SPORTS LAW & SPORTS CONSULTING
Sports in the United States is a $15+ billion dollar industry. We provide consulting services to teams, individuals, and companies that work in sports. MLS keeps them on track so they do not encounter the pitfalls that exist in the sports industry.
The MLS Difference in Sports Law
The Masterly Legal Solutions Sports Law Team is led by Andrew F. Rhoden, a national leader in the sports business realm and a former college football coach. We understand the complexities of athletics from professional sports to amateur athletics. Sports teams and athletes appreciate working with MLS because we allow them to focus on bettering their skillset and working on winning championships instead of dealing with distractions. One of the key differences of MLS versus other firms in the sports law sector is that we have been in the shoes of a college director, coach, sports broadcaster, athlete, and worked for a professional sports teams. As a result, we have been trusted by professional athletes, NCAA Division I universities, coaches, and companies that are in the sports business sector to provide them guidance.
MLS Sports Consulting Services
We are experienced in sports law to provide answers to the day-to-day challenges faced by athletic teams, athletes, and universities. The MLS Sports Law team is led by a nationally certified ATIXA Level II Civil Rights Investigator that established his career at nationally ranked in big-law firms and has conducted investigations in various entities. Our clients receive customized solutions to address their specific legal needs. MLS provides legal guidance and training in the following areas:
- Athletic Department Audits
- Boxing Management Contract Review
- Contract Negotiations & Drafting
- Counsel to Professional Athletes without an Agent
- Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Training
- Employment Law Investigations into Discrimination, Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, FMLA, and ADA Compliance Claims
- Endorsement Education
- Internal Investigations of Athletic Departments & Teams
- Litigation of Labor & Employment Issues
- Management Contract Review & Guidance
- Name Image & Likeness (NIL) Consulting & Contract Review
- NCAA Compliance
- Outside General Counsel Services
- Sexual Harassment Training
- Sponsorship & Endorsement Contract Review
- Sports Disputes in U.S. Federal & State Courts
- Trainer Contract Review
Who are our Sports Clients?
We provide guidance to all sectors in sports business
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Sports Teams
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Colleges & Universities
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Professional Athletes
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Athletic Conferences
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NIL Athletes
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Marketing Firms
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Media
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Athletic Departments
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Coaches
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Sports Management
Sports Law Resources
Masterly Legal Solutions offers expert legal services in sports law, providing athletes and sports attorneys with comprehensive protection and guidance. Whether you're a professional athlete seeking representation, need an agent, or require entertainment law advice, our skilled lawyers are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to ensure your legal rights and career are safeguarded.
Discover how Title IX training plays a pivotal role in promoting safety and equity at universities. This essential guide highlights the importance of comprehensive Title IX education for students, faculty, and staff, ensuring a respectful and secure campus environment for all
Masterly Legal Solutions announces a significant expansion with a new office in Downtown Austin, Texas. Celebrating two years of unparalleled legal services, this move exemplifies our commitment to excellence and dedication to the Austin community. Offering specialized services in estate planning, education law, sports law, and more, we're poised to meet the diverse legal needs of Austin and Travis County. Join us in embracing this new chapter of growth and accessibility in legal expertise.
(July 4, 2023) - At last week's State Bar of Texas's Annual Conference held in Austin, Texas, Managing Attorney of Masterly Legal Solutions, Andrew Rhoden, a respected sports law attorney and former NCAA Division I college football coach, emerged as a leading figure during a high-profile college athletics panel. Alongside Rhoden, the panel featured Dr. Mark James, a retired college head football coach; and Stephen Foster, an accomplished ESPN Radio host. The event was hosted by the Texas Entertainment and Sports Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. The conference drew thousands of attorneys and educators from across the state and around the country. Rhoden captivated the audience with his profound insights on critical issues within college athletics, leveraging his extensive experience in sports and legal affairs to provide a deep dive into the practices and importance of internal investigations within athletic departments. Rhoden initiated a compelling discussion on the extensive implications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws on high schools, women, and universities. He also provided a nuanced view of the complexities of Title IX compliance, a topic of paramount importance for all institutions engaged in collegiate sports. Switching focus to the media's influence on college athletics, Rhoden examined the transformative role of conference realignments and the subsequent formation of super conferences, such as the Big 10 and Southeastern Conference (SEC). Rhoden's contribution to the panel highlighted his commitment to disseminating his deep knowledge of sports law, furthering understanding in this complex and rapidly changing field. About Andrew Rhoden: Andrew Rhoden is a respected sports law attorney and former NCAA Division I college football coach. His transition from coaching to law has endowed him with a unique blend of practical sports experience and legal proficiency, making him adept at navigating the intricate landscape of sports law. His dedication to providing expert legal guidance in the sports and entertainment law sectors serves a diverse clientele including athletes and educational institutions.
