NIL Representation

Dallas NIL Agent

NIL Agent & Attorney for High School and College Athletes

Texas student athletes at SMU, TCU, the University of North Texas, UT Arlington, Baylor, and UIL high schools across the DFW area now have legal rights to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness under Tex. Educ. Code §51.9246. Exercising those rights without proper representation leaves money on the table and creates compliance risks that can affect eligibility.

Why a Licensed Texas Agent and Attorney Is Not the Same as a Contract Reviewer

Most people offering NIL services to athletes fall into one of two categories: sports agents who source deals but lack legal training, or attorneys who review contracts but do not have agent relationships or deal flow. Brian operates in both lanes simultaneously.

As a licensed Texas agent, he can actively represent athletes in negotiations, approach brands and sponsors on an athlete's behalf, and execute agreements. As an attorney, every deal he touches gets reviewed through a legal lens before the athlete signs. That combination is not standard in the DFW market.

Tex. Educ. Code §51.9246 requires that NIL agents representing Texas student athletes be licensed under the Texas Athlete Agent Act. Working with an unlicensed representative creates compliance exposure for the athlete, not just the agent. Brian holds the required license.

What Texas Law Says About NIL Representation

Texas Senate Bill 1385, codified at Tex. Educ. Code §51.9246, took effect July 1, 2021. It permits Texas student athletes to earn compensation for their NIL when not engaged in official team activities, requires disclosure of proposed NIL contracts to the institution before signing, prohibits NIL contracts that conflict with team contracts, institutional contracts, or athletic department policy, and caps contract duration to the athlete's period of participation.

Each institution in Texas applies these rules differently. What SMU permits in an endorsement agreement is not identical to what TCU or UNT requires in their disclosure processes. Athletes who sign without reviewing institutional policy against the contract terms risk triggering a conflict that puts eligibility at risk. Brian reviews both the contract and the institutional policy before any agreement is executed.

What Brian Wcislo Handles for NIL Clients:

Contract Review and Negotiation

Every NIL agreement Brian handles is reviewed for scope of use, exclusivity terms, compensation structure, termination rights, and conflict with existing institutional or team contracts. Agreements that appear straightforward, such as a single social media post for a local brand, often contain usage provisions that extend far beyond the initial deal. Brian negotiates those terms before execution, not after a problem surfaces.

Entity Formation and Brand Protection

Many NIL deals are structured to pay athletes as independent contractors or through a business entity. Proper entity formation protects the athlete's personal assets, creates a tax-efficient structure for NIL income, and signals to brands that the athlete operates professionally. Through Wcislo Law Group's business formation practice, Brian handles LLC formation and operating agreements for athlete clients who are building a commercial presence around their brand.

Endorsement and Sponsorship Deals

Brian evaluates endorsement and sponsorship opportunities against the athlete's long-term brand strategy, not just the immediate compensation. A deal that pays well today but locks an athlete into exclusivity with a regional brand can foreclose larger national opportunities that arrive later in their career. Every endorsement is evaluated for short-term value and long-term brand compatibility.

High School Athlete Representation

Texas high school athletes competing under UIL rules face a distinct set of NIL considerations compared to their collegiate counterparts. While Tex. Educ. Code §51.9246 applies to intercollegiate athletics specifically, high school athletes building social media followings, pursuing regional endorsements, and preparing for college recruitment need guidance now. Brian works with high school athletes in the DFW area who are building their brand and NIL presence in advance of their collegiate careers.

The Keen Sports Group Partnership

Through a strategic partnership with Keen Sports Group, an athlete-founded agency built and operated by former athletes, Brian's clients benefit from both deal-sourcing capability and legal protection within a single representation relationship. Keen Sports Group brings brand relationships, marketing infrastructure, and professional sports connections that an attorney working alone cannot replicate.

This partnership means athlete clients do not have to hire separately for agency services and legal review. Both functions operate under a unified representation structure, with every opportunity sourced by Keen Sports Group reviewed and negotiated with Brian's legal oversight before the athlete commits.

The Post-House v. NCAA Landscape: What DFW Athletes Need to Know Now

The House v. NCAA settlement, approved in 2025, fundamentally changed the economics of college athletics. Schools can now share revenue directly with athletes through institutional revenue-sharing agreements, separate from and in addition to individual NIL deals. Athletes at DFW-area programs are now navigating both school revenue-share agreements and independent NIL contracts simultaneously.

