07/01/2021 – The day college sports changed forever thanks to a 9-0 SCOTUS sweep earlier last week. It opened the door for name, image, and likeness, a.k.a. “NIL” for NCAA athletes.
Yes, college athletes are finally eligible to make money! Not from the colleges themselves, but college athletes are eligible for endorsements, and similar benefits.
Here is an example:
Let’s say “Athlete X” in Miami is contacted by Burger King for a $10,000 endorsement. “X” could not accept anything from Burger King before today, and the NCAA would’ve disciplined “X” if “X” resisted their subjugation. Now, “X” can negotiate a deal with Burger King or any other business.
Remember, the college cannot pay the athlete to play sports, but you know people are going to cut corners. This has future litigation written all over it. I fully expect an athletic director to step down within the next year or two due to breaking NIL laws.
“Athlete X” just so happens to know the CEO of Pulled Porky Hut, who is the the best friend of “Athletic Director Y”, at Jawn University? And, “X” just signed with Jawn University with a biweekly stipend of $150? I’m sure he signed there for the playing time! *wink wink*
This isn’t just an advantage for college athletes, but I’d argue it is just as big of a recruiting tool for the colleges.
Here’s what I mean:
“Athlete X” plays basketball for “College Y”, and X’s sibling, “Athlete A”, is a better athlete than “X”. “Athlete A” is deciding on going to either “College Z” or follow in the family’s footsteps at “College Y”.
Both schools offer the same scholarship, similar amenities, etc. However, “A” thinks “College Y” is enticing due to the fact that the older sibling has a sponsorship with Mercedes.
My big brother just got a free Benz and makes bank for doing a couple of commercials? Are you serious? Sign me up!
It is not hard to foreshadow SEC schools and their surrounding regions, i.e. Alabama, going crazy with the new guidelines.
There is so much more to come within the next few months alone, such as increased education benefits, senators writing rough drafts of federal NIL laws, etc. The ones I gave examples on above are the major points, and they will have an immediate impact right now.
This is a huge “W” for college athletes, and this is not the last one!
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