The ability for student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) has created new opportunities—but also new risks. For many, these agreements can provide financial security, open doors to endorsements, and help build personal brands long before a professional career begins. At the same time, poorly drafted or incomplete NIL contracts can create serious problems. Without the right protections, an athlete can lose endorsements, jeopardize scholarships, or face disputes if an injury prevents them from fulfilling obligations.

Injury is one of the biggest threats to an NIL agreement. A student-athlete who gets hurt during a game, training, or even travel related to appearances may suddenly find their contract under scrutiny. Some agreements may have hidden clauses that reduce or cancel payments if performance or availability changes. Others may be unclear about what happens if a scheduled appearance or media shoot cannot be completed because of health issues. These uncertainties highlight the importance of resources likelawlayup.com, which explains how contracts intersect with injury and liability in the sports world.

Travel raises additional risks. If an athlete is injured while driving to a media event or while traveling across state lines, questions of jurisdiction and insurance can complicate matters further. Certain NIL clauses may even impact how medical coverage or future contracts are handled after an accident. In these cases, legal guidance is crucial to prevent disputes that could derail an athlete’s opportunities.

Another major concern is whether NIL sponsors cover catastrophic or career-ending injuries. Many contracts do not, leaving athletes exposed at the very moment they need protection most. Adding indemnity clauses or protective provisions can help safeguard an athlete’s value even if their athletic career is cut short. These issues overlap with the broader challenges of athlete safety and protection, as explored atathletecoverage.com.

To avoid these pitfalls, athletes need more than just enthusiasm when signing NIL deals—they need education. Tools and resources likerealnil.com provide step-by-step guidance on drafting contracts that protect both financial opportunities and long-term security. With the right support, NIL agreements can empower athletes rather than expose them.