In her time at UT Law, 3L Bryce Bradley has thoughtfully selected courses and experiences that marry her two loves: sports and business. As she approaches graduation this spring, she is well-prepared for a career in sports law.
A Family-Inspired Interest in Entrepreneurship, Sports
“My family has an entrepreneurial spirit that goes back several generations,” Bradley says. “Both my mom and dad’s parents were entrepreneurs. My parents have owned their own business for as long as I can remember.”
Bradley’s interest in entrepreneurship influenced her decision to pursue degrees in International Business and French at Auburn University. She wasted no time putting her education to work. She explains, “My sister and I founded Boundless Loungewear, a women’s clothing store serving customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada,”
Bradley was also inspired by her family’s love of sports when she accepted a position in Auburn University’s student athlete recruiting program. In that role, she was involved in meeting with top football recruits and their families, giving them campus tours, sharing her student experience, and accompanying them to home football games. Bradley explains, “During this experience, I was exposed to the behind-the-scenes business of sports. I picked up a little bit of everything: branding, marketing, recruiting, and scouting.”
Thoughtfully Selecting Courses to Prepare for a Career in Sports Law
This background inspired Bradley to pursue a legal education and a career in sports law. In fall 2021, she enrolled at the University of Tennessee College of Law. After completing the required 1L curriculum, Bradley set out to select courses that would prepare her for a career in sports law. That coursework included a broad foundation in business law courses, specialized study in sports law, and a writing project focused on a sports law topic.
Bradley explains that she has selected a number of courses with a business law focus, including income tax, business associations, negotiation, and contract drafting. She notes that skills learned in Negotiation—taught by adjunct professor Judge Greg McMillan (UT Law ’92)—will be particularly helpful in the field of sports law.
Central to her sports law education, Bradley has the opportunity to take Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and Sports Law with adjunct professor Bobby Bramhall (UT Law ‘17). Bramhall is a former college and professional athlete who co-founded an NIL management and operations company in 2021. He currently provides sports law consulting and advising services for companies and agencies. Of Bramhall’s NIL course, Bradley explains, “This course has sharpened my understanding of NIL policies, as well as the resources and tools that sports attorneys and agents use to represent their clients in this area of the law. Professor Bramhall teaches this course in an energetic and engaging manner – it is by far my favorite class this semester.” Bradley is looking forward to taking Sports Law with Professor Bramhall in her final semester of law school.
Bradley deepened her understanding of NIL by writing a research paper in the area, under the supervision of Professor Brian Krumm. The paper addresses NIL collectives, which are entities that help athletes seek, manage, and execute NIL deals. Her paper will be published digitally by the Tennessee Law Review.
Gaining Sports Law Experience Outside of the Classroom
“Throughout my time in law school, I made an effort to talk to my professors about my interests and seek advice to gain direction and clarity in my goals,” Bradley says. “Professor Paula Schaefer asked me about my plans for the summer. When I explained that I wanted to find an opportunity to work in sports, she immediately thought of several UT Law alumni that she thought would help me. These connections eventually led to me securing my first ever sports agency internship.”
Bradley interned in the summer of 2023 with Solace Sports and Entertainment, an agency co-owned by UT Law alumna Folasade Omogun Broadnax (UT Law ’16). At Solace Sports, Bradley says she learned about the skills needed to represent student-athletes. In the current semester, Bradley is interning with the University of Tennessee Athletics Compliance office. She is also a member of UT Law’s team that will be competing in Tulane’s Professional Football Negotiation Competition in January 2024.
Bradley has gained further sports law connections and knowledge through involvement in various professional organizations. She is a student member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries, and the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association. She has also attended the Black Sports Business Symposium in Atlanta. The event encourages the development of black professionals and students within professional sports—spanning leagues, teams, and agencies.
A Bright Future in Sports Law
With experience in sports recruiting, compliance, athlete representation, and international business, Bradley is interested in working in client relations and representation for a sports agency or as a business executive for a sports brand. “I have become aware that there are so many opportunities around the world,” she says. “I am open-minded and optimistic about my future as I explore both domestic and international opportunities.”
NIL Professor Bobby Bramhall expects big things from Bradley in the field of sports law. Bramhall says, “Bryce will not only find a way into sports law, but she will also pave new roads in the industry. She has a high sports IQ and is emotionally intelligent when it comes to professional relationships and interactions about various topics. Her fearless ability to engage, as well as her knowledge of sports, will be valuable in client interactions.”