A HYPHENATED Look at the Matt Sluka Situation and Key NIL Lessons

I've taken time to digest the recent Matt Sluka news at UNLV Athletics , and it's disheartening to see how things unraveled. From everything I've read, there were multiple points where this situation could have been resolved before it escalated.

After watching the initial reactions, I keep circling back to one fundamental issue: the fragmented nature of our current NIL landscape is to blame here, and no one truly wins in this scenario.

The lack of alignment and proper systems failed everyone involved.

Here are some quick takes that might resonate with a few of you:

• Institutional Alignment is Everything To succeed in NIL: Institutions must create interconnected systems of support. When I was at Texas A&M, I often said, NIL is everyone’s responsibility—not just the job of the one person you hire to “run it.” The days of athletic departments operating in silos are over. Shared awareness and responsibility across units can prevent situations like what happened at UNLV. Clear processes and institutional buy-in are critical.
• Compliance Isn’t the Enemy: When I started in compliance at Ohio State, I initially saw it as “The Feds”. But over time, I realized a healthy compliance office can be your greatest asset in establishing order, checks and balances in a highly competitive environment. Not every compliance office operates the same, but ideally, they should serve as customer service and problem-solvers.We can’t remove all risk in NIL, but by establishing internal processes, policies, and rationale, institutions can make value-based decisions with clarity on any consequences. Compliance is there to protect, not obstruct.
• Risk vs. Reward: Outsourcing NIL: The early NIL rules opened the door for third-party entities and collectives. While I’m neither pro nor anti-collective, it’s essential that collectives have healthy working relationships with athletic departments. Simply forming an LLC or 501(c)(3) is not enough. Paying some newly created entity working with various other schools, getting a % of all funds raised, yet lacking the infrastructure, and oversight to ensure your interests and goals are met, may not be the answer either. Operations, staffing, and continued communication between collectives and institutions are crucial to ensure alignment and shared goals.
• The Evolution of Collectives: Collectives began as a grassroots attempt to gain a competitive advantage, and many have morphed into legitimate businesses. However, collectives must stay aligned with institutional priorities. I often refer to the institution as the “cruise ship” and the collective as the “speedboat.” Collectives can move quickly, but they risk capsizing if they veer too far away from the university’s oversight. The institution is the source, and collectives are a resource—but never let the tail wag the dog.
• Coaches’ Evolving Role: The traditional power dynamics between coaches, athletes, and administration are shifting. As the highest-paid and most powerful figure on campus, your head coach faces a complex dynamic. When administrative leadership struggles to provide clear & consistent guidance, yet holds the authority to fire coaches, combined with the relentless pressure to win immediately, it creates an environment ripe for the kinds of issues we're witnessing here.
• As NIL continues to evolve, there are complexities at every level—state laws, conference regulations, and institutional policies. The layers of risk and ambiguity require the right counsel, someone who understands the intricacies from multiple vantage points.

That’s where Hyphenated Athletics comes in. Our goal is to bridge the gap between all NIL stakeholders, providing clear processes, compliance guidance, and strategic counsel.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a conversation about navigating NIL, reach out. We’re here to help.