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Participant
May 23, 2025
Question

Model Release Requirements for Sporting Events

  • May 23, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 209 views

I have an inventory of sports photos that I'd like to submit for stock.  From what I've read, any public event does NOT require a model release.  Some of these events I shot with a press pass, some were not.  I'm trying to determine if these will be accepted.  Some of the shots include:

- Professional events (PGA, beach vollyball)

- College football (faces obsured by facemasks, but college logos visible on the helments or uniforms)

- High school sports (faces visible)

- Polo matches

Before I start submitting I'd like to get a temperature check on the need for model releases on these types of shots.  Thanks for your input in advance!

 

[Moderator moved the thread to the correct forum]

3 replies

RALPH_L
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 24, 2025

Also, all of the vissible logos and names are not allowed.

Abambo
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 24, 2025
quote

I have an inventory of sports photos that I'd like to submit for stock.  From what I've read, any public event does NOT require a model release. 


By @Wayne Sula

Only for editorial use, but Adobe does not allow for editorial use pictures with people.

As a side note: regardless of what you have read, commercial use always needs a model release. All those stars doing advertising for products would not get millions for doing that, if you simply could use their image for your product.

quote

Before I start submitting I'd like to get a temperature check on the need for model releases on these types of shots. 


By @Wayne Sula

It will be hot, very hot. You will burn your fingers…

In other words: no model release (and IP release for all the adverts around), no submission.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
Jill_C
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 23, 2025

Read all of the IP guidelines on the Adobe Stock help pages (click on the Learn & Support link at the top of your Contributor page).

 

Adobe does not accept images of ANY recognizable people without a signed Model Release. They do not accept images with ANY people images in the Illustrative Editorial category. You won't be able to submit any of your images from sports events here.

 

 

Jill C., Forum Volunteer