Matthew Sluka Enters Transfer Portal, Nebraska Launches Creative NIL Fund, and More | Newsletter #285
Welcome to the NIL Newsletter by Optimum Sports Consulting - providing valuable, actionable NIL resources for athletes, administrators, agencies and other sport professionals.
Today’s newsletter includes updates on Nebraska’s NIL funding, legal updates, and news for student-athletes and administrators.
Keep up to date on all of our newsletters and content by checking out past Optimum Sports Consulting Newsletters, and following us on Twitter!
This Monday Newsletter includes:
1. Matthew Sluka Enters Transfer Portal
2. Nebraska’s Unique NIL Fund
3. What’s coming up in the world of NIL
4. Legal Updates: LSU Women’s Basketball Player Sues USCIS Over Visa Denial
5. News/tips for administrators and student athletes
Major News
UNLV Quarterback Matthew Sluka Enters the Transfer Portal
Matthew Sluka started in the first three games of the season before announcing he would be redshirting the season over an NIL dispute.
Sluka claims he was promised $100,000 in NIL money to transfer from Holy Cross, but no payment was ever made to him.
Sluka’s agent announced last week that he would be entering the transfer portal. Sluka has not spoken publicly since he made the announcement that he would be redshirting the rest of the season.
UNLV is 6-2 overall and bowl eligible for the second season in a row.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Nebraska Rolls Out New NIL Method
Nebraska has rolled out unique NIL methods before, branding a line of beef jerky earlier this year with the funds from every purchase directly supporting their NIL efforts.
Their Collective has now implemented a new method of garnering funds for their student-athletes.
Nebraska has launched its own team store, The Nebraska NIL Store, where fans can buy officially licensed merchandise with each item being assigned to a specific player. Every team is represented in the store.
Click on the team and the player you want to buy officially licensed merchandise from, and most of the money spent goes directly to the student-athlete.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
LSU hosted its third Sweats to Suits fashion event, with Dillard’s providing NIL deals to the 26 student-athletes who walked in the show - LINK
Big 12 Men’s Basketball Media Day led to many comments on the NIL landscape - LINK
Taxpayer dollars may be directed to NIL compensation at Florida colleges - LINK
ESPN college football analyst Dan Mullen proposes NIL fines for college football players who fake injuries - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
April 7, 2025 | Final Approval Hearing for the House v. NCAA Settlement
Legal Updates
LSU Women’s Basketball Player Sues USCIS Over Visa Denial
Last-Tear Poa filed a lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after her P-1A Athlete visa application was denied. This lawsuit, located in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, challenges the decision made by USCIS.
To qualify for the P-1A visa, which is meant for internationally recognized athletes, applicants must demonstrate that they are coming to the U.S. to compete at a major level.
Poa maintains legal residency in the United States on an F-1 student visa. Restrictions on F-1 visa holders prevent them from engaging in non-work-study employment and prohibit active NIL activations.
Now, over three years into NIL, the USCIS has provided no guidance or path forward to international athletes, who comprise roughly 12% of all DI student-athletes, for their ability to earn.
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
Rutgers basketball player Dylan Harper signs NIL deal with Red Bull, their first ever college basketball deal - LINK
Cal basketball star Mady Sissoko uses NIL earnings to build a school, well, and medical clinic in his home village of Mali - LINK
Tip of the Week: Make NIL Personal to You
Athletes can leverage their NIL deals to not only support themselves, but also give back to their community or teammates. Consider working with local businesses, international brands, or tech companies that align with your personal values and goals, while also showcasing your unique talents and interests. Partnering with companies that share your vision can not only benefit you financially, but also help promote and advance causes that are important to you.
FOR ADMINS
Notes for the Week
Seton Hall’s AD discussed the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal - LINK
UTSA announces “Runners United,” joining three collectives to strengthen its NIL reach - LINK
Marquette announces “Pledge-Per-Three” initiative, encouraging supporters to make a commitment for each three-point basket - LINK
Tip of the Week: Most schools are struggling with managing NIL and the transfer portal.
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway spoke on NIL across the country: “Every team is definitely having those problems,” said Hardaway. “For me, it’s always going to be in the forefront. We know what we’re dealing with. When a young man comes in and does an NIL contract or whatever and then something goes astray or whatever happens, then it affects the whole entire thing. Everyone knows that.”
Colorado basketball coach Tad Boyle added his own succinct thoughts: “It is easier to build a roster. It is infinitely harder to build a program.”
Schools across the country continue to struggle with how to manage NIL and transfers in their sports. It will take trial and error to figure out what works for your program.
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!