It's worth your time to read the NIL article in Saturday's Tribune. NIL refers to the name, identity and likeness that college athletes are now able to profit from.
At Champaign, a group called the "Illinois Guardians" has been formed to assist these athletes in finding such opportunities. Several U of I notable athletic alums are involved. Apparently, similar groups have sprouted up at Indiana and Kansas.
Before too long, this trend is likely to a have huge, huge impact on college recruiting as schools compete to have superior NIL programs. Can you imagine what USC or UCLA, being in the heart of the entertainment industry, could offer kids? Notre Dame players will be especially valuable to sponsors
Many of the early NIL opportunities I've heard of so far are fairly limited to local restaurants and such. But when you get really high powered people involved, there might not be much of a limit.
Down the road, I imagine this will further separate the "haves" and the "have nots" in big time football. It could also switch some schools from one status to the other.
At Champaign, a group called the "Illinois Guardians" has been formed to assist these athletes in finding such opportunities. Several U of I notable athletic alums are involved. Apparently, similar groups have sprouted up at Indiana and Kansas.
Before too long, this trend is likely to a have huge, huge impact on college recruiting as schools compete to have superior NIL programs. Can you imagine what USC or UCLA, being in the heart of the entertainment industry, could offer kids? Notre Dame players will be especially valuable to sponsors
Many of the early NIL opportunities I've heard of so far are fairly limited to local restaurants and such. But when you get really high powered people involved, there might not be much of a limit.
Down the road, I imagine this will further separate the "haves" and the "have nots" in big time football. It could also switch some schools from one status to the other.