Temecula (main office) · Downtown San Diego (by appointment)
951-595-7374info@titaniumtaxes.comClient Portal ↗Español
Titanium Taxes logoTitanium TaxesTax & Business Consulting
951-595-7374Book an appointmentBook
Meet Our Team

Desai
Lopez

NIL & Tax Strategy | Serving Athletes Worldwide

at Titanium Taxes · Meet by video, wherever you play

Book Me
Desai Lopez, NIL & Athlete Tax Strategist
Desai LopezNIL & Athlete Tax Strategist
His Story

About Desai Lopez

Raised in Northern California, he competed at multiple collegiate levels before walking on at SDSU, where he played two seasons and finished his career in the NCAA Tournament during March Madness. Following his playing career, Lopez earned his degree in Business Accounting and completed three part-time internships with PricewaterhouseCoopers, gaining early exposure to high-level tax and accounting environments.

While studying accounting and working in the field, Lopez saw firsthand how unprepared athletes were for the financial realities of the NIL era. Despite his accounting background, he discovered his own NIL income from his final seasons had not been properly handled due to unclear guidance and rapidly changing regulations.

Under the mentorship of Enrolled Agent David Neugart, Lopez corrected his filings and developed a clear understanding of how NIL income should be earned, reported, and protected. That experience revealed a much larger issue: if an accounting graduate could miss these complexities, countless athletes were doing the same.

Today, Lopez specializes in athlete tax advisory and NIL compliance, helping clients navigate income reporting, deductions, and long-term financial planning in an increasingly professionalized college sports environment. Through proactive strategy and education, he has helped athletes and clients recover and save over six figures in taxes they either overpaid or didn’t realize they owed.

Desai Lopez playing for SDSU in the NCAA Tournament
Desai Lopez graduation portrait
Desai Lopez speaking at a podium
Philosophy

Taxes aren’t just about filing, they are about strategy. The focus is proactive planning, client education, and long term partnership, helping clients understand their taxes, reduce risk, and stay compliant.

What I Offer

Services

Comprehensive tax services tailored to individuals, business owners, and athletes across a wide range of income.

  • Individual and W-2 Tax Preparation
  • Year-Round Athlete and NIL Tax Strategy
  • Self-Employed and Side-Income Returns
  • Amended and Prior Year Returns
  • NIL Contract and 1099 Review
  • Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Athletes
  • Multi-State and Jock Tax Filing
  • Athlete LLC and Entity Guidance
  • Rookie and Pro Transition Planning
Book Me
Desai Lopez (#4, San Diego State) driving past a defender
From one athlete to another

He’s been in your shoes.

Desai played two seasons at SDSU and finished his career in the NCAA Tournament during March Madness. Along the way, he saw how many athletes mishandled their money and NIL income simply because no one gave them clear guidance. Now he’s the guide he wishes his teammates had.

Clients

Who I work with

College AthletesNIL deals, 1099s, and first-time filers
Pro & Rookie AthletesContracts, signing bonuses, and multi-state returns
International AthletesU.S. filing for athletes competing or earning here
Agencies & FamiliesSupport for agents, parents, and guardians
Testimonials

What athletes say

Real words from athletes Desai works with, on and off the court.

Darrion TrammellDarrion TrammellDarrion Trammell
Darrion TrammellPro basketball, Falco-Vulcano (Hungary) · former SDSU Aztec

My name is Darrion Trammell and I currently play professional basketball overseas in Hungary for Falco-Vulcano Energia KC. I’ve been lucky to get the opportunity of working with Desai not only because I am finally compliant tax wise, but also because he has also educated me on the importance of it. He’s amended 2 years of my taxes when I was misinformed about taxes and filed all of it completely wrong. Since then he’s gotten me compliant, informed me on different tax strategies for my situation (overseas income), and also saves me a lot of money. I am all up to date with my taxes and always aware of important dates and filings thanks to Desai. Lastly, I’d be doing a disservice to my fellow athletes who make NIL, play professionally, or have a unique income/career to not recommend Desai’s services. I wouldn’t want any athlete to be in the predicament I was in of being misinformed about such a difficult and important topic when building wealth as young athletes.

— Darrion TrammellPro basketball, Falco-Vulcano (Hungary) · former SDSU Aztec
Albert GreenAlbert GreenAlbert Green
Albert GreenFormer UNLV guard · NBA G League

My name is Albert Green, and I’m a basketball player who played at UNLV and is now joining the NBA G League. Working with Desai has helped take a lot of stress out of handling my taxes while playing basketball. He helped me with my NIL income, filing my returns, and sorting out past tax issues, and he also just makes everything easier to understand. I’d definitely recommend him to any other athlete who needs help, because having someone who understands NIL and walks you through the process of taxes makes a big difference.

— Albert GreenFormer UNLV guard · NBA G League
Jaedon LeDeeJaedon LeDeeJaedon LeDee
Jaedon LeDeeFormer SDSU Aztec · pro basketball · business owner

Desai Lopez at Titanium Taxes has been a valuable part of my team, helping me navigate taxes on basketball income earned in the U.S. and overseas, along with endorsements and NIL deals. They amended my prior returns and identified opportunities to maximize my tax savings.

