WUWM 89.7 FM recently highlighted a landmark NIL agreement between Walny Legal Group LLC and Darcy Doyle, a standout high school lacrosse player from University School of Milwaukee. The feature follows Wisconsin’s newly adopted policy that permits high school athletes to engage in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, joining over 40 other states in this evolving space.
Just days after the rule took effect in May 2025, Walny Legal Group became the first firm in the state to finalize such a deal, partnering with Doyle to promote legal readiness among young adults. “If you’re a young adult going to college, you have certain privacy rights with regard to your finances and your medical decisions,” explained Eido Walny, founder and managing attorney of the firm.
Doyle’s role centers on a social media campaign encouraging her peers to secure essential documents—like HIPAA authorizations and powers of attorney—when they turn 18. She remarked, “I signed the deal because it’s important to have basic estate documents set up for young adults when they turn 18. Once you are 18 and you’re away from your parents, and something bad happens, they can still have a say.”
Walny’s interest in the partnership was also personal. In a candid interview from Froedtert Hospital, he shared how his own 19-year-old son had recently been admitted to intensive care following an accident. “We were able to deal with his college. We were able to deal with security here at the hospital, we’re able to deal with the doctors,” he said, crediting their preparation with easing the process.
Despite expressing concern about the broader commercialization of high school sports through NIL, Walny emphasized that the firm’s agreement with Doyle was grounded in mutual respect and a shared educational mission.
Doyle, a three-time All-American and Northwestern University commit, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I hope it helps with women’s sports and growing that,” she said. “Normally it would go to a basketball player or a volleyball player before a lacrosse player, so I also hope it grows the sport.”
Full article available at:
WUWM – WI high school athletes can now sell their name, image. Darcy Doyle is the first to do it
By Katherine Kokal, WUWM – September 4, 2025
https://www.wuwm.com/education/2025-09-04/wi-high-school-athletes-can-now-sell-their-name-image-darcy-doyle-is-the-first-to-do-it
Image credit: Jenny Doyle via WUWM