What is the typical contract time for a pro runner? And If it’s say 6 years and they become “superstars” in the meantime do they still get the same salary the current contract lists?
What is the typical contract time for a pro runner? And If it’s say 6 years and they become “superstars” in the meantime do they still get the same salary the current contract lists?
Miles to run wrote:
What is the typical contract time for a pro runner? And If it’s say 6 years and they become “superstars” in the meantime do they still get the same salary the current contract lists?
Massively varies. Could be 1 year, could be 3 years, could be 4 years with options years. Jakob reportedly signed a 6-8 year deal when he first signed with Nike. Generally, companies like to sign people in Olympic cycles.
If athletes have massive breakouts mid contract, it varies what happens. Things called rollover bonuses - bonuses which not only do you get when you hit them but get added onto your base salary for the duration of the contract, used to be a huge thing. They can bite companies in the butt though if too many athletes hit rollovers unexpectedly. Rumour has it Centrowitz had a massive rollover for winning Rio that cost the guy who offered the contract to him his job.
So companies these days are favoring fewer rollovers, but being open to renegotiating mid contract with athletes who break out. This is favorable to sponsors as 1) you don't want an athlete to resent running for you 2) they aren't a free agent so no competing offers 3) can lock breakout talent up for long term. Athletes often take these new deals since the sport is so volatile and security is good.
However, for various reasons not every breakout gets a new deal like this, and I've definitely heard horror stories of Olympians/national champions top 10 global athletes being on poverty level contracts due to bad timing.