Sports Law, Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Compliance

Comprehensive Legal Counsel for NIL Opportunities in Collegiate and Professional Sports

The legal landscape for collegiate and professional athletes is evolving rapidly with the emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. O’Neill & Borges’ dedicated NIL Practice Group provides full-service legal guidance to athletes, universities, brands, and agencies navigating this complex and high-growth area.

Our attorneys bring together deep experience in sports law, intellectual property, corporate, and contract law to support clients in building, monetizing, and protecting their personal brands—while remaining compliant with NCAA rules, institutional policies, and jurisdictional regulations.

Tailored Legal Services for NIL Participants

We offer a wide range of NIL-related legal services, including:

• Structuring and negotiating endorsement deals and NIL agreements
• Advising on NCAA, university, and state-level NIL compliance
• Trademark registration and intellectual property protection for personal brands
• Dispute resolution, litigation, and enforcement of NIL rights
• Legal risk analysis and strategic NIL monetization planning

Integrated, Multidisciplinary Support for Long-Term Success

Clients also benefit from the breadth of experience across O’Neill & Borges’ full-service legal platform, including:

• Tax & Estate Planning: Helping athletes and influencers protect and grow long-term wealth
• Corporate Law: Structuring athlete-owned businesses, licensing entities, and investment vehicles
• Employment & Labor: Advising on agency relationships, employment matters, and regulatory compliance
• Real Estate: Supporting athletes and representatives with relocation, investment, and property acquisition
• Litigation & Arbitration: Defending client interests in disputes related and unrelated to NIL

Whether you’re an athlete building your brand, a university shaping its NIL compliance strategy, or a sponsor entering the NIL marketplace, our team delivers strategic, practical, and forward-thinking legal guidance tailored to your goals.