Who We Serve
Athletes & NIL Companies
Bonfire Legal helps college athletes protect eligibility, maximize opportunities, and build sustainable personal brands in the evolving name, image, likeness landscape.
We provide trusted, independent legal advocacy, so athletes never sign deals they don’t fully understand.
The Bonfire Legal Approach
Athlete-First Legal Representation
Bonfire Legal’s Sports & NIL practice is designed for college athletes who want clarity, confidence, and protection — not pressure.
Bonfire Legal specializes in assisting:
College athletes (D1 and D2) pursuing NIL opportunities
Student-athletes reviewing their first brand or endorsement deal
Athletes navigating complex or long-term NIL agreements
Parents and families seeking independent legal guidance
Athletes building personal brands beyond the playing field
Most college athletes enter NIL negotiations without meaningful legal guidance. Deals are often presented as “standard,” contracts are rushed, and the long-term consequences (exclusivity, IP ownership, post-eligibility restrictions) are rarely explained in plain language.
Bonfire Legal takes a different approach.
Our NIL practice is built on education, protection, and strategy. We don’t just review contracts, we teach athletes how the NIL ecosystem works, what market-standard terms look like, and how today’s deal decisions impact future opportunities in sports, media, and business.
Athletes & NIL Companies
How We Support Athletes
Our NIL practice is built to empower athletes with the legal tools, knowledge, and protection needed to take control of their brand and future.
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NIL opportunities move quickly, and the fine print matters. We review and negotiate endorsement, collective, and marketing agreements to protect your compensation, eligibility, and long-term brand value. Our goal is to make sure every deal is clear, fair, and aligned with your future.
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NIL rules are layered and constantly evolving. We help athletes navigate NCAA, conference, institutional, and state requirements so opportunities do not jeopardize eligibility. With a practical understanding of compliance, we focus on protecting both your current status and future options.
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Your name, image, and likeness are valuable assets. We draft and negotiate sponsorship, licensing, and endorsement agreements that allow you to monetize your brand while maintaining control over how it is used. Every agreement is structured to support growth, flexibility, and long-term value.
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Your personal brand may be one of your most important assets. We advise on trademark strategy and registration to protect names, logos, and slogans associated with your NIL activities. Proactive protection strengthens your brand and reduces the risk of future disputes.
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Not every athlete will need to establish a business entity for their NIL activities, but some may benefit from having a proper structure in place. Bonfire Legal helps athletes determine whether an entity makes sense for their situation, select the right structure, and set it up correctly from the start - keeping the athlete's end goals in mind.
Atheletes & NIL Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
NIL opportunities move fast, and athletes are often asked to make important legal and financial decisions with limited time and information. These FAQs are designed to provide clarity—not shortcuts. Every athlete’s situation is different, and NIL agreements can carry long-term consequences. If you’re facing a specific contract or compliance issue, personalized legal guidance can make all the difference.
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Eligibility mistakes can end your season before it starts, and most of them are preventable. NIL deals can put your eligibility at risk if they involve pay-for-play arrangements, agreements tied to enrollment decisions, or contracts with boosters that cross into impermissible territory. NCAA rules allow athletes to earn NIL compensation, but the details matter, and the rules vary by school, conference, and state. Before you sign anything, make sure it has been reviewed by someone who knows what to look for. We can walk through your specific deal and help you stay protected and eligible.
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A lot of athletes sign NIL contracts that seem fine on the surface but contain terms that quietly limit their options down the road. A fair deal should clearly spell out how your name, image, and likeness will be used, how long the agreement lasts, what you are getting paid, and what happens when it ends. Watch for vague image rights, one-sided termination clauses, and non-competes that are broader than they need to be. If you are not sure whether what you have been offered is fair, you should not have to guess. Bonfire reviews NIL contracts regularly and can help you understand exactly what you are agreeing to before you put your name on it.
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Whether you need an LLC depends on your situation, and getting that answer wrong can cost you more than you realize. An LLC can separate your personal finances from your business activity, simplify taxes, and help you look more credible to sponsors. But it also comes with setup costs and ongoing filing requirements that are not always worth it for every athlete. The right move depends on how much you are earning, what kinds of deals you are doing, and where you are headed. We can help you think through the structure that actually makes sense for your NIL business, not just the one that sounds right.
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Your name and brand are assets, and if you are building something real with your NIL, they deserve protection. A trademark gives you exclusive rights to your name or logo in commerce, keeps others from cashing in on your identity, and strengthens your position when negotiating with sponsors. The process takes time, typically over a year, so the sooner you start, the better. Not every athlete needs one right now, but if you are actively building your brand through content, merchandise, or endorsements, it is worth having a conversation about. We can help you figure out whether now is the right time to file and what the process actually looks like for you
Personalized Legal Guidance for Student-Atheletes
Get Legal Clarity Before You Commit
NIL deals can create incredible opportunities, but only when they’re structured correctly and fully understood. If you’ve been offered a contract, are considering a brand partnership, or simply want clarity before moving forward, Bonfire Legal is here to help.