The Hughes Companies
Championing The Rights of College Athletes

The NCAA and states such as Oregon and Nebraska have significantly overhauled NIL rules, allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. Recent litigation is changing the game even more, opening the door to revenue sharing and employee status.  These changes empower athletes to monetize their brands and athletic reputation, opening up new revenue streams and opportunities. Whether you are a 4- or 5-star recruit or a seasoned athlete poised to become a key player in the Big Ten Conference, working with a savvy NIL attorney and agent can help you seize these opportunities, while protecting and advocating for your rights.

The Hughes Companies is dedicated to helping athletes and their families navigate this new playing field and protecting their interests. We offer comprehensive legal representation and services for student athletes. Attorney Hughes can provide everything today’s elite student athletes need to help maximize their NIL potential under the latest rules and regulations.  We can help student athletes prepare for  the future when they begin to share profits or even become employees of the schools they play for. Let us guide you through these exciting changes and help you achieve your athletic and personal goals. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Attorney Michael R. Hughes

Oregon and Nebraska NIL
Attorney & Sports Agent
Your Trusted Partner in Collegiate Sports

The Hughes Companies offers a full suite of services tailored to elite college athletes in Oregon and Nebraska, providing the support and guidance necessary for you to thrive both on and off the field or court.

NIL Representation

Attorney Hughes leverages his legal knowledge, experiences as a litigator, and negotiating skills to help athletes take advantage of opportunities under the new NIL framework:

  • Contract negotiation and review–Providing representation in negotiating, reviewing, and drafting NIL contracts to ensure athletes get the best possible terms and that their interests are protected. 
  • Brand management–Help build, manage, and protect personal brands by handling public relations, developing trademark strategies, and providing business consulting.
  • Merchandise rights–Assisting athletes in securing and managing merchandise deals, ensuring they benefit from their likenesses on various products.
  • University and NCAA relations–Helping student athletes navigate university and NCAA policies to maintain compliance and positive relations while maximizing NIL opportunities. Preparing the student athletes for future revenue sharing opportunities.
Sports Law

Our sports law services are designed to protect athletes’ rights and careers, allowing them to focus on athletic and academic goals without legal distractions.

  • Eligibility and disciplinary matters-Representing student athletes in eligibility disputes and disciplinary actions, working diligently to protect their rights and careers.
  • Transfer assistance–Providing legal support and guidance for athletes considering transferring schools, ensuring a smooth transition under the NCCA’s new transfer rules.
  • House and other Class Action Cases-Offer legal counseling with regard to your rights now and in the future under these important landmark cases. Attorney Hughes is a seasoned litigator, who understands what is happening and how it will impact you.
  • Registered Sports Agent-Attorney Hughes is a registered sports agent in both Oregon and Nebraska.
Legal Representation

We provide college athletes with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed during and after their athletic careers.

  • Legal literacy–Consulting with and educating student-athletes on their legal rights and responsibilities with regard to contracts they enter with 3rd parties, their schools, and others.  As a former Adjunct Professor, Attorney Hughes explains complex legal concepts in easy to understand terms.   
  • Legal rights–Advising athletes on their legal rights and how to protect them, ensuring they make informed decisions.
  • Business Formation-Helping clients form businesses, including entity choice, secretary of state filings, and drafting of organizational documents. 
  • Trademarks-Completing trademark searches and applications.  Obtaining permission to use trademarks in conjunction with NIL opportunities.

You can depend on us to guide players and their parents on the evolving NIL rules and laws, protect your rights and interests, and help you achieve your athletic and academic goals.

Why Choose Us?
Professional Representation • Personalized Attention

At The Hughes Companies, we understand the dreams and ambitions that drive athletes and their families. We combine 25 years of legal experience with a personal touch, ensuring every player receives the tailored support they need. Founded by Michael R. Hughes, an accomplished trial lawyer and a pioneer in cannabis law, our firm is highly dedicated to providing aspiring athletes in Oregon and Nebraska with the professional representation they need to achieve their goals.

Attorney Hughes understands the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving NIL rules and will work strategically to help you maximize your potential. Beyond our in-depth legal representation, we provide continuous support and resources, assisting with media relations, media training and preparation, risk management, and other services related to brand and image management. Our holistic approach ensures you are prepared for your athletic and post-athletic careers.

Stay Ahead of
Recent NIL Changes

The NCAA, Oregon, Nebraska, and other states have revolutionized NIL rules and laws, giving college athletes more opportunities to monetize their name, image, and likeness.  Recent litigation and settlements mean revenue sharing and employee status are on the horizon. Key changes include:

  • New NCAA rules eliminate penalties for non-disclosure of NIL deals and allow schools to assist athletes in securing NIL opportunities.
  • Oregon’s amendments expand protections for athletes, prohibit penalties for compliant NIL activities, and require schools to provide NIL education.
  • Nebraska’s updates mandate comprehensive NIL education programs and ensure contract transparency.
  • House and other Class Action Cases are drastically changing the rules, creating revenue sharing with student athletes, arbitrations for NIL deal disputes, and even treating student athletes as employees. 

The Hughes Companies stays updated on all these developments, providing informed guidance to help athletes navigate and benefit from these changes. You can depend on us to keep you ahead of the game.

Get in Touch With an Experienced
NIL Attorney in OR and NE

Ready to take the first step to maximize your student athlete’s NIL potential? Contact The Hughes Companies today for a consultation. We represent clients who play football, volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball, and track and field for the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE.

By Appointment Only
1001 SW Disk Dr. Suite 250
Bend, OR 97702
Call our office 541.408.9884

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