The Business of Being an Athlete: NIL, Taxes & the Financial Playbook Every Athlete Needs

Bennett Thrasher Presents: Beyond The Ledger · Jul 9, 2026 · 27m · transcript

In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield sits down with Peter Stathopoulos, Partner in Bennett Thrasher's Entertainment Practice, to explore how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has transformed college athletics into a complex financial and tax landscape. The conversation examines the tax implications of NIL income, common record-keeping mistakes, multi-state tax challenges, and strategic planning opportunities that can help athletes, schools, and collectives navigate this rapidly evolving environment with greater confidence.

Takeaways

NIL Income Is a Business…