Jack Nicklaus secures $1M victory in legal battle over NIL rights
- Golf NIL
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
April 17, 2025
Jack Nicklaus just scored a $1 million win in a New York court, striking back against his former company’s attempt to control his personal brand.
A judge ruled that Nicklaus Cos.—now owned by real estate magnate Howard Milstein—overstepped by claiming exclusive rights to the golf legend’s name, image, and likeness under a 2007 deal. While the company paid $145 million for broad trademark and licensing rights, the court found it never secured ownership of Nicklaus’ personal endorsements.
Honorary starter Jack Nicklaus at the 2025 Masters | UPI / Alamy
The dispute erupted when Nicklaus Cos. sued in 2022, arguing its 2007 purchase included NIL rights. However, Justice Joel M. Cohen dismissed the case in March, clarifying that Nicklaus retains exclusive control over his name and image for endorsements. The April 16 ruling separately awarded $1 million in damages for lost opportunities during the injunction period.
Nicklaus Cos. isn’t backing down, calling the damages “unjustified” and vowing to appeal. For now, the ruling draws a clear line: Jack’s legacy remains his own, while the company sticks to trademarks. As Nicklaus' attorney, Albert Lichy put it, this decision “frames the space between Mr. Nicklaus and the Nicklaus Cos.”—a win for personal branding in an era where NIL rights are hotter than ever.
Why It Matters: The case sets a precedent for how courts distinguish between corporate trademarks and individual NIL rights, especially for athletes whose identities double as brands. While Nicklaus Cos. can still license the “Golden Bear” logo, Nicklaus keeps the final say on endorsements—proving even a $145 million deal can’t buy a living legend’s name.
Ongoing Legal Battles: Nicklaus has also filed a separate defamation lawsuit in Florida against Milstein, alleging false claims about his involvement with LIV Golf. This parallel case remains active, underscoring the broader clash over his legacy.
This outcome of this case was first reported by Law 360.
