Finance for sportspeople: frequently asked questions
Sorbus Finance helps sportspeople explore company finance and qualifying high-net-worth personal routes with relevant lender access and broker support. These answers cover the practical questions; speak to the team to discuss your own plans and the next steps. Finance is subject to eligibility checks, status and lender criteria, and this is not tax, legal or investment advice.
Broker support to help you move forward
Access to relevant lenders, help presenting your circumstances and a broker to explain the next step: that is the value Sorbus brings to your enquiry.
Personal borrowing is a separate route from company finance. Sports professionals who meet the high-net-worth criteria may enquire personally, subject to eligibility checks and lender criteria. Sporting status alone does not establish eligibility.
How to use these answers
Each answer is written to stand on its own so it can be shared with a client or colleague. Where a topic needs more space, the related guide in this hub goes into detail. Nothing here is a promise of finance or a recommendation to borrow, and every case is different.
Company borrowing and personal borrowing are separate routes. Meeting the initial Prestige enquiry criteria does not confirm eligibility for a high-net-worth exemption or a particular agreement, and we do not advise on company structure or tax.
Questions and answers
Can I apply personally as a high-net-worth sports professional?
- Yes, personal enquiries can be considered where you meet the high-net-worth criteria. The team must check eligibility and lender requirements before any application. Sporting status alone does not qualify you or guarantee approval.
Can a footballer get asset finance through a limited company?
- Yes, a footballer's limited company can apply for business asset finance, subject to status and lender criteria. The lender assesses the company's own income, accounts and ability to repay, not the player's profile. Wages paid personally by a club are not company income.
How do lenders treat contract income from sport?
- Lenders look at how much the company is contractually due to receive, how long that income runs and how much is fixed rather than variable. Bonuses and prize money are often discounted. A finance term that ends within the contracted period is usually easier to assess.
Can I get finance if I have just moved to the UK?
- It can be harder, because UK credit records do not include history built abroad. Some lenders will consider a larger deposit, contracted company income and a UK business bank account instead. Others will wait for filed accounts, so timing matters.
Do lenders count overseas earnings as company income?
- Not automatically. Lenders want to see which entity actually receives the money and evidence that it arrives in the borrowing company's account. Income paid to an overseas entity or to the athlete personally is treated separately.
Can an image-rights company borrow money?
- An image-rights company can borrow in its own name if it meets lender criteria. Lenders focus on the agreements that pay it, how long they run and whether payments are already arriving. Speak to your accountant or tax adviser about the right structure for you.
What happens to finance if I am transferred or released?
- The finance continues, because it is an agreement between the company and the lender, not part of the playing contract. Payments stay due on the agreed dates. If income may fall, speaking to the lender early is usually wise.
Is a balloon payment a good idea for a short career?
- A balloon lowers monthly payments but leaves a large sum due at the end, which the company must be able to pay. Resale values and refinancing are never guaranteed. There is no automatic right to hand the asset back unless the agreement says so.
Can finance be settled early?
- Check whether the agreement permits early settlement or termination and how the lender calculates the cost. Remaining payments, interest or fees may apply. Obtain a settlement figure and any necessary permission before selling an asset owned by the lender.
Will I have to give a personal guarantee?
- Lenders often ask directors of newer or smaller companies for one. A guarantee can make you personally liable if the company cannot pay, including after a move abroad. It is sensible to understand it fully before signing.
Can my agent or accountant make the enquiry for me?
- Yes, an agent, accountant or financial manager can send an initial enquiry using their own contact details. They should not send your personal documents or signed contracts through the form. We will confirm your permission before discussing your details further.
Is it ever better not to borrow?
- Yes. If a contract is close to ending, income is mostly variable or repayments would stretch the company, waiting or not borrowing can be the right decision. We will say so if we think that applies.
Where to go next
If your question is not answered here, the guides in this hub cover contract income, overseas signings, company structures and short career structuring in more depth. Agents and advisers will find referral guidance on their own page.
When you are ready, a short enquiry from the hub or the advisers page is the simplest next step. It is not an application, it does not involve a credit search and there is no obligation to go ahead.