March NIL Madness + ICYMI | NIL Newsletter #225
Welcome to the NIL Newsletter by Optimum Sports Consulting - providing valuable, actionable NIL resources for athletes, administrators, agencies and other sports professionals.
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Quick Hitters:
Juju Watkins, Robert Dillingham Sign Deal with NerdWallet
Kentucky’s Robert Dillingham and USC’s Juju Watkins, who was recently named an AP First-Team All-American, announced a deal with NerdWallet this week.
As part of their obligations, each player had to make a “NerdWallet smart money decision.”
Watkins elected to create a budget and future goals for her earnings, while Dillingham consulted with a financial planner.
“Current estimated annual NIL deals stand at $750,000,000 and are projected to reach $3-$5 billion by 2025,” NerdWallet said. “This is the first-ever NIL deal to contractually obligate athletes to commit to a smart money action using NerdWallet’s trusted financial guidance while publicly sharing contract terms for accountability.”
Red Bull Inks South Carolina Star
Last week, South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley, the SEC Tournament MVP, became the first collegiate athlete to sign with the Curry Brand under the Under Armour Umbrella.
This week, she became the first collegiate athlete to sign a deal with Red Bull.
Red Bull’s sports side includes multiple Formula 1 teams and soccer clubs, as well as extreme sports divisions.
Fulwiley will be paid to promote the brand and will host events in South Carolina, all as she hopes to lead #1 seed South Carolina to an undefeated season and National Championship.
Epsilon and Opendorse Partner for NIL Deals for All
Epsilon and Opendorse partnered this week to introduce the “Work Together to Win Together” initiative.
The initiative is open to all participants in the Women’s March Madness tournament.
Participating athletes will be required to make a post on Instagram describing what teamwork means to them.
Each player who chooses to opt in will receive $500 for their post.
ICYMI
The Kentucky Basketball Managers, known as the Waterboys, signed an NIL deal with Geddes Pool. LINK
Keurig launched a campaign featuring basketball duos from around the country. LINK
The NCAA entered into a first-of-its-kind licensing deal which allows Topps to feature the March Madness logo on trading cards alongside Caitlin Clark, Zach Edey, Angel Reese, and Tristen Newton. LINK
The Coastal Sports Collective launched to support Coastal Carolina athletics. LINK
Campus Ink announced a $2 million dollar funding round to continue funding the development of their NIL store. LINK
Have you checked out OSC’s website?
Head to www.OptimumSportsConsulting.com to find important resources and features relating to all things NIL. These resources include State by State Resources for Admins, Agents and Athletes, including our initial “OSC Summaries” for over a dozen states coming soon.
More to come too, including links to helpful state information- agency laws and information about school policies, as well as seminar/congressional notes, worksheets, and much more!