NIL Newsletter #147 | Wisconsin + Pepsi, Bennett's Temporary NIL, Rashada Talks on Saga, + ICYMI
Welcome to the NIL Newsletter by Optimum Sports Consulting - providing valuable, actionable NIL resources for student athletes, administrators, agents and other sport professionals.
Recapping NIL This Week:
Pepsi Renews Sponsorship of Wisconsin Athletics While Signing Deals
The unsurprising and unremarkable renewal was made more significant given the concurrent NIL deals that Pepsi signed with Wisconsin student-athletes.
“We’re so excited to continue the partnership with Wisconsin,” said Tyler Hartmann, director of brand development for Pepsi-Cola of Madison. “With all the great things happening around UW Athletics and now through the development of NIL, we’re able to amplify student-athletes’ voices and champion their causes.”
Pepsi has been engaged in NIL deals with Wisconsin student-athletes since September 2021. Last fall, running back Braelon Allen and quarterback Graham Mertz led the student-athlete contingent from Wisconsin. Mertz has since transferred to Florida, while Allen has re-signed.
Allen is joined by three teammates, