reserve clause

noun

, Sports.

1. the clause in the contract of a professional player in some sports that binds the player to a team for a season beyond the expiration of the contract in the event a new contract has not been made meanwhile or the player has not been sent to another team.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reserve clause¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

He also oversaw the undermining of the reserve clause, which allowed teams to control players in perpetuity — a process that wasn’t always linear.

From Washington Post

The settlement virtually swept away pro basketball’s reserve clause, setting the stage for unrestricted free agency.

From Time

Previously, when an NBA team drafted a player, they acquired the exclusive right to sign him, and then, thanks to the reserve clause, the player remained effectively bound to that team until it decided to trade or release him.

From Time

The original version of this story misstated the name of one of the lawsuits attacking the reserve clause.

From Time

At the present time it is held that even when not expressed, the "reserve clause" is understood.

From Project Gutenberg

The reserve clause in contracts was the direct cause of that struggle.

From Project Gutenberg