Nic Mayne

Welcome to Nixon Peabody, @maynenic! Nic is joining our Corporate practice and Entertainment and Sports & Stadiums teams as counsel. nixonpeabody.com/about/media/20…

Thanks @Sportico for highlighting my exciting move to @NixonPeabodyLLP’s Entertainment & Media and Sports & Stadiums teams.

BREAKING: @MrBeast has purchased the jersey patch rights of the @hornets. Will use logo of his confectionery company @Feastables, which has sold millions and millions of chocolate bars actionnetwork.com/nba/mr-beast-c…

We had a blast hosting the @SportsLawyers Association last night for a @SeattleKraken game at @ClimateArena! Thanks to those who joined us in the MN suite for another Kraken win! #SportsLaw #Seattle #SeaKraken

Back the Bluff Launches as University of Portland’s First Donor-Led NIL Collective | via @PortlandPilots portlandpilots.com/news/2022/12/1… @sleykam #NIL

Thanks @ABABankers for sharing our #NIL insights. Financial institutions are big sports sponsorship spenders - I expect the same will become true in the NIL world.

In an article for College Athletics and the Law, @MaxForer and @maynenic discuss the new trend of schools hiring #NIL general managers or marketing agencies, and the benefits and risks that come along with that approach: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.10…. #NameImageLikeness #SportsLaw

@CWilcoxson @heitner Agreed, though most institutions are public entities, so perhaps slightly less unique than it would be with a private business. Legislation protects certain interests of those public entities in addition to the rights of student athletes.

@maynenic @heitner So then the primary function of the disclosure is to protect the school’s contractual relationships and IP rights. And instead of making them react to interference/infringement of those rights, they get to review a contract they’re not a party to and say yes/no. A unique setup.

When pro athletes sign #NIL deals, they aren't required to disclose the contracts to third parties. In fact, it could be a violation of agreements' confidentiality clauses. Why should college athletes be required to disclose NIL deals? How do athletes benefit from disclosure?

@heitner Not saying it is a great justification for the disclosure requirements, just one that has some merit. Have also seen this come up with some of the “sin industry” deals that violate institution policy. Surprising how many of those brands have no idea they can’t do NIL deals.

@heitner Likely few if any, but my sense is there are definitely instances where the disclosure has provided an opportunity to educate the SA on policies. ie - this NIL contract requires you to wear X brand except during team activities, here is how the school defines team activities.

@CWilcoxson @heitner Brands with institution level deals certainly are, but smaller brands looking for NIL ambassadors may not be. And especially in states where pre-signing disclosure is required, gives institutions an opportunity to point out what isn’t permitted so athlete can reform their deal.

@maynenic @heitner The brands are aware of these state laws and have no excuse not to be. If they’re approaching an athlete at a competitor-sponsored schools to offer a deal that would violate state law, there is a big problem.

This is an excellent series - based on my experience, this paints a very accurate picture of agent life and the Wild West of recruiting and retaining clients. As I’ve been saying to those I know in the #NIL space - hockey is your crystal ball into the future of amateur sports.

As #NIL rights for student-athletes turn 1, I’m proud to have been able to work with our collective and institution clients on a number of groundbreaking deals, including many focused specifically on generating NIL opportunities for women’s teams.

Our sports, entertainment & media team recently assisted @omorpho_fit, a cutting-edge #startup athletic equipment co., in navigating the legal challenges associated with launching an innovative new business. Read more about this fast-moving partnership: lnkd.in/eNwdXBXr.

Thanks @VidCon - had an awesome couple days learning about our creator industry clients’ businesses (and checking out the giant @MrBeast/@Feastables gumball machine). #VidCon #VCUS22

Another innovative #NIL activation from our friends at Division Street. Great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of #TitleIX #TitleIX50

Great to be part of this panel on #NIL - happy to chat further with athletic directors facing these emerging issues.

So true - major issue to watch. There are ways of operating a 501(c)(3) #NIL collective. But a majority of the current 501(c)(3)s have used EZ form applications (not IRS audited) and many have questionable purposes (despite advertising to donors that contributions are deductible)

That's a wrap! @MaxForer and @MayneNic had a great time this week at the #NILSummit in Atlanta. We look forward to continuing our work, providing education and guidance, and supporting what's next for #CollegeAthletes, schools, brands, and others in the industry. #ImARealFan