Building a Complete Athlete Support Team

The NIL era has created opportunities for student-athletes unlike anything seen before. From brand partnerships and endorsements to social media monetization and appearances, athletes are no longer just players on the field—they are entrepreneurs, influencers, and business owners. With that comes complexity. No single professional can handle everything, which is why attorneys, agents, and financial advisors often work together as part of a complete athlete support team.

Understanding how these professionals collaborate can help athletes and their families make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

The Role of NIL Attorneys

NIL attorneys focus on legal protection. Their responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and negotiating contracts.
• Ensuring compliance with NCAA, state, and school policies.
• Protecting intellectual property, such as trademarks or personal branding.
• Safeguarding athletes against predatory clauses, scams, or unfair terms.

Think of attorneys as the defensive line for an athlete’s career—they block legal risks before they can cause damage.

The Role of NIL Agents

Agents serve as the deal makers. Their responsibilities include:

• Identifying sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Pitching athletes to companies and brands.
• Negotiating compensation, deliverables, and timelines.
• Helping athletes grow their public profile and secure new deals.

Agents drive opportunities forward, but they do not always handle the fine print—that’s where attorneys step in to review and protect.

The Role of Financial Advisors

Financial advisors focus on long-term money management. They help athletes:

• Create budgets for unpredictable NIL income.
• Plan for taxes and quarterly estimated payments.
• Invest earnings for long-term growth.
• Protect wealth through insurance and risk management strategies.

Advisors ensure that the money athletes earn today contributes to financial security tomorrow.

Why Collaboration Matters

These three roles overlap but are not interchangeable. When they collaborate, athletes benefit from a full-circle approach:

• Agents find opportunities.
• Attorneys ensure contracts are fair and compliant.
• Advisors help manage and grow the income.

Without this collaboration, athletes may face one-sided deals, tax headaches, or missed long-term opportunities. A strong team ensures every decision supports both short-term success and lifelong stability.

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

It’s important to remember that not all professionals have the same incentives. An agent may be motivated to close deals quickly, while an attorney’s job is to slow down and review carefully. Advisors may push for financial planning when an athlete is focused on brand-building. These different perspectives can sometimes create tension—but when managed well, they balance each other out.

The key is transparency and communication. Athletes should know exactly what each professional’s role is, how they are compensated, and how they will work together.

Building Your Own Support Team

For athletes and families, the takeaway is simple: don’t rely on one professional to do it all. NIL is too complex. Instead, build a team where each member brings expertise:

• An agent to open doors.
• An attorney to protect your rights.
• A financial advisor to grow and preserve your wealth.

Together, they create a safety net and a growth plan for both your athletic career and life beyond sports.

Final Word

Athletes are not just signing contracts—they are running businesses built on their name, image, and likeness. To succeed, they need more than enthusiasm; they need a team. Attorneys, agents, and advisors each play a unique role, and when they collaborate, athletes are protected, empowered, and positioned for lasting success.

Before you sign your next deal or open your next opportunity, ask yourself: Do I have the right team around me?