Posts

Lets Talk About NIL: Families Are Part Of The NIL Ecosystem

Families have been navigating value, leverage, and risk in college sports long before NIL was ever legalized. They were doing the work quietly, strategically, and often without any institutional support because the system left them no alternative. Where I think the...

Lets Talk About NIL: What Exactly Are You Leaving? The Transfer Portal Dilemma

When you enter the portal, UNDERSTAND that your current contract with your current school MATTERS!! Read the contract! Before entering the portal, athletes need to understand: your current contracts still matters. You need clarity on: Scholarship terms and what...

Lets Talk About NIL: Who’s Paying For My Fees? The Transfer Portal Dilemma

When you enter the portal, the biggest question isn’t just “Who wants me?”, but “Who is covering the cost of my move?” Before committing, athletes need clarity on whether the new school will step in to cover: Termination fees from your current NIL deals, buyout...

NIL Tax Series: What You Should Be Aware Of – International Tax For The International Athlete (Part 9 of 10)

Can’t forget about our international athletes. International athletes need to be more aware of their NIL deals than any other athlete, your NIL income doesn’t just impact your taxes it can impact your immigration status.For F‑1 visa holders, the wrong NIL activity can...

NIL Tax Series: What You Should Be Aware Of – The Business of NIL (Part 8 of 10)

If you’re making consistent money through NIL, you need to see start thinking of yourself as a business. And just like any business, you need to be thinking about tax compliance, documentation, risk, and mitigation.We’ve all seen the long list of athletes and...

NIL Tax Series: What You Should Be Aware Of – Self-Employment Tax (Part 7 of 10)

I know it sucks when you land a big NIL deal but remember you still have to pay federal and state taxes. And self employment tax.The tax nobody talks about, self-employment tax can significantly impact an athlete's tax liability. When you earn NIL income, the IRS...

NIL Tax Series: What You Should Be Aware Of – NIL And Business Deductions (Part 6 of 10)

ATTENTION ATHLETES, the IRS created business deductions to provide tax relief to individuals (and businesses) by allowing them to deduct certain expenses from their taxable income. You’re not dogging the tax man, the IRS wants you to use the deductions.Travel...

NIL Tax Series: What You Should Be Aware Of – State And Local Tax (Part 5 of 10)

Gotta be honest with athletes, state and local tax (SALT), is complex and can be a serious problem if you’re not paying attention.The state also wants their cut. Most states impose their own state tax. The tax rates vary with 13.3% 11% and 10.9% being the...

NIL Tax Series: What You Should Be Aware Of – To LLC Or To Not LLC, That Is The Question? (Part 4 of 10)

Having a business structure as a student athlete might not be a bad idea. They offer many advantages, and depending on the structure could be a great tax saving vehicle.The most common entity structure I see are LLCs. BUT, does that mean an LLC always make sense?...