Desai’s expertise extends beyond basketball. Dave & Desai also help with the accounting and tax planning for my residential construction business and various LLCs, making sure we account for expenses and understand how each part of my business fits into the bigger picture.

What I appreciate most is how thorough and proactive they are. They take the time to understand my goals, look at my full financial situation, and help me make informed decisions both on and off the court. I highly recommend Desai to athletes and business owners looking for someone who sees the whole picture.

— Jaedon LeDeeFormer SDSU Aztec · pro basketball · business owner
Logan JohnsonLogan JohnsonLogan Johnson
Logan JohnsonPro basketball, 4th year · Former Cincinnati & Saint Mary’s

Hi, my name is Logan Johnson. I’m a basketball player who played at the University of Cincinnati as well as Saint Mary’s College of Moraga, and I’m currently playing professionally in my 4th year. Since I started working with Desai, I’ve been able to better understand how taxes work, as well as what everything means. I would recommend Desai to any athlete, as he was one himself. He knows the work we put in, so why not put your money in the best hands?

— Logan JohnsonPro basketball, 4th year · Former Cincinnati & Saint Mary’s
Zeb JacksonZeb JacksonZeb Jackson
Zeb JacksonPro basketball · Former Michigan

Desai and Titanium Taxes have helped me navigate my taxes while playing basketball and earning income in different places. Having a team that understands the unique tax needs of athletes has been valuable.

— Zeb JacksonPro basketball · Former Michigan
BJ DavisBJ DavisBJ Davis
BJ DavisBasketball · San Diego State & Creighton

Desai has helped me be more proactive with my taxes and understand ways to better manage my finances as an athlete. I appreciate having someone I can trust to help me navigate the process.

— BJ DavisBasketball · San Diego State & Creighton
Nick BoydNick BoydNick Boyd
Nick BoydSan Diego State basketball · Desai’s former teammate

Desai and I were teammates, and throughout his journey building the NIL/athlete side of Titanium Taxes, we’ve had multiple conversations about tax strategies, building wealth, and making smarter financial decisions. I appreciate his passion for helping athletes become more financially educated and set themselves up for long-term success.

— Nick BoydSan Diego State basketball · Desai’s former teammate
Ethan RosenbergEthan RosenbergEthan Rosenberg
Ethan RosenbergEnvision Sports Group

Desai Lopez has been a trusted partner of Envision Sports Group, providing exceptional tax services to several of the athletes we represent. His experience as a former Division I student-athlete gives him a unique understanding of the NIL landscape and its constantly evolving regulations. His professionalism, clear communication, and proactive approach ensure our players stay informed and prepared throughout tax season. We greatly value our relationship with Desai and highly recommend his services to athletes and professionals seeking a knowledgeable and reliable tax professional.

— Ethan RosenbergEnvision Sports Group

Worked with Desai? Share your story.

The Process

How it works

Book a free call

A quick 15-minute intro to talk through your situation and goals.

Review your NIL contracts & 1099s

We go over your deals, income forms, and expenses so nothing is missed.

File and plan year-round

Accurate filing plus ongoing planning for estimated taxes and what’s next.

Agency Partners

Tax partner to sports agencies

Desai serves as lead tax consultant for sports agencies and the athletes they represent, from college NIL earners to professional players. He works alongside agents to keep clients’ income reporting, multi-state filings, and deductions in order so athletes can focus on competing.

Current partners include Envision Sports Group (ESG). Agencies interested in working together are welcome to reach out.

Partner With Desai
Envision Sports Group with Keshad Johnson
Envision Sports Group (ESG) with Keshad Johnson, NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner (Miami Heat)
Schedule

Book a consultation

15 minutes · free

Intro Call

A quick conversation to understand your situation and see how Desai can help.

Book
30 minutes

Athlete / NIL Tax Consult

Review NIL deals, income reporting, deductions, and estimated taxes for college and pro athletes.

Book
60 minutes

Tax Planning Session

An in-depth, proactive planning session for individuals, self-employed clients, and business owners.

Book
Questions

NIL tax FAQ

Quick answers to the questions athletes ask most.

Is NIL income taxable?

Yes. NIL income is generally taxable and is usually treated as self-employment income reported on Schedule C. Payers often send a Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC, but income is reportable even if you don’t receive one, and non-cash payments like products can count too.

Do I need to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Often, yes. Because taxes usually aren’t withheld from NIL payments, you may need to make quarterly estimated payments to the IRS (and your state) to cover income and self-employment tax and avoid penalties.

What expenses can I deduct?

Ordinary and necessary expenses tied to your NIL activity may be deductible, such as agent or management fees, certain training costs, travel for NIL work, and equipment or content costs, as applicable to your situation.

Do I owe taxes in other states?

Possibly. Earning income or performing NIL work in another state can create a filing requirement there, in addition to your home state. Pro athletes who play road games commonly file in multiple states.

Do I need an LLC?

It depends. An LLC can help with organization and liability, but it isn’t always necessary or tax-advantaged. It’s worth discussing your income level and goals before forming one.

General information only, not tax or legal advice. Your situation may differ; book a consultation for advice specific to you.

Contact

Send Desai a note

Questions about NIL income, your return, or planning ahead? Desai works remotely with athletes and clients anywhere in the world. Send a note and he will follow up.

Email or call and we’ll get back to you.

Email usCall (951) 595-7374