Adam R. Lewis

Recent developments in college athletics are reshaping how universities manage sports programs and how student-athletes protect their rights.

The debate over fair compensation for NCAA athletes has intensified, shifting from if athletes should be paid to how they should be compensated.

When a franchisee signs a retail commercial lease to operate a franchised business, the franchisor may require a Franchise Rider, a document that grants the franchisor specific rights and protections. As a landlord, it’s important to understand how these riders work, what they typically include, and how they might affect your control over the property.

The House v. NCAA settlement, while a victory for many student-athletes, has introduced a complex and challenging landscape for international student-athletes on F-1 visas seeking to engage in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities.

On July 24, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled, "Saving College Sports," aimed at preserving athletic opportunities and preventing college athletes from being classified as professional employees.

Following the House v. NCAA decision, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of booster collectives and their role in athlete compensation.

The College Sports Commission, the new regulatory body overseeing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, recently announced that it will no longer allow agreements between athletes and donor-backed collectives unless those deals serve a "valid business purpose."

The "SCORE Act" aims to protect the name image and likeness (NIL) rights of student-athletes, promote fair compensation in intercollegiate athletics, and address related concerns.

In commercial leases, operating expenses (or CAM charges) cover property maintenance and operational costs. Collected in addition to base rent, these charges often spark disputes between landlords and tenants over which expenses are appropriately included.

In addition to the $2.8 billion, 10-year settlement and a $20.5 million annual revenue-sharing pool for Division I schools, the House v. NCAA lawsuit settlement is also transforming college sports by the creation of the College Sports Commission online portal, NIL Go.

A $2.75 billion NCAA settlement compensates former athletes and allows colleges to pay current athletes directly, introducing a $20.5 million salary cap and roster limits.

Billboard leases offer mutual benefits but require careful consideration of ownership, rights, advertisement type, and legal aspects for clarity and protection.

Hal Kantor and Adam Lewis co-wrote Chapter 9 in Florida Real Property Sales Transactions, addressing deed covenants and warranties.

Orange County follows Miami-Dade, halting evictions amid COVID-19. Clarity needed for commercial vs. residential cases.