NIL and the Shifting Legal Landscape of College Sports

In response to the groundbreaking changes in college sports and the new–found freedom of student–athletes to commercialize and sell rights to their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”), Foley’s Sports & Entertainment Group has formed a multi–disciplinary task force comprised of attorneys who are actively engaged in advising various stakeholders through their emergent needs. In the next installment of Foley’s “Business of Sports” series, Foley’s NIL Task Force will lead a 1.5 hour program on the legal and business issues exploding across the college sports landscape, including the latest developments around NIL and the drive to characterize college athletes legally as employees of their respective schools.

Part 1:  Foley’s Legal Take

During the first half of the program, Foley NIL Task Force members will review the current legal landscape in college sports and the latest developments. The discussion will include a review and analysis of:

• The U.S. Supreme Court’s Alston decision
• The patchwork of state NIL laws in effect and currently under consideration, and how the rollout of NIL rights is working in practice
• Federal legislation currently under consideration on NIL and other “rights” of college athletes
• The trickle–down effect of NIL developments on high school sports and athletes
• The escalating legal fight to characterize college athletes as employees of their schools

Part 2:   A View from the Frontlines

During the second half of the program, Foley lawyers will lead a roundtable discussion with our knowledgeable group of special guests (see below) who represent a cross–section of interests in college sports and will offer first–hand experiences with the changing paradigms. 

Special Guests

• Peter Mastrostefano, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, PUMA North America
• Beong-Soo Kim, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, USC
• Ronald Slavin, NFL Agent, Sportstars, Inc.
• Blake Lawrence, Co–Founder/CEO, OpenDorse

Hosts

• Jon Israel, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Kevin Schulz, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Byron J. McLain, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Rick Horrow, Adviser, Author, Sport Business Handbook: Insights from 100+ Leaders who Shaped 50 Years of the Industry
• Gregory A. Marino, Special Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Andy Lee, Of Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP

CLE Information

CLE credits will be applied for in all applicable states. Foley & Lardner LLP certifies that this activity has been approved for California MCLE Credits by the State Bar of California. Foley & Lardner LLP is a State Bar of California MCLE approved provider.