Here at Rodriques Law, PLLC, we provide legal representation for college athletes. The sports industry has changed dramatically in a short time. Student athletes can now profit from their names and likenesses, while teams want to protect their trademarks and copyrights. Sports contracts can boost an athlete’s professional career and establish broadcasting partnerships and investments in film and television projects, but talented athletes need more than an agent to navigate the business.
Our skilled talent attorney at Rodriques Law, PLLC provides business, entertainment, and intellectual property counsel to athletes, teams, investors, events, corporate sponsors, media, and sporting goods manufacturers. A New York City sports lawyer represents clients in a range of matters from media rights agreements to endorsement deals.
One of the most exciting recent changes for college athletes is that they can now profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The NCAA previously restricted them from accepting compensation other than scholarships.
Endorsing or sponsoring products is a complicated legal relationship. Student athletes must notify their schools and follow local and state laws as well as rules outside of the NCAA, such as those imposed by the National Labor Relations Board and the International Olympic Committee. New York State’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) law, as codified at Section 6438-a of the New York Education Law, allows student-athletes to profit from their NIL without losing their scholarships or eligibility.
Do not short-change what you are worth if you are a college athlete with endorsement offers or are considering a pro contract.
The right contract can also forge a team’s relationship with broadcasters that pay for the right to air games. A New York City sports attorney can negotiate the best deal and draft, edit, or revise the contract a player, team, or broadcaster needs.
Contracts between sports teams and broadcasting companies now include less exclusivity for the right to air games thanks to the internet and the expansion of rights online. For example, millions of viewers recently watched European Union football league matchups on Facebook after it bought broadcasting rights.
Teams, stadiums, and corporations often partner as an advertising gambit. One example is MetLife’s agreement with the New York Jets and New York Giants to rebrand the New Meadowlands stadium as MetLife Stadium. The risk management firm Moody’s Corporation partnered with the teams to brand itself at MetLife Stadium events, including digital displays and in-bowl signage.
The sports industry is a big business, and a versatile New York sports attorney can help navigate the complicated and diverse components. At Rodriques Law, PLLC, our areas of representation include:
If you are an athlete or work in the sports industry, you should consider retaining an attorney. Set up a consultation with our New York City sports lawyer today.
Professional athletes’ careers can be unpredictable, so you must take advantage of your earning power now. If you are a talented college athlete, now is the time to profit from that endorsement offer. Team revenue often depends on partnerships with broadcasters, corporate sponsors, and advertisers. You should protect and license your intellectual property because branding is another revenue source for teams.
Maximize your career potential with expert legal support. Contact Donovan Rodriques today for a consultation and ensure your contracts and partnerships are working for you. Rodriques Law, PLLC can help when you need to incorporate your business and seek seed capital for your sports agency. No matter what your industry needs are, a New York City sports attorney offers competent and aggressive representation in all aspects of the business. Call now to learn what we can do for you.
