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Tag: college athlete

  • Can My College Take Away My Scholarship If I Sign a NIL Deal?

    One of the biggest fears for college athletes considering NIL deals is retaliation — specifically, losing their scholarship. Pennsylvania law directly addresses this concern.

    Scholarship Eligibility Is Protected

    Under Pennsylvania’s NIL law (Article XX-M), earning NIL compensation may not affect the athlete’s scholarship eligibility, duration, or renewal. Your school cannot revoke or reduce your scholarship simply because you signed an NIL deal.

    Grants-in-Aid Cannot Limit NIL Rights

    An athletics grant-in-aid or stipend scholarship from the institution may not be used to limit a student athlete’s NIL rights. Your scholarship agreement cannot be structured to take away your NIL rights.

    When Can a Scholarship Be Revoked?

    Scholarships can still be revoked for academic failure, violation of team rules or conduct codes, or violations of general student disciplinary standards. While your NIL activity cannot cost you your scholarship, poor grades or a code-of-conduct violation still can.

    What If the School Has a Conflicting Sponsorship?

    Schools can prohibit specific NIL deals that conflict with existing institutional sponsorship arrangements. But prohibiting the deal does not equal revoking your scholarship — only the specific NIL opportunity is restricted, not your financial aid.

    What Should Athletes Do Before Signing?

    • Review your school’s written NIL policies
    • Disclose the proposed deal to the designated school official if required
    • Consult a registered athlete agent or attorney about the contract terms

    Pennsylvania NIL Law – Official Legislative Text

    NCAA – Student Athlete NIL Information

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    What Should You Do Next?

    Pennsylvania law is complex and deadlines can be short. This article is general legal information — not legal advice specific to your situation.

    If you cannot afford an attorney, contact your local legal aid office. Time-sensitive legal matters require fast action.

  • Do I Need a Registered Athlete Agent to Sign a NIL Deal in PA?

    When you are a college athlete in Pennsylvania considering an NIL deal, you may wonder whether you need — or are even allowed — to have professional representation. Pennsylvania law has clear answers.

    Professional Representation Is a Protected Right

    Under Pennsylvania’s NIL law, no institution of higher education, the NCAA, or any athletic association may interfere with or prevent a college student athlete from obtaining professional representation related to their NIL rights. This includes both athlete agents and attorneys.

    Who Can Represent a Student Athlete in PA?

    • A registered athlete agent acting in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Athlete Agents Act (5 Pa.C.S. Chapter 35)
    • An attorney admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania

    Unregistered individuals cannot legally represent a college athlete in NIL contract matters. Any agency contract resulting from an unregistered agent’s work is void under Pennsylvania law.

    What Must Be in an NIL Agency Contract?

    Under Pennsylvania law, any contract by which a college student athlete authorizes an athlete agent to negotiate NIL compensation must include a statement that the contract does not obligate the student athlete to use the agent for any service beyond NIL representation. Agents cannot use an NIL contract to lock an athlete into broader representation deals.

    Can a Student Athlete Cancel Their Contract With an Agent?

    Yes. Pennsylvania law gives student athletes the unconditional right to cancel an agency contract within 14 days of signing — no questions asked and no penalties. This right cannot be waived. If you cancel, you are not required to pay or return any consideration the agent gave you to sign.

    PA State Athletic Commission – Agent Registry

    Pennsylvania Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act – Full Text

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    What Should You Do Next?

    Pennsylvania law is complex and deadlines can be short. This article is general legal information — not legal advice specific to your situation.

    If you cannot afford an attorney, contact your local legal aid office. Time-sensitive legal matters require fast action.