From The Erramilli Law Group – Atlanta’s Trusted Advocates for Athletes in the NIL Era

The world of college & high school athletics is changing rapidly. With the recent NCAA House settlement, student-athletes now face both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges when it comes to their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. However this area is quickly being “regulated by litigation” (or in other words being regulated through court decisions). At Erramilli Law Group, we are litigators who understand what to take from the existing and future court rulings which will shape this industry. We are committed to guiding athletes, families, and programs through this evolving landscape. We ensure they understand the rules, avoid costly mistakes, and secure fair agreements that protect their future.

What Happened: The NCAA Settlement

Recently, a major settlement in the case of NCAA vs. House reshaped the landscape for college & high school athletes and their ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

One key takeaway: while interest in athletes has never been higher, the education and guidance around NIL deals often lags behind. This leaves many student-athletes at risk of signing unfavorable agreements.

Here’s what the settlement changed:

  • More money flowing into schools – Institutions now have greater financial resources available to support athletes.
  • Boosters can contribute more – Prominent athletes may see significant offers from boosters, though the rules around who qualifies as a “booster” remain unclear and what processes are in place to validate those contributions..
  • Non-booster entities face no limits – Major brands like Nike or other corporate sponsors have no cap on what they can pay athletes.
  • Scholarships replaced by roster caps – Traditional athletic scholarships are evolving into roster limits, altering how athletes secure their place on a team across all major sports.

The Problems Athletes Face

While the settlement creates opportunities, it also raises new challenges and unanswered questions:

  • What does “arm’s length” really mean? There’s ambiguity around whether deals need to be independent of boosters and how close financial ties can be.
  • How do we measure a booster? The NCAA has not clearly defined metrics for distinguishing a booster from a general supporter or sponsor, creating legal gray areas.

This uncertainty puts athletes in a difficult position by trying to maximize opportunities while avoiding compliance issues that could jeopardize their careers.

How We Help

At Erramilli Law Group, we guide institutions, agents, and athletes, through this shifting NIL landscape. Our team provides:

  • Clear understanding of the rules– We explain what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to NIL deals.
  • Contract protection– Before you sign, we help you understand the fine print, so you don’t get trapped in unfair agreements.
  • Negotiation & litigation support– Whether structuring a deal or resolving disputes, we advocate for your best interests.

The NIL era is full of opportunity, but only if athletes approach it with the right education and legal support. We’re here to make sure you don’t just get a deal, but the right deal.

Why Choose The Erramilli Law Group

With years of experience in litigation, sports law and contract negotiation, our legal team understands today’s NIL landscape. We work closely with athletes, families, and industry experts to ensure every deal is fair, compliant, and aligned with long-term goals.

If you or your athlete is navigating NIL opportunities or facing uncertainty around contracts, contact The Erramilli Law Group at 650-503-9314. You don’t have to face this shifting landscape alone. We’re here to protect your rights and secure the opportunities you deserve.