
Rookie contracts
Rookie contracts are the initial agreements that professional athletes sign when they join a team, typically after being drafted or signed for the first time. These contracts usually have fixed durations and salaries set by league rules or collective bargaining agreements. They serve to introduce new players to the league, providing a structured period for their development and evaluation. Rookies often have less bargaining power and lower salaries compared to veteran players, and their contracts often include specific terms related to performance bonuses, options, or salary increases based on performance or additional years.