College Athletics
In today’s shifting world of college athletics, House implementation creates risks and opportunities that require vision across the entire legal landscape, from NIL and IP rights to employment risks, Title IX compliance and more. Universities need experienced, responsive, and nimble counsel to stay legally compliant and competitive with their peers. Our attorneys have advised universities across the country on all manner of issues in athletics compliance and best practices.
Barnes & Thornburg has an industry-leading practice in college sports law and strategic planning. We represent institutions large and small on virtually all issues that affect their athletic departments. We are proud to represent the schools that accounted for 38 national champion teams in 2024-2025. Our strengths include:
- House implementation
- Name, image and likeness (NIL)
- Title IX gender equity and civil rights
- Labor and employment
- Facilities (public financing, construction and real estate)
- IP licensing and revenue generation
- Civil litigation, including class action defense
- Internal investigations and crisis management
- Athlete or staff misconduct inquiries
- Strategic planning
- Athlete safety and mental health
- Immigration and student visas
Our attorneys understand the high stakes and visibility of every athletics matter, and the enormous scrutiny under which our clients must operate. We help our clients strengthen and grow their programs, while remaining legally compliant. When litigation arises, we’re ready. But more importantly, we help our clients proactively minimize risk and stay focused on what matters most: the continued growth and success of their programs.
Our attorneys have advised university athletics departments across 37 states and Washington, D.C. over the past two years, including major research institutions in 29 of those states.