Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Attorneys
Recent groundbreaking changes in NCAA legislation allow college athletes to take advantage of a wide range of lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities that were previously only available to professional athletes. While this has had a major impact on the landscape of collegiate sports, allowing college athletes to earn a considerable income during their college years, there are complex NIL laws and NCAA rules that must be followed in order to maintain their NCAA eligibility and take full advantage of the NIL opportunities. Lyons & Associates provides a comprehensive range of legal services to college athletes and their families, including advising athletes, compliance and reporting, contract drafting, and licensing. Our dedicated NIL attorneys will guide you through every step of the process and ensure that your legal and financial interests are protected from recruitment to graduation.
Athlete Advising
College athletes are presented with a wide range of opportunities to earn income from their NIL, from personal appearances and autograph sessions to social media influencing and developing merchandise. While college athletes are recruited for their dedication and excellence in their chosen sport, they should not be expected to understand the complex legal and financial implications of a potentially lucrative NIL contract. It is important for college athletes to have a dedicated legal team on their side who understands the nuances of NIL laws, rules and regulations. The NIL attorneys at Lyons & Associates, P.C. work closely with college athletes to negotiate a deal that maximizes their earning potential while reflecting the athletes’ values and interests.
Compliance and Reporting
Every college athlete that enters into an NIL deal must comply with all NCAA rules, as well as university policies, and state and federal laws. If an athlete enters into an NIL contract, he or she must disclose this information with the college or university’s athletic department. The compliance, reporting and disclosing requirements can be overwhelming for young athletes who are managing their athletic responsibilities while also maintaining their grades. It is highly recommended that student athletes consult with an experienced NIL lawyer before signing a contract or engaging in any activity that will allow them to benefit financially from their NIL. The NIL Attorneys at Lyons & Associates work closely with the athletic department’s compliance team to ensure that the athlete is in compliance with all NCAA rules. This allows the athlete to financially benefit from his or her NIL experience while avoiding the burden of reporting and disclosing contractual information.
Time is Running Out!
Contract Drafting and Review
In order to ensure that an athlete’s legal and financial rights are protected, and that he or she is in compliance with NCAA rules, it is highly recommended that college athletes hire an experienced NIL attorney so that he or she has a thorough understanding of the following:
- The details of the contract and what they are committing themselves to by signing it
- What rights they are entitled to, and whether their contract will be impacted if they are injured or unable to perform for some reason, causing their season to be shortened or canceled
- The financial compensation, and other benefits that the athlete is entitled to under the terms of the contract
- Who is legally allowed to use the athlete’s NIL, and under what conditions
Licensing
Sports-centered video games have been using famous athletes as players for years. With the recent NCAA changes, college athletes have garnered the same recognition and celebrity status as some of the most well-known professional athletes. That means that there are a wide range of opportunities to make a considerable income from their appearance in video games and other virtual experiences. An NIL attorney will identify potential licensing opportunities, negotiate the most lucrative digital avatar licensing agreements, ensure that the athlete’s digital avatar is NIL compliant, and secure compensation for the athlete’s appearance in video games.
New Jersey Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Attorneys at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Negotiate NIL Contracts for Student Athletes
If you are a student athlete and you have the opportunity to take advantage of a lucrative NIL opportunity, do not hesitate to contact the New Jersey Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) attorneys at Lyons & Associates. We will thoroughly review all contract opportunities, ensure that they are in compliance with all NCAA regulations, and negotiate a contract that secures an endorsement deal while also reflecting your values and beliefs. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 908-575-9777 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Morristown, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients across the entire United States through partnerships with co-counsel in other jurisdictions.