Titan Law PLLC

Just when we thought the NCAA had loosened its grip on student-athletes, the Big Ten swoops in with an NIL policy that reads less like an opportunity for players and more like a hostage negotiation. It’s all take-it-or-leave-it, with a dusting of old school paternalism and, let’s face it, racism. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Key Aspects of the Big Ten’s NIL Policy (a.k.a. The Fine Print You Should Probably Read Twice)

• Rights Transfer: Big Ten schools are requiring athletes to sign over their NIL rights. That’s right—sign here, and poof! Your name, image, and likeness are now university property. Don’t worry, though—you’ll still get to use your own face in the mirror (for now). This extends to social media, too, by the way. Already got a deal in place? Not anymore you don’t.
• Sublicensing Shenanigans: Schools can pass along these NIL rights to literally anyone, including the NCAA and the Big Ten itself. So if you ever wanted your face plastered on a billboard advertising a university fundraiser without seeing a dime, congrats—your dreams are coming true!
• Employee Status Waiver: Think you might have a case for being considered an employee? Think again! This policy forces athletes to waive any claim to employee status, ensuring that the university gets all the benefits while you get… well, not that.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): This seven-page document isn’t technically legally binding, but it sure does set the mood. Kind of like a prenup that only protects one party (spoiler: It’s not you). It’s almost a certainty that, once you accept any money, this will be instantly converted into a legal document.
• Perpetual NIL Rights for Schools: Even after you leave, the school gets to keep using your NIL for “historical purposes.” So when they roll out a montage of legendary athletes 20 years from now, expect to see your face in the highlight reel—sans royalties, of course.
• Reimbursement Clause (a.k.a. The Ultimate Exit Fee): If you transfer, be prepared to pay back a prorated portion of the NIL money you received. Yep, that’s right—leaving a school could now come with a bill. Might as well add “loyalty tax” to the long list of NCAA absurdities. Coach leaves and you want to follow him? Pay up. Get more playing time at your dream school? Pay up.
• Broadcast NIL Rights (BNIL, Because We Needed Another Acronym): The policy also dictates how broadcast revenue is handled, ensuring that—surprise!—athletes continue to get the short end of the stick.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Let’s be real: This policy is a masterclass in how to look like you’re helping athletes while actually tightening the leash. By snatching up NIL rights and making sure schools (not players) hold all the bargaining power, the Big Ten is setting a precedent that makes the NCAA’s past shenanigans look tame. Want to play in the Big Ten, be prepared to dance to the tune they are playing. And, you know what I mean by dance. They can give all the platitudes they want about focusing on the core university principles, striking an appropriate balance between academics and athletics, yada yada yada. All excuses. They want the same things they always wanted before those “meddling kids” got in the way: money and power. Same old story. Break out the old B-roll tapes on why Black athletes should be grateful about getting an education and having some kindly old White folks looking after them…

And that employee status waiver? It’s like telling someone, “You totally could have rights… but wouldn’t it be so much easier if you just gave them up now?”

What’s Next?

With revenue sharing kicking off in the 2025-26 season, the Big Ten is clearly trying to secure its slice of the pie before the rules change again. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from college sports, it’s that legal battles and public outrage have a way of forcing change.

So, Big Ten athletes, read the fine print. And maybe start a savings account—because transferring might come with a huge invoice.

At Titan Law PLLC, we are focused on protecting athletes and helping them to build a personal brand that will sustain them long after the Big Ten is done with them, or vice versa. Check out our other NIL blog posts. Have questions? Contact us at blog@titanlawny.com.