Sports Law: Protecting Athletes On and Off the Field

The world of sports is not just about competition, it’s a business. From professional athletes to collegiate competitors, today’s athletes must navigate contracts, endorsements, branding opportunities, and financial decisions that can have long-term impacts on their careers, their lives and their families. At McDonough Law Group, our Sports Law practice is designed to provide practical, strategic guidance that helps athletes protect their interests and plan for the future.

Our team assists with a wide range of sports-related legal needs, including contract review and negotiation, endorsement and sponsorship agreements, business formation, and dispute resolution. We also help athletes protect and grow their personal brands through trademark registration and licensing, ensuring their name, image, and likeness are properly safeguarded. Beyond the playing field, we provide guidance on estate planning, asset protection, and long-term financial strategies tailored to each client’s goals.

For example, a college athlete entering into a name, image, and likeness endorsement deal may need help reviewing contract terms to ensure fair compensation, protect their rights, and avoid restrictive provisions that could limit future opportunities. Having experienced legal counsel involved early can make a significant difference in protecting both short-term earnings and long-term career flexibility.

Similarly, athletes who are building a personal brand may want to trademark their name, logo, or slogan. Our team can guide them through the trademark process, helping ensure their brand is protected as they grow their presence through sponsorships, merchandise, and media opportunities. This type of protection is critical in today’s evolving sports landscape.

D. Scott Slawson brings a background in sports law, including a Certificate of Specialization in Sports Law from Tulane Law School. He works with athletes on contract negotiations, endorsements, and the unique legal challenges that arise in the sports industry. With a strong understanding of both the legal and business sides of athletics, Scott helps clients make informed decisions that protect their careers and professional interests.

We also work closely with athletes on strategic tax planning. With income often coming from multiple sources, contracts, endorsements, appearances, and business ventures, tax obligations can quickly become complex. Crystal J. McDonough provides tailored tax strategies to help athletes manage their obligations, protect their assets, and plan for long-term financial stability during and after their careers.

At McDonough Law Group, we understand that athletes are not only competitors, they are also business professionals building a future. Our goal is to provide the legal foundation that allows our clients to focus on performance while we help protect and grow what they’ve worked so hard to achieve.