College Track and Field provides various opportunities for student athletes. As the popularity of the sport increases, the intense and dedicated following of the sport grows. New regulations concerning name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes raise new opportunities and challenges for collegiate track and field athletes looking to monetize their brand.
Attorney Michael R. Hughes of The Hughes Companies understands how quickly the legal landscape in college sports is changing. He dedicates himself to working strategically with college athletes to maximize their opportunities and potential revenue. Our firm understands how to provide NIL support and negotiate agreements, including eligibility concerns, brand management, and compliance. Contact us today to schedule a call with a NIL attorney in Oregon.
Oregon and Nebraska NIL Laws
Oregon and Nebraska law prohibits college sports organizations and universities from restricting college athletes’ right to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness. These laws also establish that universities cannot sanction athletes or impose scholarship or grant requirements that would prohibit them from exercising their NIL rights. However, third parties can condition payment to athletes on the condition of attending a specific school. The Uniform Athlete Agents Act, lays down guidelines on how agents who represent athletes in endorsement or sponsorship contracts must act.
Why Track and Field Athletes Need Legal Representation
Like many other sports, track and field has recently received a new surge in popularity thanks to social media recognition and televised events like the Summer Olympics. The sport’s increased popularity has given track and field athletes at all levels of competition a new possibility of capitalizing on their name and likeness through opportunities like brand partnerships and sponsorships.
The University of Oregon’s track and field program is one of the best in the nation and is known for its winning record and impressive facilities at Hayward Field, which has hosted several NCAA championships and Olympic trials. Oregon’s track and field program is so influential and famous that Eugene, Oregon, has received the nickname TrackTown USA. The University of Nebraska also has a strong history in track and field, with both indoor and outdoor teams. Nebraska track and field athletes have always competed for and won championships. Both schools have produced numerous Olympians
Given Oregon and Nebraska’s reputation, college track and field stars must balance a rigid schedule of training with educational requirements. The Hughes Companies focuses on providing legal support for these athletes so they can focus on their athletic performance without being bogged down by legal responsibilities and conflict. College athletes are under an enormous amount of pressure to perform, but we can lighten the load by providing effective legal representation to promote their financial and career interests.
NIL Support for Track and Field Athletes
A NIL deal is an agreement where a third party compensates athletes for using their name, appearance, or likeness to promote their products or services. Our services are tailored to athletes who want to monetize their brand and include the following:
- Contract Negotiations – NIL contracts have several provisions regarding acceptable uses of the athlete’s brand. We can review any prospective NIL contract to help you receive fair compensation and make sure the agreement will not harm your reputation or long-term career prospects.
- Brand Management – Given the individual nature of the sport, track and field athletes rely highly on their personal image and brand for successful partnerships. We offer brand management services to align your brand’s image with audiences and promote new avenues for generating NIL revenues.
- Merchandise Branding – Merchandising opportunities provide additional revenue from products bearing your likeness. We can review merchandising agreements, negotiate for a fair cut of proceeds, and make sure any equipment respects your likeness and public image.
- NIL Compliance – The state of Oregon and Oregon universities have various NIL laws, policies, and regulations that govern how athletes can receive compensation from their brand. Falling out of compliance with these rules can bring legal trouble and jeopardize an athlete’s career. Third parties may also violate these laws, resulting in contract disputes.
- Career Planning – Track and field athletes can leverage NIL opportunities throughout their collegiate careers, as Olympians, and as they move to professional competition through organizations like the National Track and Field League. We can provide athletes with support and guidance for their post-college careers.
- Contract Modification & Dispute Resolution – If a third party violates any NIL contract or you wish to revise an existing agreement, The Hughes Companies can manage any dispute or modification process. We can regularly review your existing agreements and provide legal protection from improper or unfair contract clauses.
Why Choose The Hughes Companies for Athlete Representation
Attorney Michael R. Hughes has been protecting the interests of his clients for over 25 years. He has forged a reputation as a fierce advocate and business-savvy consultant. Mr. Hughes has sharp instincts that matter when making difficult decisions and a wide breadth of knowledge to draw upon in his work.
Thanks to his experience as an attorney and sports agent in Nebraska and Oregon, Mr. Hughes is uniquely attuned to the specific concerns facing collegiate athletes in today’s landscape. His client-centered approach to protecting athletes’ name, image, and likeness rights is what today’s top student athletes need to maximize their brand and earning potential. The Hughes Companies will pursue every avenue of opportunity for their clients while also protecting them from legal agreements that negatively impact their rights or future.
Protecting the Rights of College Athletes
College athletes deserve an attorney and NIL agent on their side who will represent their brand and protect their interests and well-being. When you work with us, you are working with more than just an attorney – you are working with a reliable advocate and consultant who will do everything to assist with your NIL contracts, revenue sharing agreements, and all your other legal needs, so you can focus on your game.
Contact The Hughes Companies online or call today to schedule an appointment with a track and field athlete serving Oregon.