The second window of the college football transfer portal opened this week, and it didn't take long to set a record—more than 3,330 players have entered the portal ahead of the 2025 season. While some seek a better fit or more playing time, many are motivated by one thing: money.
In today's landscape, the transfer portal has become a high-stakes marketplace for name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, where promises of lucrative sponsorships can lure athletes away from their current programs. But what's becoming clear—especially in high-profile cases like that of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava—is that rushed decisions without proper legal guidance can backfire.
Iamaleava's dismissal after a holdout over NIL negotiations is a cautionary tale. It underscores a harsh truth: even with revenue-sharing on the horizon, the legal framework surrounding NIL contracts is still woefully underdeveloped. Athletes face complicated terms that can have long-term implications—some of which resemble employment contracts, raising potential legal concerns for both athletes and institutions.
For example, contract clauses requiring athletes to pay a buyout fee if they transfer, or mandating they remain on a team roster, may appear to provide stability—but they also tiptoe dangerously close to treating athletes as employees. That opens the door to potential challenges under federal labor laws, and it could fundamentally shift the relationship between schools and student-athletes.
What's more troubling is how often athletes sign NIL contracts without fully understanding what they're agreeing to. Key deal terms—such as exclusivity, scope of NIL rights, permitted media usage, and contract duration—are often buried in fine print. Without legal representation or experienced agents, athletes may unwittingly lock themselves into restrictive agreements that limit future opportunities.
Imagine a player who transfers in hopes of landing better NIL deals, only to discover he's already granted exclusive rights to a sponsor from his prior school. That exclusivity could bar him from entering into more lucrative deals at his new program. These are not just hypothetical risks—they are real consequences of poor contract negotiation and lack of legal oversight.
At Saluja Law, we believe every student-athlete deserves credible, qualified legal representation in NIL matters. Whether it's reviewing a contract, advising on transfer-related negotiations, or simply helping athletes understand their rights, our goal is to ensure they make informed decisions in a fast-moving and complex marketplace.
As the NIL era matures, so too must the resources and safeguards available to athletes. With thousands of players making life-changing decisions this spring, one can only hope that the guidance they've received is as sound as the deals they're chasing.
If you're a student-athlete—or the parent, coach, or mentor of one—don't let your future be shaped by fine print. Let us help you protect your name, image, and likeness.