Steven Beer Speaks With Digital Journal for Article on Athletes Expanding Their Brands Outside of Sports

New York, N.Y. (April 3, 2025) - New York Partner Steven Beer recently spoke with Digital Journal for an article titled, “Attorney Steven Beer on Athletes As Rock Stars and Navigating the Unknown,” which describes the changing landscape for athletes as they expand their brands. The article also discusses Mr. Beer’s upcoming book on how parents can help their children to navigate commercial opportunities while participating as an amateur athlete.

As the article explains, amateur athletes today are capitalizing on their fame through name, image, and likeness (NIL) licenses, sponsorships, merchandise, live appearances, and other opportunities. Mr. Beer told Digital Journal that as athletes become entrepreneurs, there is a need for expertise in issues such as licensing rights, endorsements, and intellectual property. He noted, “You put an athlete in any business, even an investment group and it brings a sizzle. . . . Without adequate information or experience, however, it’s inevitable that some athletes may make bad decisions.” Mr. Beer went on to observe how his own experience as a stage parent has helped him understand the new challenges that face athletes, describing, “I had to recalibrate my balance when I became a stage parent. Although I had extensive experience as a successful entertainment attorney and artist manager, I struggled to objectively view my son’s business matters.”

In addition, Mr. Beer discussed the book he authored titled, Your Child’s Career in Music and Entertainment: The Prudent Parent’s Guide from Start to Stardom. “I said to myself, if I’m making these mistakes, imagine all the other parents out there who don’t have a background in the entertainment industry,” he explained. “There isn’t a go-to book for parents that breaks down these roles that they play. In fact, in the sports and entertainment space, the industry informally pushes parents away because they view them as a waste of time.” 

The Digital Journal article also notes that Mr. Beer and his colleagues currently are writing a companion book for parents of amateur athletes. The new book, which is set for publication in late 2025, will include a forward by Mr. Beer and former professional basketball player Chris Webber.

Mr. Beer, who serves as Co-Chair of Lewis Brisbois’ Entertainment, Media, & Sports Practice, concentrates his practice on film, television, and music matters. He represents industry-leading film, television, and music companies and has acted as counsel to numerous award-winning writers, directors, producers, and multi-platinum musical artists. He is a frequent speaker on emerging legal trends in the entertainment industry.

Read the full Digital Journal article here.