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  • NIL & Sports Law

    • What Is NIL in High School and College Sports?

      NIL stands for name, image and likeness. It refers to an athlete's right to earn money from their own name and brand through endorsements, promotional activities, social media content, and running camps, clinics or private lessons. The rules differ for high school athletes, college athletes and professionals, and they continue to change, so it is important to check the current rules before signing anything.

    • Can High School Athletes in Maryland Make NIL Money?

      Yes, within limits. The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) allows high school athletes to earn money from their own name, image and likeness. They cannot use their school's name, logo, mascot or uniform in NIL activity, and certain products, including alcohol, tobacco, gambling and weapons, are off limits.

    • Can a Coach or School Offer NIL Deals to Recruit a High School Athlete?

      No. Under MPSSAA guidance, school employees, contractors and volunteers may not promise NIL opportunities to entice a student to transfer to or attend their school, and may not provide financial benefits tied to a student's NIL. Families offered NIL incentives in a recruiting situation should get legal advice before responding.

    • Can an NIL Deal Make an Athlete Ineligible?

      It can. Under MPSSAA guidance, a high school athlete who loses amateur status may be deemed ineligible and must wait 60 school days before asking for reinstatement through the MPSSAA Appeals Committee. Following MPSSAA rules also does not guarantee eligibility under NCAA or other athletic organizations' rules, so athletes with college plans should review any deal against those rules too.

    • Does NIL Income Affect Financial Aid or Taxes?

      It can. NIL income may affect need-based college financial aid and may have tax consequences. Athletes and families should talk with a financial aid office and a tax professional, as well as an attorney, before accepting a deal.

    • Why Should an Attorney Review an NIL Contract?

      NIL contracts can include terms that are easy to overlook, such as exclusivity, how long the deal lasts, payment schedules, how and when either side can end it, who controls the athlete's content and brand, and restrictions that conflict with school or athletic association rules. An attorney can review the agreement, negotiate better terms, and flag compliance problems before you sign.

    • Who Does Emejuru Law Represent in NIL and Sports Law Matters?

      Emejuru Law, based in Silver Spring, Maryland, with a Baltimore office, advises student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff, universities and athletic programs, NIL collectives, agencies, and businesses and sponsors in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

    • What Should I Do if an NIL Deal Goes Wrong?

      Gather everything in writing, including the contract, messages, payment records and any content you created, and speak with an attorney quickly, since contract deadlines and eligibility appeal windows can be short. Emejuru Law handles NIL dispute resolution and litigation. To talk with the firm, call (240) 607-5552 or schedule a consultation.

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