December 10, 2024

ASU Law grad prepares to tackle world of sports with a legal lens

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.

Kyle Goodier came to the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University from Pennsylvania, determined to launch his career with an NBA team after graduation. Now, as he prepares to walk across the stage to receive both his Juris Doctor and Master of Sports Law and Business, that dream is finally within reach.

During his time at ASU Law, Goodier created a nationally known competition for aspiring NBA Front Office executives, called the NBA Trade Deadline Competition. What began as an ambitious idea in his first year of law school became a reality in his final two years. The latest event attracted more than 250 students from 50 college programs across the country and raised $60,000.

“There were moments of exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed. I often questioned whether all the hard work would pay off. But those feelings vanished the first night of the competition when a student approached me at the kickoff event and told me the experience had changed his life. That moment of validation was, without a doubt, the most rewarding of my law school career,” Goodier said.

Goodier will graduate in December and aims to work for an NBA team's front office focused on salary cap strategy.

Read on to learn more about Goodier's journey at ASU and his plans for the future.

Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: Do you have any scholarships that were funded by individuals, businesses and/or organizations?

Answer: I was fortunate to receive significant support throughout my time at ASU Law, beginning with a merit scholarship upon entry. During my second year, I was named the Selig Scholar of the Year, an award given annually to one concurrent Juris Doctor/Master of Sports Law and Business student. I was awarded the Robert Carey Sports Law Scholarship in my third year and the Paul and Flo Eckstein Endowment in my final semester. I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of all the donors who invested in my legal education.

Q: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

A: My "aha" moment came during my first year after participating in a negotiation competition at Tulane Law. Having to delve into the intricacies of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement for the first time truly opened my eyes to the strategic complexities of building a competitive roster. I was fascinated by the intersection of legal expertise and the business of sports. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career as a salary cap professional in an NBA front office.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: We're all in the same boat when it comes to the struggles that law school presents. The first semester can often come with a lot of imposter syndrome. The courses are incredibly difficult, and the style of learning is hard to grasp. When I learned that others were going through many of the same difficulties acclimating to this new environment, I was able to manage my stress and workload much better.

Q: Why did you choose ASU Law?

A: I was initially drawn to ASU Law's renowned sports law program. During my campus visit in 2021, I enjoyed my tour and meeting with current students. Looking back, I couldn't be happier with my decision.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU Law?

A: Professor Matsumura's contracts class during my first semester shaped my legal career. I learned how contractual principles underpin nearly so many interactions we have daily. I ended up thoroughly enjoying the transactional side of law, in large part due to the impact that class had on my law school experience.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Take a step back and relax a bit. The nature of law school can make it very easy to get lost in the grind. You will pass at the end of the day, and you'll appreciate looking back and remembering the times you took a breather to hang with friends or pursue your hobbies.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: I liked to post up on the sixth floor, but mainly in the common areas.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would use it to bolster education systems in low-income communities. I grew up playing a lot of basketball in inner-city Philadelphia and Wilmington. Many of my friends were amazing, brilliant people who fell victim to their environments. I've always wanted to give back in that sense to help pave the way for opportunities for future generations.

Written by Crystal Jimenez