional clubs are seeking every means possible to protect their investment – ensuring the welfare of the athlete and a high level of competitive performance is paramount!
