Legacy beyond the game: Wealth strategies for athletes

As the world turns its attention to Wimbledon where tradition, talent and triumph converge it is a timely reminder of the extraordinary lives athlete's lead. Moments on centre court are fleeting yet the legacies built off the court can last generations.

Growing up in South Africa, sport was more than just a pastime. It was a national language, a unifier and for a gifted few, a pathway to remarkable opportunity. I have seen firsthand how elite sport can transform lives. But I have also seen the other side where success on the field does not always translate into enduring financial security.

At Oak, we work with athletes and their families to ensure their hard-earned wealth is not only protected but purposefully structured to support a legacy long after the final point is played.

A career like no other and a financial profile to match

Athletes operate on a compressed financial timeline. Earnings often peak in their twenties and thirties. Contracts can be short, volatile and geographically fluid. This creates both opportunity and risk and demands a strategic approach to wealth preservation that is as agile as the career itself.

What is often misunderstood is that managing this wealth is not just about investing. It is about structuring. That is where Oak comes in.

From sudden wealth to sustained legacy

At Oak, we specialise in the administration of wealth holding structures. These are complex vehicles made simple through clear planning, regulatory precision and hands on support. For athletes this means transforming short term income into a long-term legacy.

Our work rests on four foundational pillars:

1. Strategic structures with purpose

We design tailored structures such as trusts, holding companies and foundations that reflect the athlete’s personal, professional and geographic complexity. These are not off the shelf products but carefully considered frameworks that preserve, protect and grow wealth with intent.

2. Global administration with local insight

Many athletes today are global citizens. Contracts may take them from Johannesburg to Manchester, Paris to Miami. Our multi-jurisdictional experience ensures their structures comply across borders without adding friction or anxiety.

3. Succession that starts early

Legacy is not just for later in life. We guide athletes through early conversations about inheritance, control and continuity. We often involve families and advisors to embed clarity and confidence for the future.

4. Giving back strategically

Whether it is community upliftment back home or international philanthropic ambitions Oak helps athletes establish tax efficient charitable structures. We align personal values with institutional grade governance to ensure every contribution creates real lasting impact.

Why it matters

When you have devoted your life to excelling on the world stage your achievements deserve more than momentary celebration. They deserve continuity, stability and legacy.

At Oak, we do not just create structures. We deliver peace of mind. We act as long-term administrators, custodians of our clients’ ambitions and partners in legacy. Our team’s expertise grounded in years of cross border fiduciary experience means athletes can focus on their future confident that their wealth is working quietly and strategically behind the scenes.

Wimbledon may crown its champions in a matter of weeks, but the most meaningful victories often unfold over decades. The question is not how you will win now but how you will build a legacy that endures.

At Oak we are here to help you shape what comes next. Get in touch with you usual Oak contact to find out how we can support you.

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24 June 2025 Legacy beyond the game: Wealth strategies for athletes