TEXAS SPORTS LAWYER

If you are a high school or college athlete needing assistance with your Name, Image, and Likeness negotiations and contracts, our Texas sports lawyer is here to help. We are a client-centered law firm that aggressively represents our clients to ensure their best outcome. We treat our clients as individuals first and foremost, bringing vast knowledge and skill to every case. We will tailor our assistance to your individual needs and concerns.

Our legal team at Ward + White can assist you with contracts, insurance, litigation, and other sports legal matters. Call our legal team now to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in protecting your interests and achieving your objectives.

WHAT OUR TEXAS SPORTS LAWYER CAN DO FOR YOU

As a sports lawyer, our attorneys at Ward + White are here to help you with a wide range of legal services related to your career in athletics. We have extensive experience in various sports law practice areas, from contract negotiation and intellectual property rights to endorsements and sponsorships, as well as legal issues related to your image and likeness rights.

We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of being a professional athlete and are here to help you navigate them. Our goal is to help you protect your interests and secure the best possible outcome for the progress of your career.

Call us today if you are a high school or college athlete needing legal advice with your Name, Image, and Likeness negotiations and contracts. We will aggressively represent you to ensure the best possible outcome for your career.

UNDERSTANDING TEXAS NIL SPORTS LAW

The Texas legislature recently passed a law allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Athletes can now sign endorsement deals, sponsorships, and other agreements to use their NIL. Before this law, only professional athletes could profit from their NIL. The new law will significantly impact how college athletics are conducted in Texas and will likely have a ripple effect on other states.

What does this new law mean for college athletes in Texas?

• First, student-athletes can sign endorsement deals and receive compensation for using their NIL. This includes endorsements from Texas entertainment industries, companies, sponsorships, autograph signings, sports franchises, and other opportunities.
• Secondly, it means that athletes will no longer be confined to their sports teams or franchises and have more control over their NIL. They can choose which businesses they want to endorse and how their name, image, and likeness are used.
• Finally, the new law protects athletes from exploitation by their schools or the NCAA. Schools and the NCAA will not be able to prevent athletes from profiting from their NIL, and they will not be able to take away scholarships or eligibility as punishment.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE STATE’S NIL LAW

The Texas Legislature recently passed a bill allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Starting in January 2023, student-athletes in Texas can sign endorsement deals, receive compensation for using their name, image, or likeness on traditional and digital platforms, and hire agents. This is a significant development since California is the only other state with similar legislation.

The bill, authored by Senator Brandon Creighton, was unanimously approved by the Texas House and Senate. Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law.

This revolutionary law will allow high school and college athletes to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness. For too long, student-athletes have been exploited by the NCAA and universities. The new law will level the playing field and allow student-athletes to receive compensation for their hard work and dedication.

UNIQUE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE’S NIL LAW

Texas is one of the few states that have enacted legislation surrounding a collegiate and high school athlete’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The state’s NIL law went into effect on September 1, 2021, and applies to all student-athletes attending a public or private university in Texas.

The law has several key provisions that are important for student-athletes to be aware of, including:

• Athlete agents must be registered with the state to represent student-athletes.
• Student-athletes can receive compensation for using their NIL, provided that the payment is not derived from university athletics.
• Student-athletes can enter into endorsement contracts if they do not conflict with their university’s athletics program.
• Student-athletes are allowed to use their NIL for commercial purposes, provided they do not receive compensation from their university in connection with the use.

The Texas NIL law is unique in providing student-athletes with explicit protections and rights surrounding their NIL. As such, student-athletes need to have first-hand knowledge and be aware of the provisions of the law to ensure that they can maximize the benefits of the newly enacted NIL law.

WHAT DOES THIS LAW MEAN FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES?

What does the Texas NIL law mean for student-athletes? Student-athletes now can earn income from their names, images, and likenesses, including endorsements, social media sponsorships, autograph signings, and other promotions. They will also have more control over how colleges, universities, and other institutions use their name, image, and likeness.As a student-athlete in Texas, you must understand your rights under the new law. You should also consult an experienced sports lawyer to ensure you get the most out of your name, image, and likeness.

WHAT DOES THIS LAW MEAN FOR COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, AND INSTITUTIONS?

The Texas NIL Law will significantly impact colleges, universities, and other local institutions. These institutions will need to renegotiate their contracts with student-athletes to stay competitive.

In addition, colleges, universities, and other institutions will need to be careful about how they use the name, image, and likeness of student-athletes. For one, they will need to solicit permission from student-athletes before using their name, image, or likeness in advertisements.

It is vital to note that the Texas NIL Law does not require colleges, universities, and other institutions to pay student-athletes for utilizing their name, image, and likeness. However, these institutions will likely need to offer more benefits and compensation to student-athletes to attract and retain them.

NIL BEST PRACTICES

There are several best practices that athletes, coaches, and agents can follow to avoid problems with their Name, Image, and Likeness rights.

• Review your contract regularly and before signing anything.
• Get everything in writing.
• Be aware of your rights and what you are entitled to.
• Understand the terms and conditions of your contract.
• Seek legal counsel if you have any questions or concerns.
• Do not sign anything you do not understand.
• Maintain duplicates of all documents and correspondence related to your contract.

WE REPRESENT STUDENT-ATHLETES AND ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH NIL

As the sports world adapts to the new landscape of student-athletes and their rights to NIL, those in the industry need to know the best practices for handling these delicate negotiations.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and its member institutions are still working out the kinks regarding regulations surrounding student-athletes NIL.

Hiring a reputable Texas sports lawyer can help all parties, mainly students, navigate the confusing legislation and make the best decision for themselves.

At Ward +White, we have a team of experienced sports lawyers who can help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NIL negotiations. We constantly prioritize our customers’ best interests and will work relentlessly to get you the finest deal possible. Schedule your consultation with us today to find out how our experienced legal team can assist you.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED TEXAS SPORTS ATTORNEY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

With the advent of this new law, student-athletes can now take advantage of their fame and jumpstart their career in entertainment sports. If you are looking for a legal advocate to help you secure your negotiation deals, we can help you.

Our Texas sports lawyer can assist you with contracts, insurance, and other legal and endorsement matters. We have a deep understanding of the sports industry and can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Call us now at (469) 941-0040 to schedule your consultation with our Texas sports attorneys. Alternatively, you may also reach us by accomplishing our contact form.