Contractual Innovation In Sports Law: Legal Features Of Mixed And Non-Codified Agreements

Abstract

The rapid commercialization and professionalization of modern sport have led to the emergence of complex legal relationships that extend beyond the scope of traditional contractual frameworks. This article explores the role of mixed and non-codified (unnamed) contracts as adaptive legal mechanisms within the sports industry. Such contracts arise from the need to regulate multifaceted interactions involving athletes, clubs, sponsors, agents, and media organizations, where elements of different branches of law intersect. The research focuses on the legal characteristics, formation principles, and regulatory challenges associated with these contractual models in sports practice. Special attention is given to the balance between contractual autonomy and legal predictability, as well as the implications for liability and dispute settlement. The study argues that mixed and unnamed contracts contribute significantly to the flexibility and efficiency of sports regulation, while also underscoring the necessity for doctrinal clarity and coherent judicial interpretation to ensure legal stability.