The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference will host an NIL educational workshop tonight, Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at The Catholic University of America’s Pryzbyla Center in Washington, D.C. The workshop looks to give student-athletes and their families an opportunity to learn about financial, legal and branding aspects of name, image and likeness.
Hosted in partnership with law firm Offit Kurman, the workshop will feature the insights of legal and financial professionals, sports industry experts and former student-athletes. The event is open to WCAC student-athletes and their families, with registration required.
The workshop was organized by WCAC Commissioner Dwayne Foster and Kenneth “Kenny” Jefferson, an estates and trusts attorney at Offit Kurman and former DeMatha Catholic High School football player. As a former student-athlete, Jefferson said he understands the importance of preparing young athletes for the financial and legal decisions that come with NIL.
“Today, student-athletes face all of that plus real contracts, real income, and real legal and tax decisions, often before anyone has explained how any of it works,” Jefferson said.
High school NIL opportunities have expanded in recent years, since the July 2021 NCAA decision to allow college athletes to profit off their NIL. Jefferson said new NCAA eligibility rules taking effect for students entering college in fall 2027 will affect this year’s WCAC seniors, making it important for the families of the current high school students to understand the changing landscape.
The WCAC, which included 13 private schools across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, has a history of success in athletics and academics. Foster said the workshop reflects the conference’s commitment to preparing student-athletes for life beyond sports and providing skills they can use as they move into adulthood.
“I think for us in our conference, we want to ensure that our student athletes are receiving the right information,” Foster said. “We want to educate them about this NIL space.”
The workshop will cover everything from NIL trends and financial planning to personal branding and contract management. The panel, carefully selected by Jefferson and his team at Offit Kurman will include Bill Carter of Student-Athlete Insights, Trey Gresh of Glassman Wealth Services, Kenny Muse of Northern Trust Wealth Management, Lisa Barringer of 360 Business Management, attorneys Jefferson, W. Drew Kastner and Stephenie Yeung, Tiffany Oates of Secretariat and former college football player Shane Lee.
Sports journalist and host of Fox Sports Radio’s “Listen in With KNN” Kelsey Nicole Nelson will moderate the discussion, with Foster serving as host. Listen In With KNN is also a sponsor of the event. The panel will follow a fictional student-athlete throughout the evening to demonstrate how different decisions can affect an athlete’s finances and future.
Jefferson said student-athletes who have not yet received NIL offers can benefit from learning about the process before facing the pressure of making decisions. Understanding contracts and managing taxes are valuable skills that can benefit young people regardless of whether they pursue NIL opportunities.
“The best time to learn this is before there’s an offer on the table with a deadline attached,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson advised athletes and families to look beyond payment amounts and consider their obligations, the rights they give up and how long an agreement lasts. He encouraged having contracts reviewed by a lawyer before signing, particularly when minors are involved
“Never sign on the spot,” Jefferson said. “A good deal will still be there after a lawyer has read it.”
Financial planning will also be a focus, as NIL payments often have no taxes withheld. Jefferson said athletes should understand their tax obligations and develop good financial habits early.
Foster hopes attendees gain practical NIL knowledge, while Jefferson urged families to build a support network before opportunities arise.
“Build your team before you need it,” Jefferson said, “Have a trusted adult, a lawyer, and a tax professional you can call before you say yes to anything.”
For those looking to attend, the workshop will be held tonight in the Pryzbyla Center’s Great Room B. Registration is required and the first 100 student-athletes to attend will receive a free T-shirt.
Senior at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism
UMD '27