Amir Khan’s Big NIL Deals, The Final ‘Amateur’ March Madness, Will Wade to NC State, & More | Newsletter #314
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This Monday's Newsletter Includes:
1. Amir Khan’s Boombox NIL Explosion
2. March Madness 2025: Last Big Dance for ‘Amateurs’
3. What’s Coming Up in the World of NIL
4. Legal Updates: UC Hiring Freeze, FSU NIL Lawsuit
5. News/Tips for Administrators, Student-Athletes & Agencies
Major News
Amir ‘Aura’ Khan’s NIL Explosion
“It’s insane,” says McNeese State staffer about the student manager’s deals.
McNeese State’s viral boombox-carrying manager has landed more than a dozen NIL contracts since rapping “In & Out” on the court in February. Restaurants, clothing brands — even Wendy’s had interest. As the Cowboys’ tournament run ends, the charismatic hype man is rumored to follow coach Will Wade to NC State.
“Aura” has caught an unprecedented wave of social media buzz, leading to Mr. Khan becoming the first notable non-athlete to utilize the NIL platform as he prepares to contribute to the Wolfpack.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
March Madness 2025: Last Big Dance for ‘Amateurs’
“College basketball as we knew it ends after this season,” writes Michael McCann.
With the House v. NCAA settlement likely to be approved in early April, this year’s March Madness will be the final tournament featuring unpaid athletes. Starting next season, schools can directly pay players through revenue-sharing agreements — effectively ending the NCAA’s traditional amateur model.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
Duke’s potential deep run in March Madness always drives huge TV ratings, says Sportico’s Anthony Crupi. Ratings soared the last time Duke made a championship tilt, and a new star in Cooper Flagg could deliver another blockbuster. - LINK
The Atlantic 10 commissioner, Bernadette McGlade, says her mission is to ensure decisions work for every member institution. Hiring veteran admins (like a former UNCG AD) strengthens the league. - LINK
The California powerhouse Mater Dei High inked a 10-year, high-seven-figure agreement with Playfly Sports for multimedia rights. The school wants to enhance brand value, sponsor interest, and financial literacy for future college stars. - LINK
Programs without FBS football can pump revenue-sharing money exclusively into hoops, potentially outbidding football-heavy universities for top recruits. The Big East commissioner calls it a hidden advantage. - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
John Skipper Foresees Future Without Classic March Madness
The former ESPN president believes four superconferences might split off, forming a 64-team tournament that cuts out mid-majors and small schools. Purists decry the potential loss of Cinderella stories, but Skipper thinks money will drive this “grim inevitability.” - LINK
April 6, 2025 | NCAA WBB Championship Game in Tampa, FL
April 7, 2025 | NCAA MBB Championship Game in San Antonio, TX
April 7, 2025 | House Settlement Fairness Hearing
June 15, 2025 | House Settlement Opt-In Date
July 1, 2025 | Schools May Begin Direct NIL Payments Under Settlement (Revenue-Sharing Year 1)
Legal Updates
UC System Freezes Hiring Amid Trump Funding Threats
Anticipating NIH research cuts and Title IX clampdowns, the University of California halted new hires. Critics say it’s a “time of great uncertainty” for academic research dependent on federal dollars.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
FSU’s NIL Debate Hits New Peak
Ex-basketball players filed a lawsuit alleging they never received promised NIL money, while an NCAA sanction for improper recruiting added more chaos. Supporters say athletes deserve pay; skeptics fear “mini pro leagues.”
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Optimum Sports Consulting is here to help.
For athletes looking for NIL insight and advisement, administrators and collectives looking for resources and facilitating a best-in-class process, or agents looking to navigate the changing landscape, we’re here to help!
Message us now for a free consultation.
FOR ATHLETES
Notes for the Week
McNeese’s Twitter Surge: A 200% rise in social media chatter has “buzzing bracket fans” applying to the university, illustrating NIL’s ripple effect. - LINK
Adweek’s March Madness Marketing Roundup: Energy drinks, pizza chains, and heavy-hitter brands lean on commercials and brand deals for maximum bracket exposure. - LINK
Tip of the Week:
If you are going viral, seize that momentum. Quick brand deals, philanthropic tie-ins, and behind-the-scenes social posts can keep the spotlight on you long after the final buzzer.
FOR ADMINS
Notes for the Week
NC State Hires Will Wade: The Wolfpack pries the two-year McNeese coach with a six-year deal, betting on Wade’s proven success (and swift roster makeovers). - LINK
Dartmouth Taps Controversial GC: Matthew Raymer ’03, known for defending President Trump’s “redefining birthright citizenship,” will oversee campus legal strategy — including NIL compliance. - LINK
Tip of the Week:
Communicate proactively with new leadership about your NIL framework and revenue-sharing approach. Coaches and GCs often set the tone for compliance and institutional policy.
FOR AGENCIES
Notes for the Week
Bracket Pools: Don’t Get Busted: Ogletree Deakins warns that if your office contest requires a buy-in, it might violate state gambling laws. Free-to-enter is safer. - LINK
$3.1B March Madness Handle: Americans wager billions each year on the tournament, CNN reports—look for marketing angles that stay within legal lines. - LINK
Tip of the Week:
Review state gambling regulations to avoid an unintended foul when planning brand promotions around bracket challenges.
Thanks for Reading!
Keep up to date on all of our newsletters and content by checking out past Optimum Sports Consulting Newsletters and following us on Twitter!