Why Every Athlete Entering the NCAA Transfer Portal Needs Legal Representation
With the fall NCAA transfer portal already open for some sports, and coming soon for others, student-athletes face a fast-moving and high-stakes environment. The portal isn’t just a gateway to new programs or NIL earnings, it can be a legal, financial, and compliance minefield. Expert legal counsel is essential for athletes of every profile.
Beyond Athletic Choices: Major Legal Risks
Many think entering the transfer portal is a simple, transactional move. In reality, it’s a pivotal moment shaped by contracts, diverse state NIL laws, NCAA eligibility rules, and long-term brand impacts. Legal guidance isn’t just for superstars. Any athlete receiving a contract or offer needs professional review, regardless of the dollar amount.
Protecting Brand, Rights, and Eligibility
NIL contracts offered during transfers create significant risk for athletes. Without an attorney, you may unknowingly sign away vital intellectual property, such as your name, likeness, and voice. In some cases, we’ve seen this happen permanently or without proper compensation. Some deals contain clauses limiting endorsement opportunities or granting wide rights to third parties. Additionally, contracts often lack clear termination protections, leaving athletes exposed if things go wrong.
Navigating State Laws, NCAA Guidelines, and Taxes
Transferring under the portal means crossing a maze of state and NCAA NIL rules. What’s legal in one jurisdiction may threaten your eligibility in another. The complexity grows with tax liabilities, as NIL income is taxable and transferring can trigger unexpected state tax obligations. Many athletes (and their families) overlook these risks unless they seek legal advice.
Real-World Case: Why Representation Matters
There are too many examples, although none has received more visibility than Nico Iamaleava’s transfer from Tennessee to UCLA. Poor legal counsel can strip access to top transfer programs, weaker deals, and diminished market value.
Your Checklist Before Entering the Portal
Will your scholarships and financial aid continue after transfer?
Do NIL agreements transfer, or will you lose value or control?
Are there restrictive clauses in your portal or sponsorship contracts?
How do state law and NCAA changes affect your eligibility?
What risks do you face in brand and tax management if you transfer?
Christine Brown & Partners offers decades of experience guiding student-athletes through transfers, eligibility appeals, scholarship negotiations, and NIL contracts. Legal representation is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. Before making any move through the fall transfer portal, contact our team to ensure your rights, opportunities, and future are protected.
