School’s starting up. That means new textbooks, new clothes — and maybe a few new name, image and likeness deals for college and high school athletes eager to earn some money.
Whether it’s social media posts, in-person appearances, hosting sports camps (or even fishing tournaments), the ability to cash in is still relatively new for athletes. Here’s what you need to know as the athlete compensation era heads into its second full sports season.
WHAT HAS THE IMPACT BEEN ON COLLEGE SPORTS?
To hear coaches tell it, NIL deals have either helped bring them the players they were looking for or it’s just another level of competition to land the most elite athletes. Recall the sparring in May between Nick Saban, the coach of perennial national title contender Alabama, and rival Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M — with Saban’s side foray into criticism of HBCU standout Jackson State and its famous coach, Deion Sanders.
Many athletes have become entrepreneurs, and some have agents. NIL also has allowed athletes to enter the transfer portal looking not only for a different team but also for a better shot at more cash from companies, brands or through the many collectives sprouting up everywhere since the July 2021 launch of the NIL era.