Law Commons^™

Instagram Issues: Why Professional Sports Leagues Need To Reconsider How Photography And Copyrights Are Governed, Anthony Studnicka

DePaul Journal of Sports Law

Playing sports is not the only way professional athletes generate income. In recent years, athletes have taken a deliberate approach towards building their personal brands to increase the value of their potential marketing and endorsement opportunities. The more known, liked, and marketable an athlete is, the greater their income potential.

Athletes can increase their marketability by eliciting and creating positive interactions with fans on social media. For example, when LeBron James decides to take to Instagram and post a photograph, many fans will view it and it will garner significant engagement. However, can LeBron post whatever image of himself he …