New Mexico’s NIL Attorney
Protect your name, image, and likeness, understand your contracts, and build your future.
You’ve worked too hard to sign away your rights to a bad deal. Whether you’re a Lobo, an Aggie, a Miner, or a rising high school star, you deserve a college athlete lawyer who understands NIL law and answers when you call.
Licensed in New Mexico & Texas | Albuquerque & Las Cruces Offices
NIL Opportunities Are Everywhere. So Is the Fine Print.
The House v. NCAA settlement changed everything for college athletics. College athletes can now receive direct payments from their schools, sign endorsement deals, and build real businesses around their personal brands.
However, with that opportunity comes risk:
Name, Image, Likeness, contracts full of red flags
Exclusivity clauses that lock you in for years. IP transfers that give away your likeness forever. Termination clauses that leave you holding the bag.
Tax obligations nobody warned you about
NIL income is self-employment income. That means self-employment taxes and State taxes with no automatic withholding. Miss a quarterly payment, and the IRS comes calling. Miss local Gross Receipts Tax, New Mexico comes calling.
Eligibility landmines
One non-compliant deal can threaten your scholarship, your roster spot, and your future.
"Agents" who aren't looking out for YOU!
Many NIL agents are unregulated, charge 10-20% commissions, and can’t legally give you contract advice. Some lock athletes into 7-year agreements before they’ve even earned a dollar.
You need an NIL lawyer who knows what a fair deal looks like and what exploitation looks like.
WHY LAND OF ENCHANTMENT LAW?
Your NIL Attorney Shouldn’t Be Three Time Zones Away
National NIL firms treat New Mexico athletes as small accounts. You deserve better.
Local Presence, Real Accessibility
With offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, we’re where you are. You can meet face-to-face, get answers fast, and work with an Albuquerque NIL attorney who actually knows UNM, NMSU, and New Mexico NIL law.
We Know New Mexico NIL Law
We know the Student Athlete Endorsement Act inside and out, including New Mexico’s unique “footwear clause” that lets you wear endorsed gear during official team activities. We understand UNM’s NIL policies, NMSU’s compliance requirements, and what the NMAA allows for high school athletes.
Licensed in Texas Too
UTEP Miners are 45 minutes from our Las Cruces office. If you’re competing in El Paso, we can help.
Your NIL Attorney, Not Another Agent Taking a Cut
Unlike agents who take a cut of your deals, attorneys have a fiduciary duty to put your interests first. We review contracts; we don’t sell them.
How We Help New Mexico Athletes
#1
Contract Review & Negotiation
Before you sign an endorsement deal, a collective agreement, or a revenue-sharing contract, let us review it. We’ll go over any red flags, explain what you’re agreeing to, and negotiate better terms when possible.
What we look for:
- Exclusivity clauses limiting future deals
- IP and likeness transfers
- Morality and termination clauses
- Payment terms and timelines
- Transfer portal buyout requirements
#2
Revenue Sharing Agreements
The House settlement lets schools pay athletes directly, up to $20.5 million per year. However, these revenue-sharing agreements were drafted by universities for universities. We help athletes understand automatic renewal clauses, transfer buyout penalties, and vague termination rights before they sign.
#3
LLC & Business Formation
Earning real NIL income? An LLC can protect your personal assets, simplify your taxes, and help you operate like the business you’re becoming. We handle LLC formation, operating agreements, and ongoing compliance for New Mexico athletes
#4
Tax Compliance Referrals
NIL income triggers self-employment taxes, quarterly estimated payments, potential multi-state filings, and local gross receipts taxes. We can refer you to a CPA to make sure you’re not surprised when government wants its taxes.
Key tax facts every athlete should know:
- NIL income over $400 requires filing Schedule C
- Self-employment tax is 15.3% (on top of income tax)
- Free products and cars are taxable at fair market value
- Playing games in other states can trigger tax obligations there
- Potential NM Gross Receipts Taxes
#5
NCAA & State Compliance
Every NIL deal over $600 must now be submitted to NIL Go for approval. Violations can affect your eligibility. We help you structure deals that clear compliance and keep you on the field.
#6
Dispute Resolution
Didn’t get paid what you were promised? Brand using your likeness without permission? Collective refusing to honor their agreement? We help athletes enforce their rights through negotiation, the new CSC arbitration system, or litigation when necessary.
We Represent Athletes Across New Mexico and West Texas
UNM Lobos
Lobo athletes are landing NIL deals and running into contracts they don’t understand. We’re here when UNM athletes need a NIL attorney.
NMSU Aggies
Las Cruces is home. With A-Mountain Sports shutting down at the end of 2025 and the Aggie Athletic Club taking over NIL operations, a lot of NMSU athletes are wondering what happens next. We’re the NIL lawyer right here on the ground to help Aggies figure it out.
UTEP Miners
Our Texas license allows us to represent El Paso athletes. If you’re a Miner with NIL questions, we’re just up I-10.
New Mexico High School Athletes
Since 2023, NMAA has allowed high school athletes to earn NIL income, but they can’t appear in school gear or use team branding. We help elite high school athletes and their families structure compliant deals before college recruitment heats up.
Parents & Families
Your son or daughter is building an NIL business. You want to protect them. We help families understand NIL, ask the right questions, and make sure their athlete isn’t being exploited.
Common Name, Image, Likeness Questions
Do I really need a lawyer for NIL deals?
For any significant contract, it is advisable but not required. A New Mexico NIL attorney can identify problematic clauses agents might miss, and unlike agents, we have a legal duty to put your interests first. A one-hour contract review can save you years of regret.
How much does NIL legal help cost?
We offer free initial consultations and contract reviews. For ongoing work, we provide flat-fee and flexible payment options because we know most athletes haven’t cashed their first big check yet.
What's the difference between an NIL agent and an attorney?
Agents help you find and negotiate deals, typically for a percentage of your earnings (often 10-20%). Attorneys provide legal advice, review contracts, and have fiduciary duties to protect you. Many athletes work with both, but you should have an attorney review anything before you sign.
Is NIL income taxable?
Yes. NIL income is self-employment income. You’ll owe income tax plus 15.3% in self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) and NM State taxes. There’s no automatic withholding, so you may need to make quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties.
Can NIL deals affect my eligibility
They can. Deals must comply with NCAA rules, your school’s policies, and state law. Non-compliant deals can result in loss of eligibility. That’s why compliance review is part of what we do.
I'm a high school athlete in New Mexico. Can I do NIL deals?
Yes, since June 2023. However, there are restrictions: no school logos, team uniforms, mascots, or hashtags connecting you to your school or team. Violation of NMAA rules can affect your eligibility. We help high school athletes structure compliant deals.
Talk to a New Mexico NIL Attorney Today
Your NIL opportunities won’t wait, and neither should your legal protection. Whether you’ve got a contract in hand or just questions about your rights, Land of Enchantment Law is ready to help.