FedEx Commits $25 Million to Memphis, Michigan Basketball Joins the Players Era Tournament, & More | Newsletter #321
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This Monday Newsletter includes:
1. FedEx makes 5 year $25 Million NIL Commitment to University of Memphis
2. Michigan Basketball Set to Join the 2025 Players Era Tournament
3. What’s coming up in the world of NIL
4. Legal Updates: No roster limit changes were included in the latest supplemental brief in the House Settlement
5. News/tips for administrators, student athletes and agencies
Major News
FedEx Announces New NIL Program with the University of Memphis
FedEx has pledged $25 million over five years to support NIL sponsorships for University of Memphis athletes.
The initiative will focus on football, men's and women's basketball, and other women's sports.
This partnership is facilitated by Altius Sports Partners, aiming to enhance NIL opportunities for student-athletes.
FedEx's involvement underscores the growing role of corporate sponsorships in collegiate athletics.
The $5 million annual investment is significant for a school outside the Power Four conferences.
FedEx will host its first in-person NIL initative at the University of Memphis’ Spring Football Game
CLICK HERE to learn more.
University of Michigan Basketball Joins the Player Era Tournament
The University of Michigan is set to participate in the 2025 Players Era Tournament, a significant NIL event that was created in 2024.
The tournament, expanding its field, plans to distribute over $24 million in NIL payments.
In 2024, the tournament reportedly paid out $9 million in NIL to the participating teams.
Michigan joins other prominent programs like Alabama, Gonzaga, and Kansas in the initiative.
The Players Era Festival is a week long celebration of college basketball.
Michigan's head coach, Dusty May, expressed his excitement about the opportunities that this tournament presents to the student-athletes.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
Rocco Becht, Iowa State QB, donates Xbox gaming systems to local hospital patients with his NIL earnings - LINK
Urban Meyer gives his take on the current college football landscape, calling it “professional sports" and “pay for play.” - LINK
Oklahoma State’s Football Coach Mike Gundy compares himself to Johnny Manziel and what his life would have been like with NIL. - LINK
Alabama Recruit Declines $750K NIL Offer – Cameron Pritchett, a top high school football prospect, turned down a $750,000 NIL deal to stay at Thompson High School, citing his faith and long-term vision. - LINK
Kentucky basketball is reportedly in the “Golden tier” of college basketball programs and operating with $10 million in their roster building efforts . - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
April 22: California Assembly will hold a hearing on state-run NIL collectives
May 1: Spring transfer portal closes for football
Legal Updates
No roster limit changes were included in the latest supplemental brief in the House Settlement
In response to a Judge Wilken’s “grandfather” clause suggestion to protect current student-athletes against losing their roster spots, the attorneys for the NCAA and major conferences argue that implementing such changes now would disrupt plans already in motion, as many athletes and schools have made decisions based on the anticipated rules.
The attorneys expect Judge Wilken’s decision to come in the following weeks after filing their latest updates with a hard July 1 deadline.
During the 6.5 hour court hearing, the impact of the roster limits was the biggest sticking-point for Judge Wilkens.
If the current House Settlement proposal recived full approval, the proposed roster limits would include 105 for football, 15 for men’s and women’s basketball, 34 for baseball, 28 for men’s and women’s soccer, 25 for softball, and 18 for volleyball.
During the court hearing on April 7, Utah Swimmer Gannon Flynn let his objections about the roster limits be known arguing that due to the roster limits, athletes are in “fear” of being cut.
Judge Wilken’s gave both sides points that they could fix, but ultimately concluded with the idea that she believes “it’s a good settlement.”
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Former Duke and North Carolina Football Players Sue the NCAA Over Eligibility
Former football players from North Carolina Duke have filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA.
The athletes are contesting the NCAA's policy that requires student-athletes to complete their four years of eligibility within a five-year window.
The former player’s argue that the eligibility rule unfairly limits their opportunities, especially when careers are interrupted by injuries or personal hardships.
The lawsuits claim that the plaintiffs have suffered financial losses ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 due to missed opportunities to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights during their ineligibility periods.”
The complaints allege that the NCAA and its member schools have engaged in an illegal agreement that restrains competition. They also argue that the waiver process for extending eligibility beyond the five-year limit is applied arbitrarily, denying athletes the chance to reach their full potential.
The NCAA maintains that its eligibility rules, including the five-year rule, are designed to ensure fair competition and broad access to the student-athlete experience. The organization acknowledges ongoing efforts to modernize college sports but stands by the enforcement of its foundational eligibility policies.
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
Arch Manning, Texas Quarterback, signs memorabilia deal with Panini America where fans can purchase signed pictures, jerseys, and helmets. - LINK
USC Edge, Kameryn Fountain, buys his mom a new car with his NIL earnings. - LINK
Tip of the Week:
Focus on the importance of learning from losses and setbacks. The ability to recover and improve after a defeat is crucial for building success.
FOR ADMINS
Notes for the Week
College football is cracking down on players “faking” injuries during games. Threatening to take a timeout away if a team if the medical staff has to come on the field to evaluate a player after the ball has been spotted. - LINK
Lee Corso retires at age 90. Leaves behind an enormous legacy in all of college athletics. - LINK
Tip of the Week:
Be proactive in making sure your student-athletes understand their rights, branding potential, and how to navigate NIL deals responsibly.
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!