NIL Contract Mistakes Families Can’t Afford to Overlook
The NIL world is moving fast — and one bad contract can follow an athlete for the rest of their career. Predatory deals often hide dangerous clauses, and too many families don’t realize the long-term impact until it’s too late.
We dove into this topic on the PREP Athletics Podcast with Tom Bower of Athlete Advantage, a trusted voice in the NIL space. Tom’s firsthand experience working with athletes at every level reveals exactly what families must watch out for — and why hiring the right attorney is critical.
NIL Deal Red Flags Every Athlete Should Know
Cory: What’s an example where players and families make mistakes?
Tom Bower: “Look at the fine print in any type of deal. We’ve seen many that are above board and simple, but we also see predatory deals. Typically, those are mass marketing offers where the money isn’t great and they’re just reaching out to a ton of different athletes.”
Tom Bower: “In some cases, there are perpetuity clauses. That means if you sign, the company can use your name, image, and likeness forever. If you become a star, that same company could put your face on a billboard 10 years later and never pay you another dime.”
Coaching staff works together at a basketball training camp, focused on guiding athletes toward prep school and college opportunities.
Why Every NIL Contract Needs Legal Review
Cory: Can you get any lawyer to review these deals, or do you need one who knows NIL specifically?
Tom Bower: “For most deals, any contract attorney can explain what’s in it. They’re standard business contracts. The key is understanding the quid pro quo — what are you being asked to do, and what do you get in return? An attorney will point out if it’s just three social media posts — or three posts plus lifetime rights to your image.”
Choosing the Right NIL Attorney
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Cory: What about more complex deals? How can players find an attorney who really understands NIL?
Tom Bower: “There aren’t many NIL-specific attorneys yet. At Athlete Advantage we have attorneys who live and breathe this space, but any contract attorney can break down the basics. At the end of the day, it comes back to fairness: what’s expected of you, and what you’re receiving in return.”
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Protecting Athletes From NIL Contract Traps
Tom Bower: “The biggest advice I can give: have an attorney review every deal. We’ve seen businesses try to sneak in clauses with even the sons of high-profile athletes. If unchecked, those could cause major problems with no recourse years later.”
Final Word: Don’t Sign Away Your Future
KBC coaches and a student-athlete highlight the focused-on basketball development and college recruiting opportunities.
At PREP Athletics, I want families to approach NIL with confidence, not fear. Most NIL deals are straightforward and can be life-changing in a positive way. But one predatory contract can take advantage of a young athlete who didn’t know what to look for.
The lesson is simple: don’t sign anything without legal review. Protect your future now so the opportunities you work for actually pay off later.
If you have questions about prep schools, NIL contracts, or the right path forward, reach out — we’re here to help every step of the way.
If you’re looking into prep school, reach out to us at PREP Athletics. We’re here to help you explore your potential and make choices that align with your athletic and academic future. We’ve also got a long list of resources to get you started in the right direction, so check out our latest prep basketball updates on YouTube or our podcast to dive deeper.