Ball is Law Podcast

Ball is Law Podcast

by Chris D'Avanzo, John Martin
Basketball
Season 4
The Financial Future of College Sports
In this episode of Ball Is Law, we sit down with Greg Chick, founder of NILnomics, to discuss the rapidly changing financial landscape of college athletics in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. College sports are no longer shaped solely by competition, tradition, or rankings economics now plays a central role in how programs operate, how athletes are valued, and how the future of college athletics may ultimately be structured. This conversation dives into the financial realities behind NIL, exploring where the money is coming from, how conferences and institutions are adapting, and what the next version of college sports could look like as outside investment and new business models emerge.
S4 · E28
Feb 26, 2026
1:02:10
The Quadruple Dawg Journey
Juwan Parker made his mark on the court as a basketball player at the University of Georgia, and now he’s building an equally impressive future off it. Now a 3L at Georgia Law, Juwan is on track to earn four degrees from UGA, making him a true Quadruple Dawg. In this episode, we discuss the discipline required to transition from high-level college athletics to the legal profession, how NIL has reshaped opportunities for student-athletes, and what today’s players still misunderstand about branding, contracts, and long-term career planning. Juwan shares his perspective as someone who has lived in both worlds, offering insight into where NIL is heading and how athletes can use their platform to build something that lasts well beyond their playing days.
S4 · E27
Feb 20, 2026
46:55
Before You Sign: The NIL Contract Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Max Rusakov, Co-Founder of RevU, a company building real infrastructure around NIL contracts. We break down what’s really happening behind the scenes of NIL deals from contract structure and red flags, to how schools handle compliance, to how technology is starting to reshape the way athletes, brands, and even lawyers work with NIL agreements. Max shares what RevU is building, why the current NIL system creates risk for athletes, and how his company is working directly with athletes, school compliance departments, and legal professionals to bring clarity, speed, and protection into a space that’s still very new and very messy. If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or someone working in NIL, this is an episode you want to hear.
S4 · E1
Jan 15, 2026
51:37
Season 3
Sponsor Patches & NCAA Eligibility
What does it mean for college sports when an athlete can go pro and then come back? On this episode, we're having a crucial debate about the eligibility of a G League player to return to the NCAA. We discuss the potential ripple effects and whether this decision changes everything for student-athletes. We also cover the hot topic of sponsor patches on college football jerseys.
S3 · E25
Oct 2, 2025
41:39
Building Strong Foundations: NIL & Academic Success with Polaris Owner Jeff Hiser
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hiser, owner of Polaris Athlete, to talk about NIL from a different perspective. How it helps athletes prepare for life after sports and their future careers. The money is great, but there’s much more to NIL than flashy deals. We discuss how NIL can be a tool for learning real-world skills like responsibility, financial literacy, and personal branding. Jeff shares how Polaris combines academic advising, recruiting guidance, and NIL education to give student-athletes a foundation that lasts well beyond their playing days. This conversation shows how NIL, when approached the right way, can set athletes up not just for short-term opportunities, but for long-term success in school, business, and life.
S3 · E24
Sep 18, 2025
1:02:56
NFL 2025 Season Deep Dive
This week, we’re switching things up. Instead of diving into the legal side of sports, we’re keeping it light and fun. Just pure football talk. John and I break down the upcoming NFL season, share our opinions on what to expect, and go division by division to predict who comes out on top. Of course, we couldn’t resist making our Super Bowl picks too. No case law, no contracts, just sports, hot takes, and a little friendly debate. If you’re ready for football season, you’ll want to hear this one.
S3 · E23
Sep 17, 2025
50:54
Beyond the Game: Lessons in Law, Basketball, and Networking with Anthony Simon
In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Simon, a longtime friend I first met at basketball camp. Today, Anthony is a 3L at Hofstra University School of Law, and his journey shows just how far connections can take you. We talk about Anthony’s basketball career, what ultimately led him to law school, and how he’s navigating the NIL landscape, first as a former collegiate athlete and now as a future attorney. He also shares how networking has shaped his law school experience, opening doors to incredible opportunities.
S3 · E22
Sep 3, 2025
58:51
Media Rights & IP: The Real Game Behind Sports
This week’s episode covers four major stories in sports and IP. We start with Cal Raleigh and the risks of not filing a trademark on his nickname. Then we break down the ESPN and Paramount carousel WWE, NFL RedZone, and UFC all shifting deals in a battle over media rights. We also take a look at the Jets being the Jets, after getting denied on their latest trademark filing. And finally, we dive into the Utah Mammoth trademark problem and what it means for the NHL’s newest franchise. Four stories, one theme: trademarks and media rights shape the future of sports.
S3 · E21
Aug 26, 2025
53:49
From Athlete to Advocate: A Chat With Rob Planter
From college football player to lawyer, Rob brought a unique perspective to the pod on the House settlement, revenue sharing in college sports, and more… even if Chris had a few technical difficulties along the way.
S3 · E20
Aug 6, 2025
1:08:42
Cash Is King In College Sports
College sports are in the middle of a full-blown transformation, and it’s all about the money. In this episode, we break down how revenue sharing is reshaping athlete compensation, why the American Athletic Conference rebranded to simply The American, and how schools like Texas Tech are going all-in with $28 million collectives to stay in the national conversation.
S3 · E19
Jul 23, 2025
1:00:40
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