Spotlight on NIL Agreements
Though short-lived, the dispute drew attention in the sports legal world as a test case for the still-emerging landscape of direct compensation agreements between players and universities. NIL deals, which arose from last summer’s historic NCAA class-action settlement, compensate athletes not for performance on the field, but for the exclusive marketing rights to their name and likeness.
Mensah’s Duke deal included a clause barring him from enrolling at another school through 2026. Legal experts had questioned whether Duke could prevent a transfer, noting the difficulty of proving “irreparable harm” if Mensah left.
Transfer Set to Miami
The settlement now permits Mensah to play elsewhere, reportedly at the University of Miami. His agency, Young Money APAA Sports, praised the resolution.
“Through close collaboration and principled negotiation, we have successfully navigated an unprecedented path, one that has now reached a fair and agreeable resolution,” the agency said in a statement. “Darian extends his sincere gratitude to Duke University for engaging in good-faith discussions and reaching this resolution.”
Representatives for Duke and Mensah did not immediately provide further details on the settlement.
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