Phi-NIL-Lee

After years of debate on whether or not collegiate Student-Athletes should be able to profit off of their name, image and likeness, the NCAA has finally said YES! If you grew up in a sports loving and playing family like I did then you have undoubtedly heard this argument more than once. The schools make so much money off of these kids versus these kids are getting a free education so it evens out. If we are being honest, too many of those kids do not actually get an education and it never comes close to evening out, but we will table that debate for another time and rejoice in the decision the NCAA passed this summer that allows collegiate student-athletes across all three divisions to earn money from their name image and likeness.

Athletes are being recruited earlier and earlier these days. By the time star athletes begin their NCAA careers, they have name recognition at the very least. You add social media to the mix and some of these student-athletes are brands before they take their first college visit. For many this will be the first of many endorsements and brand partnerships. Additionally, it will be the first step towards wealth building for most of these student-athletes. These are exciting times. There is not enough discussed about how many of these student-athletes have whole families relying on their impending success. These NIL opportunities are going to have instant impact on so many families.

As exciting as this all is, student-athletes and parents need to proceed with caution, because there is no uniform approach to this, as of yet. The laws of the state of the school where the student-athlete is playing will govern. Additionally, the student-athlete will need to actually be playing. It is going to be super important that the families of these student-athletes secure knowledgable representation when pursuing NIL endorsements/contracts. Do not hesitate to contact Lessington Law for Responsible Representation.

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