On January 6, 2025, University of Washington standout quarterback Demond Williams announced that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal just four days after reportedly signing a contract with Washington football for the 2026-27 season.[i] Williams’ deal with Washington has been reported to be for approximately $4 million, which is considered near the top of the market in terms of revenue sharing and NIL compensation for a student-athlete.[ii] It has been reported that Washington has no intention of releasing Williams from his contract and plans to pursue legal action against Williams. Washington officials have described the contract as a “legally binding revenue-sharing contract with the school.”[iii] Under the recent House settlement, schools are entitled to compensate student-athletes through a revenue-sharing pool that is capped at approximately $20.5 million.

This issue has caught the attention of the Big Ten Conference, of which the University of Washington is a member. The Big Ten was vocal last year when University of Wisconsin football player Xavier Lucas transferred to the University of Miami. Lucas had reportedly entered into a two-year NIL agreement with the University of Wisconsin after the 2024 season, as well as a separate agreement with Wisconsin’s NIL collective.[iv] Lucas then transferred to Miami about one month later. Following Lucas’s transfer, the Big Ten called Miami’s actions “tampering and contract interference” and called for governance reform in college sports to enforce the terms of these agreements. Wisconsin ultimately filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami in June of 2025 for tortious contract interference, including allegations that Miami coaches visited Lucas in December 2024 before he unenrolled from Wisconsin.[v]

While the Lucas case is ongoing, the Williams announcement presents similar circumstances. It has been reported that Williams’ one-year contract with Washington used a Big Ten-approved contract template for student athlete revenue-sharing contracts. The template reportedly includes provisions designed to prevent against athletes entering the transfer portal once the contract has been signed and also restricts student-athlete NIL rights from being used by another school.

Williams’ case highlights some of the ongoing uncertainty the NCAA, institutions, and student-athletes face in the aftermath of the House settlement. While Lucas’s case of first impression remains ongoing in Wisconsin court, the outcome of Williams’ attempted transfer could have a monumental impact on the immediate future of college athletics.

[i] Washington has ‘no intention’ to release QB who signed but plans to enter portal anyway – The Athletic

[ii] Demond Williams transfer: New information emerges on Washington QB’s attempt to back out of contract – Yahoo Sports

[iii] Demond Williams transfer portal controversy, explained: Why Washington is blocking QB from leaving recent contract | Sporting News

[iv] Wisconsin alleges Miami tampered in Xavier Lucas’ transfer – ESPN

[v] Wisconsin alleges Miami tampered in Xavier Lucas’ transfer – ESPN

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Photo of George Pla George Pla

George is an associate in the firm’s Corporate practice. He received his J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.

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Photo of Callan G. Stein Callan G. Stein

Cal’s broad litigation and investigation practice encompasses white collar criminal matters, corporate and commercial civil litigation, internal investigations, and health care litigation. Cal frequently represents and advises higher education clients, particularly in areas related to collegiate athletics and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

…

Cal’s broad litigation and investigation practice encompasses white collar criminal matters, corporate and commercial civil litigation, internal investigations, and health care litigation. Cal frequently represents and advises higher education clients, particularly in areas related to collegiate athletics and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and compliance. Cal provides NIL compliance advice and internal investigation services to major universities, including those that participate in Division I football and basketball, and likewise advises schools on athletics contracts, conference affiliations, conference realignment, and other NCAA-related issues. Cal also represents and advises businesses on NIL contracts, as well as NIL collectives on formation and compliance matters. Cal hosts the firm’s “Highway to NIL” podcast that discusses the legal landscape and developments in the area of NIL law.

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Photo of Michael S. Lowe Michael S. Lowe

As a seasoned former federal prosecutor in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Michael provides unique insights and practical guidance to clients facing investigation or prosecution for allegations of fraud and other financial crimes and civil False Claims Act suits. Michael is experienced in the

…

As a seasoned former federal prosecutor in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Michael provides unique insights and practical guidance to clients facing investigation or prosecution for allegations of fraud and other financial crimes and civil False Claims Act suits. Michael is experienced in the NIL and higher education space. He currently represents an NCAA Division I athletic conference in connection with the settlement of the House antitrust litigation, as well as NIL issues and conference policies and procedures. He also has provided advice to an NCAA Division I university in connection with NIL and has experience with investigations of potential NIL violations. In addition to representing clients in this area, Michael frequently writes, speaks, and presents on cutting-edge NIL issues.

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Photo of Christopher M. Brolley Christopher M. Brolley

Chris concentrates his practice on federal and statewide product liability litigation through his representation of pharmaceutical and medical device companies involving mass tort, personal injury, and wrongful death claims across the U.S. He also represents clients at the state and federal level in…

Chris concentrates his practice on federal and statewide product liability litigation through his representation of pharmaceutical and medical device companies involving mass tort, personal injury, and wrongful death claims across the U.S. He also represents clients at the state and federal level in matters ranging from breach of contract and corporate governance to data privacy and security. Chris advises higher educational institutions of all sizes, including colleges and universities, on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compliance issues. He provides comprehensive guidance on permissible and impermissible NIL activities and navigating state NIL laws, NCAA Bylaws, and other NCAA policies. Chris creates and implements tailored strategies for mitigating the potential risk of NCAA and state attorney general enforcement activity. He co-hosts the firm’s Highway to NIL podcast that discusses the legal landscape and developments in the area of NIL law.

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