Sports Law Clinic

The Sports Law Clinic is designed to educate student-athletes, coaches, and university officials on the legal implications of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. The clinic is staffed by second and third-year law students from Gonzaga University School of Law with a special interest in the intersection of sports, tax, intellectual property, and business law. We aim to be an all-in-one resource for those curious about NCAA regulations as well as state and federal laws concerning NIL.

At the Sports Law Clinic, we believe that all student-athletes, coaches, and university officials should be equipped with the knowledge to navigate today’s dynamic NIL landscape and to exercise good judgment when engaging with NIL opportunities. As such, our services are free.

What We Do

  • Inform student-athletes of their rights, legal obligations, and potential red flags to look out for when it comes to approaching NIL opportunities.
  • Educate coaches and university officials on current state, federal, and NCAA laws and regulations surrounding NIL to best help them guide their athletes.
  • Inform students on the possible tax consequences of engaging NIL opportunities.
 
  • Evaluate forthcoming NCAA rules and regulations, as well as state and federal laws concerning the tax, intellectual property, and business implications of NIL.
  • Consolidate policies into an easily communicable and digestible format for student athletes, coaches, and university officials.
 
  • Help student clinicians get involved in the sports industry.
  • Expose law students to policy research, business marketing, and client interaction.
 
PNW rock climbing view in the mountains.

Who is Eligible

Student-athletes, coaches, and university officials based in the state of Washington are encouraged to engage with the clinic’s services. In general, our services are best suited to clients who have an interest in or have an ongoing engagement with an NIL opportunity or stakeholder and need guidance in navigating that journey. At this time, the Clinic cannot accept applications from clients outside of Washington state.

How Do I Get Help from the Sports Law Clinic?

If you have questions or are interested in working with the Sports Law Clinic, please email mercado@gonzaga.edu  or call 509-313-5242 to leave a voice message. Members of the Sports Law Clinic can meet either in person, via telephone call, or by Zoom video call.
Downtown view of Spokane.

Community Engagement

The Sports Law Clinic is always looking for new ways to support Washington’s student athletes, coaches, and university officials. In addition to working with clients, we also host educational seminars in the Spokane area. If you would like to receive notifications on upcoming events, sign up for our mailing list.

We are always open to opportunities for collaboration. Please get in touch if you’re interested in partnering with the Clinic or would like to co-host an event.