Sports Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Protection

College and high school athletics changed forever when the NCAA allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. This shift has created new opportunities—and new legal complexities that can jeopardize an athlete's eligibility and future success if handled incorrectly.

NIL Legal Services

Contract Negotiation & Review. Informed, assertive negotiation is critical to securing strong endorsement and appearance deals, social media partnerships, and licensing contracts. We advise on payment terms, exclusivity, termination clauses, and other crucial provisions  to help prevent disputes and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your work on and off the field.

Compliance & Eligibility Protection. NIL regulations vary by state, conference, and institution.  We provide ongoing guidance to ensure your deals  do not violate NCAA rules or jeopardize athletic eligibility.  Our team monitors regulatory changes across major conferences and state legislatures  so you can stay focused on your athletic career without compliance headaches.

Business Formation & Structure. Many NIL athletes can benefit from forming LLCs or corporations to manage their brand and income. We assist with entity formation and help implement bylaws and operating agreements that optimize flexibility and control while  providing essential safeguards against liability.

Brand Development & Intellectual Property Protection. You can greatly enhance the value of your NIL  through appropriate trademarks and copyrights. We provide advice on brand development and licensing frameworks that  help you protect and monetize your identity across multiple platforms and partnerships.

Dispute Resolution. Disputes can arise over payment terms, performance, licensing violations, early termination, or Title IX compliance issues. Given the stakes, you need robust representation to  handle demand letters, negotiate settlements, and pursue legal action when needed to protect your compensation and reputation.

‍Who We Serve

Student-Athletes across all divisions and sports,  with a focus on revenue sport athletes and those building personal brands.

High School Prospects preparing for college recruitment while exploring permissible NIL opportunities.

Parents and Families supporting their student-athlete's NIL activities while maintaining eligibility.

Businesses and Brands partnering with student-athletes through compliant marketing agreements.

Sports Influencers monetizing their platforms while maintaining competitive status.

Why IP Matters

Your name, image, and likeness aren't just marketing tools—they're intellectual property assets that can generate revenue for decades if properly protected. Without trademark and copyright protection, you're leaving the door open for others to profit from your identity without your permission.

Smart IP strategy can create licensing opportunities that extend beyond your playing career into videogames, merchandise, and future business ventures. The IP rights you establish today become the foundation for post-athletic opportunities in media, business, and entertainment.

Most importantly, IP protection prevents others from diluting or misusing your brand. Without proper legal protection, competitors can use similar names or imagery, confusing fans and stealing your market value while you have no legal recourse.

Why Compliance Matters

A single compliance mistake can end your athletic career instantly. NIL regulations are complex, constantly changing, and vary dramatically between states, conferences, and schools. What's legal in one state may violate NCAA rules or cost you your scholarship elsewhere.

Violations trigger investigations, scholarship losses, team penalties, and public scrutiny that damages your reputation with coaches and future professional opportunities. High-profile athletes face particular scrutiny—what might be overlooked for others becomes front-page news when you're in the spotlight.

Compliance isn't just about following rules—it's about structuring deals to maximize opportunities within the rules. Proper legal guidance helps you navigate gray areas and structure agreements that satisfy regulatory requirements while protecting your interests.

Take Action on Your NIL Opportunities

The NIL landscape moves quickly, with opportunities often requiring immediate legal review. Whether you're evaluating your first endorsement offer, developing a brand strategy, or facing compliance questions that could affect your eligibility, experienced legal counsel makes the difference between success and costly mistakes.

Don't let legal uncertainty cost you valuable opportunities or put your eligibility at risk. Contact our team to discuss your situation and explore how we can help you capitalize on your name, image, and likeness while protecting your athletic future.