AUSTIN, Texas — July 3, 2023 — Managing Attorney of Masterly Legal Solutions, Andrew Rhoden, an esteemed figure in sports law, made a lasting impression at the recent State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting. Rhoden's captivating talk on the implications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for African American athletes and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the broader issue of diversity in sports leadership roles, left attendees inspired and eager to contribute towards change. Rhoden was a distinguished speaker on a panel discussion organized by the African American Lawyers Section. The panel addressed the impact of NIL on African American athletes and HBCUs, along with the underrepresentation of African Americans in leadership roles within the sports industry. The panel also featured notable industry experts including Dr. Mark James, a former college football coach; Stephen Foster, an accomplished attorney and ESPN Radio host; and Shanta Parnell, a hall of fame athlete who currently serves as an Athletic Coordinator in Frisco ISD. Each panelist brought unique perspectives to the complex issues under discussion, providing rich insights based on their varied professional experiences. Rhoden, with his experience as a college and high school football coach and his current role in the legal field, offered practical strategies for navigating the new terrain of NIL and breaking systemic barriers to foster greater inclusivity in sports leadership. His call for dialogue and action to address the challenges brought about by NIL legislation and disparities in sports leadership left a profound impression on attendees. "We have a long journey ahead in achieving diversity at leadership levels," Rhoden stated during the panel discussion. "The impact of NIL on African American athletes and HBCUs, and our conversations today, mark significant stepping stones towards creating the inclusive future we aspire to see in sports." The event concluded with attendees expressing deep appreciation for Rhoden's thought-provoking insights and commitment to driving change in the sports industry. About Andrew Rhoden: Andrew Rhoden is the Managing Attorney of Masterly Legal Solutions and a recognized authority in the world of sports law . With a dynamic career trajectory that includes roles as a high school and college football coach before transitioning into legal practice, Rhoden brings an unrivaled breadth of experience to the intersection of sports, law, and leadership. His profound understanding of the sports industry combined with his legal acumen allows him to navigate complex issues with ease and proficiency. A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, Rhoden continually leverages his influence to champion the cause of equal representation in sports leadership. His unwavering dedication and unique insights make him an invaluable voice in the ongoing discourse around sports, law, and leadership.
The sports attorney is one of the most specialized lawyers in the country. Sports attorneys help in every aspect of a professional athlete’s career, from initial entry into the sport, to contract negotiation, to litigation, to marketing. The job itself is incredibly complex. The sports lawyer is responsible for the entire organization of an athlete’s life, from training and nutrition to business development, social media and sponsorship opportunities. From day one, an athlete is a commodity with multiple stakeholders who have varying interests and agendas with their brand. The lawyer must not only be knowledgeable about what makes a well-run organization tick but also be able to navigate different stakeholders as well as navigate within that ecosystem and make informed decisions on behalf of his clients. Hence, when you hire a sports attorney you are hiring someone who has spent his entire career studying the best practices for teams and athletes – an attorney who has proven himself capable in this field by successfully representing teams and athletes at every level across all major sports leagues and professional teams including: NFL (American Football), MLB (Baseball), NBA (NBA), NHL (NHL), MLS (Major League Soccer), UFC (MMA). Please let us know how Masterly Legal Solutions can help you or your team.
What is Sports Consulting? Sports consulting has become a popular industry. Companies such as ESPN and Fox Sports have used sports consulting to enhance their products and brands. A lot of companies use sports consultants to aid in the hiring process because they are able to offer insights into the sports industry and aid in the selection of the right people to hire. Often times, companies do not realize that a great deal of their success is based on their current staff (as opposed to talent). One of the biggest mistakes a company makes is hiring a consultant only for their recommendations but never truly learning about their recommendations. The consultant may be very knowledgeable about the sport in question but what they don’t know is how it affects their own department or company. For example, if someone wants to hire someone, but you see that person constantly on Twitter or Instagram then you know that he/she would be impossible for your company to work with. When it comes down to it, companies should actually be working with individuals and not just list them off for others to pick from. Modern day consultants can teach businesses how to hire better people through social media platforms like Snapchat and LinkedIn, but these platforms aren’t always great at teaching business strategies so sometimes companies hire more generic consultants who don’t really care what they’re talking about so they can use them as a way of generating income rather than actually learning anything new or helping apply any strategy that could benefit their company per se. Examples Sports consulting is a branch of sports and marketing management. Sports consulting involves analyzing trends in the sports industry and providing feedback to improve performance for clients. This process can include agent selection, NCAA compliance, sports law, risk management, career planning, name image and likeness (NIL), and sports marketing. Methodology Sports consulting is a broad field that encompasses a variety of different services. One of the most common forms of sports consulting is agent selection, which is the process of finding and hiring a new sports agent for a client. Sports agents are specialized in particular markets, and as such can help clients seek out more prospective clients in those particular markets. Another form of sports consulting that many people may be familiar with is NCAA compliance and NCAA enforcement, which involves the examination and review of past and current athletic contests by NCAA officials to ensure appropriate conduct by each athlete (or team) and compliance with the NCAA rules. The Premier Choice in Sports Consulting Masterly Legal Solutions is the premier choice in sports consulting because we bring years of sports experience backed with a legal background to ensure the decisions you make will not put you in a legal battle in the future. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have. We would be honored to help you navigate the complex landscape of college athletics. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your needs in further detail.
