By Ambrose Moses III, Esq.
The game has changed. As of July 1, 2021, any student athlete enrolled in Ohio colleges and universities is allowed to earn compensation from their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”).
Pursuant to S.B. 187 and Executive Order 2021-10D, students in Ohio are allowed to obtain professional representation in relation to contracts or legal matters regarding opportunities to earn compensation for use of the student’s name, image, or likeness. They will be required to inform their college or university of any contracts they enter. The law and executive order also prohibit those colleges or universities from preventing a student from participating in athletics or otherwise punishing them as a result of earning such compensation.
So, what does that all mean?
First, it means “education, education, education”. Beginning in high school, students, student-athletes, parents, families, and friends should consider learning 1) the rules related to name, image, and likeness, 2) about brands, 3) about business, 4) what is a complete LLC, 5) what is professional representation, 6) why does one need legal representation, 7) what is a contract, and 8) what are NIL Deals (i.e. opportunities to be compensated for use of the student’s name, image, or likeness).
Second, it means that students who know how to code software, develop websites, write stories, draw art, build social media personas, create digital designs, record and edit videos, perform and produce music, choreograph a dance, bring people together, mobilize people for a cause, and more, can establish businesses and help to build the NIL Deal ecosystem and be compensated as well.
Third, it means that students, student-athletes, families, professional advisors, businesses, colleges, and communities must think and act strategically to minimize harmful exploitation and to maximize the positive opportunities provided by the NIL Deal ecosystem.
It all begins with education, education, education.
AXR NIL Solutions, LLC’s mission is to educate and empower those interested in the NIL Deal space “From Brand, to Business, and Beyond.” Register at axrnilsolutions.com to get more information.
Ambrose Moses III, Esq. is a lawyer whose professional mission is to promote legal, social, and economic justice for all. Contact: ambrosemoses.com
