Paid to Play: College Athletes and Workers' Compensation Cases in New York

This program will explore the evolving status of college athletes as paid employees in the wake of NCAA rule changes and litigation. Colleges and universities, for the first time in the history of the NCAA, were given the right to pay players directly. The impact of these payments on the legal landscape for workers' compensation has shifted dramatically. Attendees will examine how New York's broad definition of 'employee' applies to student-athletes, including scenarios involving injuries both within and outside the state.

As student-athletes gain compensation and employee-like rights, legal claims are poised to increase. This program equips attorneys to counsel clients, whether athletes, universities, or sponsors, on compliance and litigation risks. Attendees will learn how NCAA reforms and NIL compensation impact employment classification, when athletes may be considered employees under New York law, and how jurisdiction applies even to out-of-state injuries and athletes.

This program is designed for all attorneys who wish to understand how the transformation of college athletics impacts the practice of law in New York. It will be valuable for lawyers in workers' compensation, employment, personal injury, higher education, compliance, or general practice who may be asked at some point whether a student athlete is entitled to benefits in the event of an injury.

Learning Objectives:

1. Differentiate between employees and independent contractors. 
2. Examine jurisdiction and when it applies.
3. Review Special Rules for workers under 25.