Sports law, sports consulting, legal strategy, and sports marketing are all becoming increasingly important areas of practice for attorneys. But how can a sports attorney help a team or an athlete? Here’s an overview of how the process typically works: A client has a need: They want to hire an agent, find out whether the NCAA is going to allow them to enter their sport for the upcoming college season, negotiate a sponsorship deal with an existing sponsor. An attorney wants to help: The attorney needs to understand what that client really needs, so he or she can offer advice and guidance. The attorney also needs to understand what the client is capable of doing on his or her own. This must be done without putting any preconceived notions in their head (e.g., “my client is too old”). The first step is getting acquainted with the client. A lawyer should not just look at your file and go through it; he or she should spend time getting to know you as a person first before making any conclusions about your abilities as an agent. How does an attorney determine whether you are practical enough for the project? Is your knowledge about issues in this area helpful? Are you currently involved in this industry? If you are not already working as an agent, how will you get there? What experience do you have at that level? Do you have any former experiences that would make it easier for clients who aren’t accustomed to dealing with agents? What areas would make it more difficult for clients who don’t have experience dealing with agents? How knowledgeable are your previous clients about this type of work? Are they comfortable talking about specific topics that relate specifically to agents and sports marketing issues? Try asking these questions yourself and see if you can answer them without having a preconceived bias against working directly with agents or sports marketers. Based on those answers, the next step depends on what kind of work your potential client really needs. Typically, an agency will hire one person per area (e.g., one full-time lawyer focused on NCAA compliance). Once those people have been found and hired by the agency, they will function independently — meaning they will be responsible only for their assigned area of expertise, such as NCAA compliance or marketing — and handle individual cases according to their respective skillset and job description (e.g., one full-time lawyer focused on NCAA compliance).
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DALLAS, TX – Andrew F. Rhoden, the esteemed Managing Attorney of Masterly Legal Solutions, has once again been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, marking his second consecutive year on this distinguished list. This honor is bestowed on only the top 2.5% of attorneys in each state, highlighting Mr. Rhoden’s standout contributions to the legal field. Mr. Rhoden’s commitment to excellence and innovation in law, particularly within the sports and corporate sectors, has distinguished him in a competitive field. His expertise spans a comprehensive range of legal services, from estate planning, intricate NCAA compliance and NIL matters to employment law training and corporate business development. His leadership at Masterly Legal Solutions has not only propelled the firm to the forefront of legal practices in Texas but has also fostered significant growth, culminating in the recent opening of a new office in Austin and the relocation of the headquarters to the Uptown area of Downtown Dallas. "Being named to the Super Lawyers list again is not just a personal honor but a reflection of our collective effort at Masterly Legal Solutions to champion the cause of justice and equity in every case we handle," said Andrew Rhoden. "This accolade belongs to our entire team and to every client and community member who has trusted us with their most pressing legal challenges." Mr. Rhoden’s involvement extends beyond the courtroom and negotiations. He is a pivotal member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League Young Professionals and holds significant roles within the American Bar Association and The State Bar of Texas. His engagement with numerous organizations in Dallas and his native South Florida underscores his dedication to effectuating societal change through law. Throughout his career, Mr. Rhoden has been an active advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning multiple certifications that reinforce his commitment to these crucial values. His work ensures that Masterly Legal Solutions not only meets but exceeds the expectations of their clients, which include families, professional athletes, NCAA Division I universities, and major corporations. In recognition of his profound impact and leadership, Mr. Rhoden has also been honored as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation—an accolade given to only 1% of attorneys worldwide—and remains a celebrated figure in national and international law discussions. Masterly Legal Solutions continues to expand its footprint with offices in Dallas, Houston, Grand Prairie, and Austin, reinforcing its mission to deliver unparalleled legal services across Texas and beyond with additional offices planned in Texas, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. For more information about Andrew Rhoden and Masterly Legal Solutions, please contact: Masterly Legal Solutions Phone: 972-236-5051 www.masterlylegal.com About Masterly Legal Solutions: Masterly Legal Solutions is a leading law firm specializing in a broad spectrum of legal practices. Known for its robust legal team and comprehensive legal expertise, the firm offers tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by its diverse clientele. From strategic legal counsel to dynamic court representation, Masterly Legal Solutions prioritizes excellence and integrity in every aspect of its practice.
If you do not have a Texas Medical Power of Attorney, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you do not have a medical power of attorney others you may not want making health care decisions on your behalf will have the power to do so if you are incapacitated or not able to do so on your own. A medical power of attorney ensures that your Texas medical healthcare decisions are followed according to your wishes. We have put together a list of answers to common questions we receive about the Texas medical power of attorney.
Secure your blended family's future with expert estate planning. Tailor your estate plan to navigate family dynamics, ensuring fair inheritance through trusts, wills, and more for every family member.
Discover how a pet trust can ensure your pet's future well-being. A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that provides for the care of your companion animals, ensuring they are well taken care of. Learn how creating a pet trust as part of your will can offer peace of mind, knowing that your pets will continue to receive love and care even in your absence. This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up a pet trust to protect your beloved pets.