This Week on ICYMI NIL
The Players NIL
Online and in-person coaching that helps student-athletes navigate NIL opportunities and prepare for life after sports.
Welcome to ICYMI NIL - our weekly curated newsletter that provides our take on interesting stories in the world of NIL.
Let's jump into it!
Friday Focus: You Can Do Hard Things
As student-athletes approach the end of the semester and face the potential for late nights cramming for finals, remember that your discipline in the classroom fuels your strength on the court or field.
Remember to stay focused, tackle each assignment like you would a workout - one rep at a time.
Remind yourself that you can do hard things.
Balance, grit, and perseverance will strength your resolve and lead to success.
Let's finish strong, both in the classroom and on the field.
Happy Friday, everyone!
Big 12 Working on NIL Agreements Template for Member Schools
The landscape of college athletics is rapidly evolving, and with it comes a complex new reality for athletes and their families.
The Big 12 is making strides to get ahead by circulating a template for name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, helping schools set terms and processes for compensation.
However, this template—currently about 20 pages—is a lot to digest, even with adjustments to make it more user-friendly.
But here’s the question: Who will advise athletes and their families on navigating these agreements?
Athletes may soon be signing multiple contracts per school, from scholarship agreements to House settlement payments and NIL deals. Each comes with unique terms, payment structures, and legal implications.
For young athletes and their families, understanding what these mean and how they impact their future is daunting. They need advisors who can break down complex legal language, highlight key risks and benefits, and help them make informed decisions about their rights and earnings.
Meanwhile, the proposed House settlement brings another layer, aiming to let schools share revenue directly with athletes while still allowing some oversight from the NCAA.
Supporters see this as a step toward a unified standard, potentially attracting congressional support for broader protections.
Opponents, however, argue it could limit athletes’ rights by creating a collective bargaining structure without athletes’ input.
As schools and leagues rush to adapt, we hope they recognize the urgent need for trusted guidance for these athletes.
After all, athletes deserve more than just a seat at the table—they need the right people by their side to help them navigate it.
Why America’s Olympic Future Needs Federal Support Amid NIL Changes
From TPNIL founder Mark R. Koesterer : "I am a huge fan of Olympic Sports. My children were all ski racers at a high level regionally. I saw firsthand how money is usually the biggest obstacle to greater success. Now we have this to consider.
The NIL era has reshaped college sports—but it’s also put the future of U.S. Olympic sports at risk. Unlike most countries, America’s Olympic pipeline is funded not by the government but by NCAA programs and private donors.
With the financial pressures of NIL compensation, non-revenue Olympic sports like swimming, gymnastics, and wrestling are facing unprecedented cuts.
The House v. NCAA ruling allows for up to $22 million in annual compensation for athletes in revenue sports, squeezing budgets even further.
This isn’t just a budget issue; it’s about America’s legacy in global sports.
Currently, NCAA athletes make up 75% of U.S. Olympians. Preserving this talent pipeline requires urgent action, and federal funding could help secure the future of Olympic sports while allowing colleges to adapt to NIL’s new demands.
Supporting Olympic development is a small investment—just 0.3% of the defense budget—with a powerful return: sustaining national pride and influence on the global stage."
Climbing the Corporate Ladder to Charting a Course: How Today's Young Entrepreneurs are Taking Charge
Why do I see so many young athletes trying to chart their course?
Traditionally, ambitious graduates from top MBA programs began their careers in middle management at established corporations, working their way up to the C-suite over years (or decades) of dedication.
But now, many of these young professionals choose an alternative path: entrepreneurship. Today’s athletes have more options than ever to become CEOs?without climbing the corporate ladder.
Instead of managing within someone else’s framework, many are building their startups with venture capital support or taking companies public.
Others are pursuing a lesser-known but powerful route: entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA).
Through the ETA model, aspiring CEOs can acquire and run small, scalable companies, often with backing from search funds.
Here’s how it works:
Raise Initial Capital: Searchers (entrepreneurs) secure funding to cover their search for a business to acquire.
Acquire & Operate: Once an ideal company is identified and passes due diligence, searchers acquire it and take on the CEO role.
Long-Term Growth: Successful searchers gain valuable experience, equity stakes, and networks while growing the business—and eventually may sell or exit for significant financial returns.
What is the beauty of the search fund model?
The initial financial risk is low, but the upside can be transformative. Young entrepreneurs get a fast-track opportunity to lead a company, gain C-suite experience, and build meaningful networks.
Even if the journey ends early, the experience of running a business is invaluable and opens new doors for the future.I am learning this and sharing it with my clients, using the NIL space to build a better you through brand experience, communication skills, and life skills around career development.
To the athletes, MBAs, and professionals seeking to shape their paths—your entrepreneurial future may be closer than you think!
A Guide to Building an Institutional NIL Program
Building a robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education platform for college athletes is critical in the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. With proposed changes, such as potential revenue-sharing models, salary caps, and the reclassification of athletes as employees, athletic administrators must not only accommodate elite Division I athletes but also support those at mid-major, Division II, and Division III institutions.
These athletes, including those in non-revenue sports, have marketing potential that can be maximized with the right tools and guidance.
