Sports • NIL • Revenue Share • Athlete Representation
Know Before
You Sign.
NIL, Revenue Share & Representation Agreements Can Have Lasting Consequences.
An exciting opportunity can come with a complicated contract.
Whether you’re considering an NIL deal, reviewing a college revenue-sharing agreement, or deciding whether to sign with an agent or other representative, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to—before you sign.
Donald Woodard, Esq. provides experienced legal counsel to athletes and their families, helping them understand agreements, protect their rights and make informed decisions about their future.
Already have an agreement you need reviewed? Tell us about it.
Practice areas
Before You Sign, Know What the Contract Actually Says.
How much you’re being paid matters. But so does everything else.
A contract may determine how and when you’re paid, how your name, image and likeness can be used, what other opportunities you can accept, how long you’re committed, what you owe an agent or representative, and what happens if circumstances change.
Donald advises athletes and families on:
NIL & Endorsement Agreements
What Donald reviews
- Compensation
- Deliverables
- Exclusivity
- NIL Usage
- Intellectual Property
- Contract Length
- Termination Rights
Revenue Share Agreements
What Donald reviews
- Guaranteed Compensation
- Payment Terms
- Conditions
- Athlete Obligations
- Contract Duration
- Rights & Restrictions
Agent & Representation Agreements
What Donald reviews
- Fees & Commissions
- Exclusivity
- Scope of Representation
- Contract Term
- Termination Rights
- Athlete Obligations
You worked hard to create the opportunity. Make sure you understand the agreement that comes with it.
The question every family asks
Do I Need an Agent, an Attorney—or Both?
It’s an important question, and the answer depends on your situation.
An agent
An agent or other representative may help identify opportunities, negotiate business terms, manage relationships and build your NIL opportunities.
An attorney
An attorney’s role is different.
Your attorney can review the legal terms of an agreement, explain the rights and obligations you’re accepting, identify provisions that deserve closer attention, negotiate contract language when appropriate, and help you understand the potential legal consequences before you sign.
And that includes agreements with the people who may represent you.
If you’re considering signing with an NIL agent, marketing representative or other advisor, independent legal counsel can review that agreement and help you understand exactly what you’re committing to.
Donald M. Woodard, Esq.DMW Consulting
Donald Woodard, Esq.
Experience at the Highest Level of NIL.
Donald Woodard is a nationally recognized transactional entertainment and sports attorney who represents high-profile athletes, world-renowned talent and companies in complex commercial transactions.
A recognized thought leader in Name, Image and Likeness, Donald has been at the forefront of protecting and advancing athlete rights as the business of college and high school sports has evolved.
His sports practice has included advising some of the most recognizable athletes of the NIL era, including Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, and negotiating millions of dollars in NIL, endorsement and sponsorship agreements on behalf of his clients.
His work has included athlete transactions involving major national brands such as Reebok, Puma, Coach, Pepsi, Amazon, Mercedes-Benz and others.
Before co-founding Carter+Woodard, Donald served as Chief Business Affairs/Deputy General Counsel for USA Track & Field, giving him experience with sports business and complex commercial transactions from both inside a national sports organization and as outside counsel to athletes.
Donald has been recognized by leading legal and entertainment publications, including Variety, Billboard and Georgia Super Lawyers.
But experience isn’t only about the size of the deal. It’s knowing what to look for when an athlete and family put a contract on the table.
Client stories
Real Situations. Real Stakes.
Every athlete’s situation is different. But one thing remains the same: The words in the contract matter.
For Parents & Families
They’re Thinking About the Opportunity. You’re Thinking About Everything Else.
Your athlete has worked for years to reach this moment.
Then an NIL opportunity, revenue-sharing agreement or agent contract arrives—and suddenly your family is navigating compensation, exclusivity, commissions, legal rights and contract terms that may be completely unfamiliar.
Sometimes, decisions need to be made quickly.
You don’t have to become an expert in NIL or contract law overnight.
Experienced legal counsel can help your family understand what’s being offered, what’s being required, what questions should be asked and what the agreement could mean beyond the immediate opportunity.
Before your athlete signs, make sure your family understands the agreement.
Questions
What Should I Know Before Signing?
Have an agreement in front of you?
Request a Consultation
Let’s make sure you understand it before you sign it.