The value of an athlete extends far beyond points scored, championships won or endorsement deals signed. As the business of sports continues to evolve, ownership has become a key consideration for athletes looking to build lasting value beyond their playing careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a Double Take Sports interview titled The Athlete Is the Asset<\/em>, intellectual property attorney Lynn Roberts III, founder of Roberts Legal Group<\/a>, joined Carita Parks to discuss how athletes can protect their brands, approach business opportunities and build a legacy beyond their playing careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the conversation, Roberts offered insight into the business decisions athletes face at different stages of their careers and why those choices can have lasting implications beyond sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Roberts explained that athletes can develop commercial value through their performance, reputations, personal brands and growing audiences, even before they begin earning money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That distinction has become particularly important with the expansion of name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for younger athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “NIL created new opportunities to monetize an athlete’s identity. It did not automatically teach athletes how to protect that identity,” Roberts said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also highlighted the difference between compensation and ownership, explaining that receiving an endorsement check isn’t the same as holding an equity stake in a company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While ownership may provide opportunities to benefit from a company’s long-term growth, Roberts cautioned that equity carries risks, including dilution, limited control and the possibility of losing value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Athletes must understand what they’re receiving and what rights they may be giving up before entering business agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intellectual property is another important consideration. Nicknames, logos, slogans and original content can become valuable business assets when appropriately protected and developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It’s your athletic ability that introduces the world to you. Your intellectual property can allow the world to continue doing business with you long after that jersey comes off,” Roberts said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond business agreements, Roberts stressed the value of surrounding athletes with trustworthy professionals who can guide legal, financial and business decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the conversation, Parks also raised the importance of marketing and public relations professionals in helping athletes manage their brands and messaging, particularly beyond their relationships with professional teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Roberts encouraged athletes to remain actively involved in decisions concerning their careers rather than relying entirely on advisors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also identified financial literacy, education, professional relationships, intellectual property awareness and early consideration of ownership as priorities for younger athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, the conversation returned to a central question: What will athletes have left when their playing careers end?<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The goal shouldn’t simply be to leave the game with money. The goal should be to leave the game with assets, opportunities, and a legacy that continues working for you long after you’ve stopped playing,” Roberts said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “That’s what I mean when I say the athlete is the asset.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch the full interview below<\/strong> as Roberts shares insights on protecting an athlete’s business interests<\/a>, navigating opportunities and building a lasting legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding an Athlete’s Business Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preparing for Life Beyond Sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n