Ball is Law Podcast

Chris D'Avanzo, John Martin
  • 5.0 (13)
  • BASKETBALL

From law school to the real world, two friends dive into the crossroads of sports and the law. Ball is Law covers everything from breaking sports stories to special guest interviews, and yes, we will even break down legal jargon into something you can actually understand. Let’s unpack this together!

  1. Before You Sign: The NIL Contract Episode

    JAN 15

    Before You Sign: The NIL Contract Episode

    In this episode, we sit down with Max Rusakov, Co-Founder of RevU, a company building real infrastructure around NIL contracts. We break down what’s really happening behind the scenes of NIL deals from contract structure and red flags, to how schools handle compliance, to how technology is starting to reshape the way athletes, brands, and even lawyers work with NIL agreements. Max shares what RevU is building, why the current NIL system creates risk for athletes, and how his company is working directly with athletes, school compliance departments, and legal professionals to bring clarity, speed, and protection into a space that’s still very new and very messy. If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or someone working in NIL, this is an episode you want to hear.

    52 min
  2. Sponsor Patches & NCAA Eligibility

    10/02/2025

    Sponsor Patches & NCAA Eligibility

    What does it mean for college sports when an athlete can go pro and then come back? On this episode, we're having a crucial debate about the eligibility of a G League player to return to the NCAA. We discuss the potential ripple effects and whether this decision changes everything for student-athletes. We also cover the hot topic of sponsor patches on college football jerseys.

    42 min
  3. Building Strong Foundations: NIL & Academic Success with Polaris Owner Jeff Hiser

    09/18/2025

    Building Strong Foundations: NIL & Academic Success with Polaris Owner Jeff Hiser

    In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hiser, owner of Polaris Athlete, to talk about NIL from a different perspective. How it helps athletes prepare for life after sports and their future careers. The money is great, but there’s much more to NIL than flashy deals. We discuss how NIL can be a tool for learning real-world skills like responsibility, financial literacy, and personal branding. Jeff shares how Polaris combines academic advising, recruiting guidance, and NIL education to give student-athletes a foundation that lasts well beyond their playing days. This conversation shows how NIL, when approached the right way, can set athletes up not just for short-term opportunities, but for long-term success in school, business, and life.

    1h 3m
  4. NFL 2025 Season Deep Dive

    09/17/2025

    NFL 2025 Season Deep Dive

    This week, we’re switching things up. Instead of diving into the legal side of sports, we’re keeping it light and fun. Just pure football talk. John and I break down the upcoming NFL season, share our opinions on what to expect, and go division by division to predict who comes out on top. Of course, we couldn’t resist making our Super Bowl picks too. No case law, no contracts, just sports, hot takes, and a little friendly debate. If you’re ready for football season, you’ll want to hear this one.

    51 min
  5. Beyond the Game: Lessons in Law, Basketball, and Networking with Anthony Simon

    09/03/2025

    Beyond the Game: Lessons in Law, Basketball, and Networking with Anthony Simon

    In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Simon, a longtime friend I first met at basketball camp. Today, Anthony is a 3L at Hofstra University School of Law, and his journey shows just how far connections can take you. We talk about Anthony’s basketball career, what ultimately led him to law school, and how he’s navigating the NIL landscape, first as a former collegiate athlete and now as a future attorney. He also shares how networking has shaped his law school experience, opening doors to incredible opportunities.

    59 min
  6. Media Rights & IP: The Real Game Behind Sports

    08/26/2025

    Media Rights & IP: The Real Game Behind Sports

    This week’s episode covers four major stories in sports and IP. We start with Cal Raleigh and the risks of not filing a trademark on his nickname. Then we break down the ESPN and Paramount carousel WWE, NFL RedZone, and UFC all shifting deals in a battle over media rights. We also take a look at the Jets being the Jets, after getting denied on their latest trademark filing. And finally, we dive into the Utah Mammoth trademark problem and what it means for the NHL’s newest franchise. Four stories, one theme: trademarks and media rights shape the future of sports.

    54 min
  7. From Athlete to Advocate: A Chat With Rob Planter

    08/06/2025

    From Athlete to Advocate: A Chat With Rob Planter

    From college football player to lawyer, Rob brought a unique perspective to the pod on the House settlement, revenue sharing in college sports, and more… even if Chris had a few technical difficulties along the way.

    1h 9m
  8. Cash Is King In College Sports

    07/23/2025

    Cash Is King In College Sports

    College sports are in the middle of a full-blown transformation, and it’s all about the money. In this episode, we break down how revenue sharing is reshaping athlete compensation, why the American Athletic Conference rebranded to simply The American, and how schools like Texas Tech are going all-in with $28 million collectives to stay in the national conversation.

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

From law school to the real world, two friends dive into the crossroads of sports and the law. Ball is Law covers everything from breaking sports stories to special guest interviews, and yes, we will even break down legal jargon into something you can actually understand. Let’s unpack this together!

Information

  • Creator
    Chris D'Avanzo, John Martin
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © BallisLaw2023
  • Show Website
    Ball is Law Podcast