Today’s high school and college athletes can financially capitalize on their athletic talent. Oregon and Nebraska’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws allow students to sign agreements like Third Party NIL contracts, endorsement deals, and in the near future, revenue share agreements. However, the contracts you sign can shape your future—both on and off the field. With so much at stake, working with a skilled contract attorney is key.

The Hughes Companies’ experienced contract attorney can help protect your rights and define your obligations. Whether you’re reviewing your first sponsorship deal or navigating the terms of an NIL agreement, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.

Bad contracts can hold you back and negatively impact your future. The Hughes Companies can help you make informed decisions to maximize your opportunities.

Why Contracts Matter for Student-Athletes

Contracts are central to each step of your student-athlete journey. Understanding their legal implications is the best way to protect your rights.

Here’s how specific agreements can affect your career:

  • Endorsements and sponsorships: Endorsement contracts often come with detailed terms about usage rights, exclusivity, and performance obligations. These terms can have long-term implications for your career. 
  • NIL agreements with colleges or third-party platforms: NIL agreements allow athletes to profit from their personal brand. However, the terms must comply with NCAA and state regulations. If you don’t understand what you’re agreeing to, you might experience unintended financial or legal consequences.
  • Scholarship offers and athletic commitments: Scholarships include specific conditions related to athletic performance, academic standards, and team participation. Understanding your agreement helps avoid future disputes.
  • Revenue Share agreements: In the near future, student-athlete revenue share agreements will define the scope of your obligations to and compensation from the institution you attend. These are currently not governed by a collective bargaining agreement, so each student-athlete must be cautious when entering an agreement without legal guidance, you may unknowingly accept unfair terms or liability.

Contracts are often written in dense legal jargon and favorable to the party drafting the agreement.  Signing without a full understanding of the terms puts you at risk of agreeing to unfavorable conditions. You could lose control over your name and likeness, earn less than you deserve, and face legal action. For student athletes

The Hughes Companies translates legal language into clear, actionable advice so you can make informed decisions for your future.

Contract Law Services for Athletes

Our contract law services include:

  • NIL agreement review and negotiation
  • Revenue Share agreement review and negotiation 
  • Endorsement and sponsorship contract review and negotiation
  • Scholarship and athletic commitment agreement review
  • Intellectual property protection

For all your student-athlete contract needs, we can guide you through the process and help protect your interests and rights.

Why Choose The Hughes Companies?

Now that the NCAA allows student-athletes to earn compensation through their name, image, and likeness, and will soon be sharing revenue with student-athletes, many new opportunities abound. However, the complex contracts and changing NCAA regulations require knowledgeable legal guidance that non-attorney agents can not provide. Without strong legal representation, you could be at a disadvantage when negotiating with companies and universities.

Attorney Michael R. Hughes brings over 25 years of experience as a litigator and negotiator. Licensed and registered as an attorney and sports agent in both Oregon and Nebraska, he can advise on the best legal strategies designed to protect your interests and rights during contract negotiations.

When you work with The Hughes Companies, you’ll receive personalized guidance from sports agent and attorney Michael R. Hughes directly. We’ll keep you informed throughout the review and negotiation process, so you can feel confident in making the best decisions for your future.

Common Contract Issues for Student-Athletes

Without proper review and guidance, you could agree to terms that negatively impact your rights and earnings. Here are some of the most common contract issues for student-athletes:

  1. Unfair payment terms: Some agreements include clauses that unnecessarily withhold or delay payments. Payment terms should be clear and fair.
  2. Restrictive endorsement clauses: Contracts may include restrictions on partnering with other brands or using personal images outside of the agreement. These limitations can significantly impact your future endorsement opportunities. These may also interfere with future contracts with professional leagues. 
  3. Ambiguous language: Vague terms and unclear provisions can lead to disputes later on. Precise language helps avoid misunderstandings and protect your interests.
  4. Non-compliance with NIL regulations: Agreements that do not comply with NCAA rules or state NIL laws could jeopardize your eligibility or lead to penalties.
  5. Failure to protect intellectual property: Contracts must include protections for your name, image, and likeness to prevent unauthorized use and exploitation.

Steps to Protect Yourself as a Student-Athlete

Considering an offer is an exciting time—but unless you’re a contract attorney, it’s easy to misunderstand an agreement. Avoid agreeing to unfair contracts by following these steps:

  1. Always review agreements with a qualified contract attorney.
  2. Understand your rights under NIL laws in Oregon or Nebraska.
  3. Don’t rush to sign. Prioritize fairness and long-term benefits.
  4. Ask questions about any unclear terms.
  5. Prioritize the protection of your personal brand.

The Hughes Companies can comb through your agreements, protect your rights, and provide guidance so you can make the most of these opportunities.

The Risks of Signing Unfair Contracts

Many contracts include hidden terms or unfavorable provisions that may not be immediately obvious, especially to someone unfamiliar with legal language. Once a contract is signed, it is legally binding. You may not be able to reverse the terms later.

One of the biggest risks of an unfair contract is financial loss. For example, contracts with unclear payment terms might delay or reduce the compensation you’re entitled to. In other cases, restrictive clauses may limit your ability to partner with other brands or pursue new endorsement opportunities. Contracts that fail to comply with NCAA or state NIL regulations could jeopardize your eligibility to compete or retain scholarships.

If you’ve already signed a contract and suspect it contains unfair terms, all hope is not lost. The Hughes Companies can review the agreement, identify problematic clauses, and determine whether there is any legal recourse available. It may be possible to renegotiate the contract. Alternatively, you may be able to terminate the agreement or seek damages for any harm caused.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid signing an unfair contract is to seek legal guidance before committing.

Secure Your Athletic Future with The Hughes Companies

The Hughes Companies combine legal experience with insight from a licensed sports agent. Don’t risk signing a bad deal—when you or your child are offered a student-athlete agreement, get help from our firm. Call us today to learn how we can help protect your future.