These are not the same legal instrument. Revenue-sharing agreements with institutions carry different terms, dispute resolution mechanisms, and compliance requirements than third-party NIL contracts. Athletes who sign both without legal review may find that provisions in one agreement conflict with the other. Brian reviews both categories of agreement for DFW athletes navigating the post-House landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of NIL deals are available to Dallas-Fort Worth athletes?

Common NIL deals in the DFW market include sponsored social media posts, local business endorsements, paid appearances, autograph signings, youth camps and clinics, and merchandise or apparel collaborations. The right fit depends on your sport, your following, and your school's policies. Wcislo Law Group can help you decide which opportunities are worth pursuing and which to pass on.

Can I use my school's logo, uniform, or team name in a sponsored post?

Generally, no. School logos, uniforms, and team names are the institution's property, and using them in a paid promotion without permission can violate school policy or trademark rights. Brands sometimes ask for this content anyway, so it is worth confirming what is allowed before you post anything.

Is NIL money taxable, and do I have to report it?

In most cases, yes. NIL payments are generally treated as taxable income, and many athletes are paid as independent contractors, which can mean self-employment taxes and no withholding. Free products and services can also count as income. Keep records of every payment, and speak with a tax professional about estimated payments and deductions.

Can NIL earnings affect my scholarship or financial aid?

It can, depending on the type of aid. Need-based aid may be affected by additional income, while the effect on athletic scholarships depends on your school's policies and your award terms. Check with your athletic department and financial aid office before accepting a large deal, and bring any questions to your consultation.

Can a high school athlete under 18 sign an NIL contract?

Minors typically cannot be held to a contract the way adults can, so brands usually require a parent or guardian to sign or co-sign. That also means a parent should read the agreement closely, especially the payment terms, the length of the deal, and how the athlete's image can be used. Parents are welcome to join the consultation.

What is an NIL collective, and should I sign with one?

An NIL collective is an organization, often funded by donors and fans, that pays athletes at a particular school for appearances, content, or community work. Terms vary widely, and some agreements include deliverables, exclusivity, or repayment provisions that athletes overlook. Have the agreement reviewed before you commit.

What happens to my NIL deal if I transfer to another school?

It depends on how the contract is written. Some deals are tied to your current school, team, or location and may end or become unenforceable after a transfer. Others follow you but could conflict with your new school's policies. Reviewing termination and assignment language now can prevent a dispute later.

How does an NIL agent get paid?

NIL representation is commonly paid through a percentage of the deals an agent secures, a flat fee, or a combination of the two. Whatever the structure, it should be explained in writing before you sign anything. At your consultation, Wcislo Law Group will walk you through how representation works and what to expect.

What are the red flags in an NIL offer from a brand I have never heard of?

Watch for payment only in free product, requests for upfront fees, rights that last forever, vague deliverables, pressure to sign quickly, and clauses that let the brand end the deal without paying you. If an offer feels too good to be true or comes with a tight deadline, send it to Wcislo Law Group at (214) 740-6160 before you respond.

What should I bring to an NIL consultation?

Bring any offer or contract you have received, your school's NIL policy or disclosure form if you have one, your social media handles and follower counts, and a list of your questions or goals. If you do not have an offer yet, that is fine. We can talk through how to build your brand and prepare for opportunities.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are a high school or college athlete in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, or the parent of one, and you have an NIL opportunity in front of you or want to build toward one, contact Wcislo Law Group for a consultation. Brian will review your situation, explain what Texas law requires, and tell you directly what a representation agreement with his office looks like.

Call (214) 740-6160 or contact us online to get started.

Why Choose Wcislo Law Group?

  • Strategic Guidance with a Business-First Approach
    With firsthand experience as a business owner, our attorney understands the unique challenges that companies face. We offer legal representation that is not only thorough but also tailored to protect and advance your business interests.
  • Extensive Experience Backed with Knowledge
    Our attorney has worked with large corporations in the past and currently runs multiple businesses himself, giving him the knowledge he needs to win cases.
  • Client-Centered Focus with Proven Results

    Your success is our top priority. We are committed to providing a client-centered approach, delivering results-driven representation that aligns with your goals while offering clear, transparent communication throughout the process.

  • Personalized Representation for All Clients
    When it comes to his clients, our attorney leaves no stone unturned. Every case is handled like it's his only case.

Contact Wcislo Law Group Today!

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