This Week on ICYMI NIL

Welcome to ICYMI NIL - our weekly curated newsletter that provides our take on interesting stories in the world of NIL.

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Friday Focus: Empowering the Next Generation in Sports Business

The sports industry has always been a realm of passion, competition, and opportunity, but today, a seismic shift is redefining its landscape. The burgeoning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era is creating a transformative ecosystem—one where business acumen and strategic thinking are as critical as athletic prowess.

As young students dream of breaking into the sports business, it’s crucial to recognize the opportunities emerging in this exciting new world.

The recent announcement of Bill Belichick’s appointment as head coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill underscores this shift. The race to build college football programs that mirror the structure and sophistication of NFL franchises has officially begun.

This evolution isn’t just about athletes; it’s about the intricate layers of support that make such programs thrive.

The NFL Blueprint: A New Model for College Programs

An NFL team operates as a finely tuned machine with a vast network of professionals working behind the scenes. From health and wellness to financial management, roster development, free agency strategy, scouting, and logistics, these components are essential to creating a winning program. Universities are increasingly recognizing the value of this model and are investing in similar structures to compete in the NIL-driven era of college athletics.

This shift creates an unprecedented demand for talented individuals who can fill roles in program management, branding, marketing, and operational support.

These roles require not only a deep understanding of the sports industry but also strong business and organizational skills. For students aspiring to join the sports business world, this moment represents an unparalleled opportunity.

The Expanding Opportunities of the NIL Era

The NIL era allows college athletes to monetize their brands, leading to new revenue streams for universities and a heightened focus on branding, marketing, and athlete management. This has opened the floodgates for roles that didn’t exist a few years ago, including:

1. Brand Management: Helping athletes craft their brands, manage endorsements, and navigate public relations.
2. Marketing and Sales: Developing campaigns to promote programs and build relationships with sponsors.
3. Financial Planning: Advising athletes on managing newfound income streams responsibly.
4. Facility Operations: Managing state-of-the-art training and wellness facilities to attract top talent.
5. Logistics and Event Coordination: Ensuring seamless operations for games, training camps, and recruitment efforts.

These are just a few examples of how the sports business is evolving, creating roles that demand creativity, strategic thinking, and a strong work ethic. For young students, the key is to position themselves as indispensable contributors to this growing ecosystem.

How to Prepare for a Career in Sports Business

For aspiring professionals, stepping into this new world requires a combination of academic preparation, hands-on experience, and networking. Here are actionable steps to help students succeed:

1. Build a Strong Foundation: Pursue studies in business, marketing, finance, or sports management. Understanding fundamental principles will give you an edge in navigating the industry.
2. Seek Internships and Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable. Intern with athletic departments, professional teams, or sports marketing firms to build a robust resume.
3. Stay Informed: The sports industry is rapidly changing. Stay ahead by keeping up with trends in NIL, sponsorships, and program management.
4. Develop Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial in this fast-paced industry.
5. Network Relentlessly: Attend sports business conferences, engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and seek mentors who can guide you.

Embracing the New Era

The future of the sports business is brimming with potential, and young professionals have the chance to shape it. As universities invest more in their athletic programs and embrace the NIL era, they will need innovative thinkers and driven leaders to navigate this dynamic environment. The key to success lies in recognizing that business skills are just as important as athletic skills in building world-class programs.

To all the aspiring students out there: the sports industry is calling, and the opportunities are limitless. Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and determination to seize them. This is your time to step into the arena and make your mark.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Is the Pendulum Swinging in College Basketball?

The world of college basketball has become a stage for massive NIL investments, but the question remains: Can money buy success?

As we see with teams like Arkansas, Kansas State, and Indiana, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we might think. Despite hefty NIL budgets—well over $5 million annually in some cases—these programs are struggling to translate big spending into on-court success.

This underscores a belief I’ve long held: you can’t buy teams; you have to build them.

The pendulum has swung toward colleges spending aggressively to assemble star-studded rosters, but I predict a shift back to a more thoughtful, team-centric approach. Success in basketball, much like in life, comes from creating cohesive units with shared goals—not just collecting talent with a price tag.

The article below highlights how John Calipari, for example, has rejected players focused solely on NIL deals, emphasizing that the game comes first. His approach reminds us of a fundamental truth: throwing money at a problem doesn’t create solutions—it creates noise.

We’re entering a phase where programs and brands will need to be more strategic about how they allocate funds and build relationships. The key will be developing partnerships and fostering growth rather than relying on short-term payouts to create winning rosters.

What are your thoughts? Do you think college basketball will return to a more balanced approach to NIL, prioritizing team dynamics over big budgets? Let us know your thoughts.

?? John Calipari's $5 Million NIL Power Leaves Arkansas Scrambling for NCAA Relevance

Should Colleges Sell Stakes in Their Teams?

Did anyone else see this and think, "is this a real possibility?"

What are the ramifications?

Does this solve the “money” problem or does it make things worse?

Will this ultimately be good for the athletes?

Tell us your thoughts.

?? Former Bucks Owner Marc Lasry is eyeing a bold new play: buying college football and basketball teams

Looking for a Guest Speaker?

Whether it’s for students interested in learning more about sports marketing or for student-athletes seeking to explore their career options.

At no cost to you or your program, I’m happy to schedule an engaging session—either in-person or virtually—to chat with your group.

The Playbook Series Podcast

On this week's episode of Industry Insiders, TPNIL founder Mark R. Koesterer chatted with Chase Garrett the founder and CEO of Icon Source, a cutting-edge two-way marketplace connecting athletes and brands in a secure and trusted platform.

Before founding Icon Source in 2018, Chase’s journey was fueled by his passion for sports. He began as a professional motocross rider, honed his marketing expertise as a sports marketing manager at Red Bull, and even worked as a personal agent to superstar athletes.

This diverse background gave Chase a unique perspective on the sports and marketing landscape, inspiring him to create solutions for challenges athletes face when building brand partnerships.

Icon Source has been a game-changer in influencer marketing, particularly as the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules for college athletes opened the door to unprecedented opportunities in 2021.

Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of athlete-brand collaboration.

We Want to Hear From You!

Would you like to be featured on the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

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Have a great weekend!