NAIA Extends Partnership with Husch Blackwell
KANSAS CITY, MO — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has extended a partnership with Husch Blackwell LLP as the Official Law Firm Partner of the NAIA.
Husch Blackwell is committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of their work. Through strategic collaboration and innovation-driven solutions, the firm supports the NAIA’s mission to create a better future for student-athletes.
As part of this renewed partnership, Husch Blackwell will provide practical insights and educational content to assist athletic trainers, athletics directors, presidents, legal counsel, and conference commissioners in navigating the complex legal landscape of collegiate athletics. This continued collaboration reflects a shared dedication to strengthening the association, supporting student-athletes, and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for collegiate athletics.
“Our partnership with Husch Blackwell will help ensure fairness and a level playing field across our programs,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “The partners at Husch Blackwell bring the level of expertise the NAIA needs to support student-athletes and athletic programs alike.”
Partnering with the NAIA is a reflection of Husch Blackwell’s deep commitment to supporting student-athletes and the institutions that serve them, acknowledges Hayley Hanson, partner at Husch Blackwell, LLP. “We’re proud to bring our legal and strategic expertise to a collaboration that strengthens the foundation of intercollegiate athletics and helps shape its future.”
The current agreement will run through July 2026.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, MO, is a governing body of small athletics programs dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 83,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in financial aid from NAIA institutions, and compete in 29 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA
ABOUT HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP: Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service law firm with a national footprint and a client-centric approach. With deep expertise across various industries, including higher education, healthcare, and manufacturing, the firm is known for its collaborative culture, strategic insight, and commitment to delivering exceptional legal solutions.
