Darren Heitner on LinkedIn: #linkedinsports (2024)

I get to be part of some really cool stuff.On July 1, 2021, I was asked to provide legal counsel surrounding the creation of the 1st #NIL collective to ever be formed.Since then, I have had the honor of assisting numerous collectives, providing guidance concerning their contracts, compliance with NCAA rules and state laws, and avoiding unnecessary legal exposure.This week, HEITNER LEGAL added a very strong collective to its client roster — Canes Connection — which has done a tremendous job working with athletes at the University of Miami.It’s a nice compliment to my teaching an NIL class at Miami Law School and work with Legends, which manages UM’s corporate sponsorship program.I’m excited to be engaged by this reputable NIL collective as I continue to work with athletes, brands, and agents in the space.#LinkedInSports

85

10 Comments

Comments from politicians, school presidents, journalists, coaches, and Sports Law experts signal that the fun isn't over if you get excited by the NCAA inviting legal exposure.It's the longer thought in this week's #NIL newsletter.#LinkedInSports

22

17 Comments

I get to be part of some really cool stuff.Social media influencer and dominant lacrosse player Mitchell Pehlke has been creating content since his freshman year of High School in 2016.He went to The Ohio State University where he continued to build his brand. Fortuitous timing allowed him to also benefit monetarily from #NIL.Pehlke was ambitious and recognized a remarkable business opportunity to sell merchandise surrounding his catch phrases. He was wise to think about protecting his intellectual property early into his entrepreneurial endeavors.He contacted HEITNER LEGAL and asked if my firm could assist with registering some #trademarks. One such trademark is “HIT THE FROG,” which just recently was registered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.Pehlke has a big following, including on TikTok where has has more than 107.5k followers. Now he also has the beginnings of a strong IP portfolio.#LinkedInSports

25

I get to be part of some really cool stuff.Today, On3 will host its "Elite Series," where 34 of the top 100 prospects in the 2025 college football recruiting class will learn best practices to exploit their names, images, and likenesses (#NIL).The athletes will hear from many people who have directly experienced the highs and lows of the past 3 years since the NCAA largely removed its prohibitions on college athletes making money to license certain rights.HEITNER LEGAL had the honor of reviewing and negotiating a contract that allows Haley and Hanna Cavinder (The Cavinder Twins) to serve an important role educating future college athletes about how NIL can empower them to become entrepreneurs."The duo announced their firstNIL dealwithBoost MobileinTimes Squareon the first day of college sports’ new era on July 1, 2021," wrote Pete Nakos of On3. "From there, they’ve used their combined social media following of more than five million to sign with brands likeRaising Cane’s,Victoria’s Secret PINKandChamps Sports."They have a lot to contribute to educating and advising future college athletes and I'm happy to have assisted in putting them in front of some of the most talented players who will soon be playing on Saturdays.https://lnkd.in/eJzikKY8#LinkedInSports

25

2 Comments

I get to be part of some really cool stuff.On May 23, the agent for Miles Kelly sent over a proposed #NIL collective contract for HEITNER LEGAL to review.As a side note, the vast majority of my firm's business comes from referrals and this was no different; an agent was asking us to help a talented college basketball player in the transfer portal review and negotiate a complex agreement.Kelly had played 3 years at Georgia Tech and viewed Auburn as the right destination when looking for a change of scenery. The key was ensuring there were no red flags in the longform agreement that was put in front of him to execute.s, the contract was fully reviewed and redlined and the LLC was eDiligence included eradictating one-sided language, removing ambiguity, and suggesting the player establish an LLC to contract in, furnishing his services, as opposed to signing in his personal capacity. Within a few days, the contract was fully reviewed and redlined and the LLC was properly structured to accomplish Kelly's goals.He was able to commit to Auburn with the confidence that he had the support necessary to get the job done, on and off the court.#LinkedInSportshttps://lnkd.in/enHgMmEN

50

2 Comments

House v. NCAA began on June 15, 2020.4 years later, a settlement, if confirmed by the court, will change college sports forever.This week's #NIL newsletter briefly looks at how this case started and what it may mean for the future. That, and much more.#LinkedInSports

51

24 Comments

I get to be part of some really cool stuff.Earlier this week, I heard the name Tyler Baron for the first time.It didn’t take me long to realize that he was one of the top prospects on the defensive line coming out of high school.He played at Tennessee before deciding it was time for a change of scenery. Apparently, he considered Ole Miss and then Louisville, but then decided Miami was the best fit for him.There can be complexities in navigating the NCAA’s transfer portal. As such, Tyler was seeking legal counsel and ultimately decided HEITNER LEGAL was the right fit.It required me working early mornings and long nights this week, but eventually we felt comfortable with Tyler making the switch to Miami, which is now official.I appreciate Tyler, the coaching staff at Miami, and his agent having trust in the support that my law firm could provide Tyler in a time-sensitive situation.https://lnkd.in/gTf6QnUD#LinkedInSports

33

2 Comments

I get to be part of some really cool stuff.Yesterday, I commented on HEITNER LEGAL helping with Angel Reese becoming an owner of a soccer team.Today, it was announced that my clients Haley and Hanna Cavinder have taken equity ownership in protein drink brand Slate Milk.My law firm assisted with the contractual work while Jeff Hoffman and Alexi Hecht did a tremendous job as the agents on the deal.The Queens of NIL are not only ambassadors for the delicious and nutritious beverage brand. They are proud owners of a startup that has amazing upside.The Cavinder Twins can make a much greater return on their investment than just taking a guaranteed sum of money in exchange for promotional activity."We are incredibly excited to partner with Haley and Hanna," said Manny Lubin, Co-Founder of Slate. "Haley and Hanna have done a remarkable job of becoming trailblazers in the new NIL partnership culture that we live in. They're hard-working, smart, and we think embody the gritty and underdog mentality we appreciate here at Slate. We couldn't be more excited to welcome the Twins onto the team as both investors and Slate athletes."I got to know Manny throughout the negotiation process and I’m very excited for all parties as this project pushes forward!https://lnkd.in/eT7TpGGs#LinkedInSports

136

9 Comments

I get to be a part of some really cool stuff.For instance, today it was announced that women's basketball star Angel Reese will be part of the ownership group for a new pro women's soccer team that is launching in Washington D.C."I want to help grow women's sports and elevate female athletes across the board," said Reese. "We're taking over, and I'm honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women's soccer in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) community."My firm played a small role and I'm thankful for having the opportunity to provide an assist.It came together quickly.On May 2, Angel's agent asked whether HEITNER LEGAL would be interested in reviewing and revising the agreement to grant Angel equity in the new soccer team.Little did I know that our redlines would be sent to someone on the other side whom I have known for years. Yes, the sports industry is very small.We got the deal done with speed, precision, and redlines that were fair to our client. And today, we celebrate Angel becoming a team owner!https://lnkd.in/e5vV4MeT#LinkedInSports

303

21 Comments