In the world of college and professional sports, the pursuit of NIL contracts is an essential part of an athlete’s career. These agreements, which allow athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, can be incredibly lucrative and form the foundation of a thriving career outside the field or court. However, as with any contract, they can sometimes hit snags, which could mean a series of poor communication, delayed or no payment or increased expectations from the contract you initially signed.
Below are a few points to help athletes at any level (high school, collegiate, or even professional) when things don’t go well between a partnership or contract. If you feel that something is off or things are going smoothly as your contract entails, here are a few steps athletes can take to navigate these challenges.
What to Do When Your NIL Contract Hits a Snag
Open Communication. The first step in addressing any issue with your NIL contract is to communicate openly and honestly with all involved parties. This means reaching out to your agent, the company or individual with whom you have the agreement, and any other relevant parties. And be persistent: don’t let days or weeks pass and you don’t hear from any of the parties that were involved in signing your contract, especially if you’re not getting paid!
Document Everything. If you’re facing issues with your NIL contract, it’s crucial to document everything. This includes emails, texts, and phone calls related to the contract, as well as any invoices or receipts you’ve received. This documentation will be essential if you need to pursue legal action. I’ve made it a habit to write everything, I mean everything down when it comes to business and my money. For example, if I get off a phone call or an in-person meeting where something is expected of me or another person, I make sure to follow up via email to document everything. I might start this email like:
“Hi Bill, I’m glad we got to connect today. Below are some of my notes from our chat….”
Understand Your Rights. Before taking any action, it’s important to understand your rights as an athlete. This includes knowing the terms of your contract and any relevant laws or regulations that may apply. For example, in some states, there are laws that govern how contracts must be handled. This also means reading every contract thoroughly before you sign it. If you don’t understand the terms, it’s important to work with a professional, like a lawyer who can walk you through legal terms or expectations that might be written in a cryptic way.
Seek Legal Advice. If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, it may be necessary to seek legal advice. An attorney who specializes in sports law can help you understand your options and take appropriate action. Once I had work with a lawyer to help me with a legal matter, not related to NIL. While it cost me a small fee, it ended up saving me a ton of money that I rightfully shouldn’t have had to pay.
Consider Other Opportunities. If you’re unable to resolve the issue with your current NIL contract, it may be time to consider other opportunities. This could involve seeking a new agreement with a different company or individual, or exploring other ways to monetize your name, image, and likeness. Don’t allow a bad partnership tarnish your brand, or ability to earn income with other willing partners. There are so many opportunities available for athletes.
Stay Focused. Finally, it’s important to stay focused on your sport and your career goals. While issues with NIL contracts can be frustrating, it’s important not to let them distract you from your ultimate objectives. When things get super stressful, this is the time to remember why you’re pursuing NIL opportunities. Maybe you’re looking to grow your brand and earn income on the side. Maybe you’re looking for ways to pay for school, support your family, or put money aside for a rainy day. Whatever the reason, make sure you don’t let a bad relationship turn you away from opportunities.
NIL contracts can be an essential part of an athlete’s career, especially with so many different ways to earn income. When issues arise, it’s important to address them promptly and professionally. By following these steps, athletes can navigate the challenges of NIL contracts and continue to thrive both on and off the court.