Reserve clause meaning

The reserve clause restricted players from freely negotiating with other teams, keeping them tied to their original team until they were released or traded.


Reserve clause definitions

Word backwards evreser esualc
Part of speech The word "reserve clause" is a noun.
Syllabic division re-serve clause
Plural The plural of reserve clause is reserve clauses.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) e,a,u
Consonants (5) r,s,v,c,l

What is the Reserve Clause?

Understanding the Key Aspect of Sports Contracts

The reserve clause was a part of sports contracts, particularly in Major League Baseball, which restricted players from becoming free agents. This clause gave teams the exclusive rights to players even after their contracts had expired. The controversial clause bound players to their respective teams indefinitely unless they were traded or released.

History of the Reserve Clause

The reserve clause first appeared in the late 19th century, when baseball teams sought to maintain control over their players and prevent bidding wars. Over time, the clause became a standard practice in sports contracts, leading to criticism from players who felt it limited their earning potential and career mobility.

Challenges and Legal Battles

As players' dissatisfaction grew, legal challenges to the reserve clause began to emerge. In the landmark case of Flood v. Kuhn in 1972, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Curt Flood challenged the legality of the reserve clause, arguing that it violated antitrust laws and restricted his ability to negotiate with other teams. Although Flood ultimately lost the case, it sparked a movement that eventually led to the abolition of the reserve clause in 1975.

Impact and Legacy

The elimination of the reserve clause marked a significant turning point in sports history, as it paved the way for free agency and increased player autonomy. Players gained the freedom to negotiate contracts with multiple teams, leading to higher salaries and greater mobility within the league. The end of the reserve clause fundamentally changed the dynamics of sports contracts and player-team relationships, ushering in a new era of professional sports.

In Conclusion

The reserve clause was a longstanding practice in sports contracts that restricted players' freedom and mobility within the league. Through legal challenges and shifting attitudes, players eventually succeeded in overturning the clause, leading to the establishment of free agency and greater autonomy for athletes. The legacy of the reserve clause continues to shape the landscape of professional sports contracts and player rights to this day.


Reserve clause Examples

  1. The baseball player filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the reserve clause.
  2. Under the reserve clause, the team had the exclusive rights to negotiate with the player.
  3. The reserve clause restricted players from signing with other teams without permission.
  4. After the reserve clause was abolished, players gained more freedom in choosing their teams.
  5. Teams used the reserve clause to control player movement and salary negotiations.
  6. The reserve clause was a contentious issue during contract negotiations between players and teams.
  7. Players felt trapped by the restrictions of the reserve clause.
  8. The reserve clause was seen as a barrier to free agency in professional sports.
  9. The reserve clause was an outdated rule that limited player autonomy.
  10. Many argue that the reserve clause was unfair to players and favored team owners.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 22/04/2024 - 17:21:00