Everyone looks for the big red flags in NIL contracts. But the most dangerous clauses are the ones that look harmless:
“Standard” commission language
Undefined deliverables
Termination penalties
Exclusivity limitations
These aren’t mistakes. They’re leverage points, and if you don’t understand them, they work against you.
If you don’t know what a clause means, you can’t negotiate it. If you can’t negotiate it, you can’t protect yourself.
Athletes: if you don’t understand the deal, you’re better off not signing it until you get clarity.
Get the contract reviewed. Get the language explained. Get clarity before you get locked in.
