Q&A: Tim Brandle

From teaching in South Korea to helping launch Washington State University’s official NIL Collective, Tim Brandle has built a career at the intersection of sports, law, and education. Now, as the instructor for EDPE 514: "Ethical & Legal Aspects in Sport", he’s bringing his experience and legal expertise to the Gonzaga Master’s in Sport and Athletic Administration program.

Learn more about his journey, his passion for sport, and what inspires his work in the classroom...

Q. What course(s) do you teach?

A. EDPE 514 – Ethical & Legal Aspects in Sport

Q. What is your career/research background?

A. I graduated from Washington State University with a Degree in History and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. After teaching in Spokane for about 2 years I moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach English. In 2012, I enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law and have been a practicing attorney for 10 years. I serve as General Counsel for Flying Squirrel Sports, a local company that owns, operates, and builds indoor entertainment facilities around the world. In 2022, I helped found and establish the Cougar Collective, the official NIL Collective of Washington State University. As the attorney for the Board, I have kept up on the pulse of the many legal aspects surrounding NIL and the NCAA. I have served on the board of the Cougar Collective for over three years, working with Student-Athletes, Coaches, Administrators, and key stakeholders to support NIL programs at WSU.

Q. What are you looking forward to this school year?

A. Creating new opportunities for my students to learn and grow in both their academic and professional careers.

Q. What is your favorite sport/team?

A. GO COUGS. Any sport!

Q. What do you love about the sport industry?

A. That sports transcend all walks of life. No matter where you come from or what background you hail from, Sports can always be a reason for collective joy and connection.

Q. What advice do you have for students?

A. If you are passionate about something, pursue it as much as possible. You never know what doors may open simply due to a willingness to explore that passion.

Q. What is a skill or talent most people don’t know about you?

A. When I was younger, I used to be a competitive eater.

Q. What are you happiest doing when you are not working?

A. Traveling the world with my wife and daughters!