In this essay, we outline a step-by-step plan for administrators to develop a comprehensive NIL education platform, emphasizing inclusivity for all athletes.
Step 1: Conduct a Needs Assessment Across Athletic Divisions
The first step is for athletic departments to understand the diverse needs of athletes across divisions. Unlike top-tier programs, athletes at mid-major, Division II, and Division III schools may lack the resources and brand recognition that facilitate NIL opportunities. Administrators should conduct surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews with athletes across divisions and sports to assess current NIL understanding, financial literacy, social media presence, and interest in local endorsements.
Implementation Tip: Develop a standardized assessment tool for athletic departments to gauge athletes’ NIL readiness, specific knowledge gaps, and regional market opportunities. This data should guide customized programming.
Step 2: Develop a Modular NIL Education Curriculum
Athletes’ needs will vary widely, so a modular curriculum that covers the essentials of NIL is critical. Core modules should include:
Each module should be adaptable so that athletes with varying NIL ambitions and resources can access relevant information at different stages of their collegiate careers.
Implementation Tip: Offer these modules as online courses that athletes can complete at their own pace, but include regular, in-person workshops for a more interactive experience. Consider collaborating with local financial advisors, marketing professionals, and legal experts to lead workshops.
Step 3: Implement a Mentorship Program with Alumni and Local Business Leaders
For athletes without access to national endorsement deals, partnerships with local businesses can be a powerful alternative. Administrators can facilitate these connections through a mentorship program, matching athletes with alumni and community leaders who have experience in branding, entrepreneurship, and local business. This can be especially beneficial for Division II and Division III athletes who may not otherwise have access to significant marketing resources.
Implementation Tip: Create a network database of alumni and local business leaders who are interested in supporting athlete development. Host quarterly mentorship events where athletes can meet and learn from these mentors.
Step 4: Create Partnerships with Social Media Platforms and Marketing Firms
Social media is central to NIL’s success, yet not all athletes have the skills or confidence to market themselves online. Partnering with social media platforms, digital marketing firms, or influencer agencies can help provide workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions on building an authentic brand and engaging effectively with followers. Such partnerships can also give athletes access to digital tools that track and analyze their social media engagement, helping them understand and maximize their reach.
Implementation Tip: Encourage social media partners to offer athletes a “pro account” that includes analytic insights, content planning resources, and creative support. This can be made available through discounted or institutional subscriptions funded by athletic departments.
Step 5: Provide Access to Legal and Financial Advising Services
The prospect of contracts, taxes, and long-term financial management is often overwhelming for college athletes. This step is essential, as many athletes may be vulnerable to entering exploitative agreements without understanding the fine print. Administrators should make financial and legal advisory services available for athletes to review contracts, understand licensing rights, and manage income responsibly.
Implementation Tip: Set up a rotating schedule of “NIL office hours” where athletes can meet with legal and financial experts on campus or virtually. Encourage these advisors to offer resources specifically tailored for non-Division I athletes and those engaged in non-revenue sports who may face different NIL challenges and opportunities.
Step 6: Implement Inclusivity Initiatives for Non-Revenue and Non-Collective Model Athletes
Athletic administrators must ensure that NIL opportunities do not exclusively benefit high-profile athletes. This is especially important in mid-major, Division II, and Division III schools where many athletes do not have national exposure. To support these athletes, athletic departments should focus on local and regional endorsements that can be achievable for athletes across all sports and divisions.
Implementation Tip: Create a “NIL Opportunity Board” that lists local sponsorships and community partnership opportunities, ensuring access for athletes in less visible sports.
Step 7: Establish a Revenue-Sharing Model to Support All Athletes
If the college adopts revenue-sharing or collective compensation models, non-collective athletes should still benefit from the platform. One approach is to establish an institutional fund, supported by revenue generated through NIL-related initiatives, to provide resources, financial support, and opportunities for all athletes, including those in non-revenue-generating sports.
Implementation Tip: Allocate a percentage of revenue from NIL initiatives (such as social media promotions or apparel sales) to a fund for athletes in non-revenue sports. This fund can cover costs related to NIL education, travel for partnership events, and personal development resources.
Step 8: Monitor, Evaluate, and Adapt the NIL Education Platform
Athletic administrators must regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their NIL education programs to ensure they are meeting athletes’ needs. This involves tracking participation rates, reviewing athlete feedback, and assessing program outcomes, such as the number of athletes who successfully secure NIL deals or show improvement in financial and branding literacy.
Implementation Tip: Conduct bi-annual evaluations using athlete surveys and adjust the curriculum based on feedback and emerging trends. Ensure that the program evolves alongside changes in NIL regulations and market demands, staying current with best practices in digital branding, financial management, and partnership-building.
Conclusion
The NIL era has highlighted the vast marketing potential of all college athletes, regardless of their division or revenue-generating ability. By implementing a comprehensive, inclusive NIL education platform, athletic administrators can empower athletes across the collegiate ecosystem. This platform should encompass a robust curriculum, mentorship, local partnerships, and resources tailored to varying levels of athletic exposure. Through this approach, administrators can help every athlete—not just the stars of revenue sports—realize their full NIL potential, enhancing both their personal development and the reputation of collegiate athletics.
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Have a great weekend!