Advertise on podcast: Ball is Law Podcast

On this episode, Chris and John talk about college jersey patch deals and why they could be an easy way for schools to generate more money in the NIL and revenue-sharing era. They discuss the value of college sports brands, why some programs could command patch deals worth more than certain professional teams, and how schools can turn jersey space into another valuable revenue stream.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John DeWitt, a former professional football player, to break down how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is impacting high school athletes and why understanding it early matters more than ever. NIL is still new, especially at the high school level, and there’s a lot of confusion around what it actually looks like. This conversation clears that up. From common misconceptions to how even small opportunities can have long-term effects, this episode focuses on what athletes and parents need to know right now. The role of parents is bigger than most realize. Early decisions can shape future opportunities, making it critical to approach NIL with the right mindset. The goal is simple: help athletes and families understand NIL so they can properly utilize it and build something that lasts beyond sports. Learn more here: http://jdfootballtraining.com/nil

In this episode of Ball Is Law, we sit down with Connor Printz to break down his journey from college basketball player to building one of the most recognizable personal brands in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. His story goes beyond highlights and stats. It is about understanding how to use your platform while you are still playing, not after it is over. College and high school athletes are no longer just competing on the court. They are building brands in real time. The ones who understand that early create opportunities that extend far beyond their sport. This conversation dives into what athletes should actually be doing to start their NIL journey. We also get into how he earned the nickname “NIL King,” what separated his approach from everyone else, and how he is now turning that momentum into his next chapter beyond basketball. If you are an athlete trying to figure out where to start, this is the blueprint.

In this episode of Ball Is Law, we sit down with Greg Chick, founder of NILnomics, to discuss the rapidly changing financial landscape of college athletics in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. College sports are no longer shaped solely by competition, tradition, or rankings economics now plays a central role in how programs operate, how athletes are valued, and how the future of college athletics may ultimately be structured. This conversation dives into the financial realities behind NIL, exploring where the money is coming from, how conferences and institutions are adapting, and what the next version of college sports could look like as outside investment and new business models emerge.

Juwan Parker made his mark on the court as a basketball player at the University of Georgia, and now he’s building an equally impressive future off it. Now a 3L at Georgia Law, Juwan is on track to earn four degrees from UGA, making him a true Quadruple Dawg. In this episode, we discuss the discipline required to transition from high-level college athletics to the legal profession, how NIL has reshaped opportunities for student-athletes, and what today’s players still misunderstand about branding, contracts, and long-term career planning. Juwan shares his perspective as someone who has lived in both worlds, offering insight into where NIL is heading and how athletes can use their platform to build something that lasts well beyond their playing days.

In this episode, we sit down with Max Rusakov, Co-Founder of RevU, a company building real infrastructure around NIL contracts. We break down what’s really happening behind the scenes of NIL deals from contract structure and red flags, to how schools handle compliance, to how technology is starting to reshape the way athletes, brands, and even lawyers work with NIL agreements. Max shares what RevU is building, why the current NIL system creates risk for athletes, and how his company is working directly with athletes, school compliance departments, and legal professionals to bring clarity, speed, and protection into a space that’s still very new and very messy. If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or someone working in NIL, this is an episode you want to hear.

What does it mean for college sports when an athlete can go pro and then come back? On this episode, we're having a crucial debate about the eligibility of a G League player to return to the NCAA. We discuss the potential ripple effects and whether this decision changes everything for student-athletes. We also cover the hot topic of sponsor patches on college football jerseys.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hiser, owner of Polaris Athlete, to talk about NIL from a different perspective. How it helps athletes prepare for life after sports and their future careers. The money is great, but there’s much more to NIL than flashy deals. We discuss how NIL can be a tool for learning real-world skills like responsibility, financial literacy, and personal branding. Jeff shares how Polaris combines academic advising, recruiting guidance, and NIL education to give student-athletes a foundation that lasts well beyond their playing days. This conversation shows how NIL, when approached the right way, can set athletes up not just for short-term opportunities, but for long-term success in school, business, and life.

This week, we’re switching things up. Instead of diving into the legal side of sports, we’re keeping it light and fun. Just pure football talk. John and I break down the upcoming NFL season, share our opinions on what to expect, and go division by division to predict who comes out on top. Of course, we couldn’t resist making our Super Bowl picks too. No case law, no contracts, just sports, hot takes, and a little friendly debate. If you’re ready for football season, you’ll want to hear this one.

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Simon, a longtime friend I first met at basketball camp. Today, Anthony is a 3L at Hofstra University School of Law, and his journey shows just how far connections can take you. We talk about Anthony’s basketball career, what ultimately led him to law school, and how he’s navigating the NIL landscape, first as a former collegiate athlete and now as a future attorney. He also shares how networking has shaped his law school experience, opening doors to incredible opportunities.

This week’s episode covers four major stories in sports and IP. We start with Cal Raleigh and the risks of not filing a trademark on his nickname. Then we break down the ESPN and Paramount carousel WWE, NFL RedZone, and UFC all shifting deals in a battle over media rights. We also take a look at the Jets being the Jets, after getting denied on their latest trademark filing. And finally, we dive into the Utah Mammoth trademark problem and what it means for the NHL’s newest franchise. Four stories, one theme: trademarks and media rights shape the future of sports.

From college football player to lawyer, Rob brought a unique perspective to the pod on the House settlement, revenue sharing in college sports, and more… even if Chris had a few technical difficulties along the way.

College sports are in the middle of a full-blown transformation, and it’s all about the money. In this episode, we break down how revenue sharing is reshaping athlete compensation, why the American Athletic Conference rebranded to simply The American, and how schools like Texas Tech are going all-in with $28 million collectives to stay in the national conversation.

We’re back! This time, we’ve got a special addition to the show: John Martin joins the conversation! In this episode, we dive into the current landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and what it means for today’s college athletes. From the business of branding in sports to the future of athlete compensation, we cover it all and more.

We're welcomed by VeJhon Johnson, who gives us his hoops journey. We then switch to talking Bronny James and Jaylen Brown. Damian Lillard is still a Portland Trailblazer, which led to our discussion on the super max rule. Finally we talk about ESPN layoffs.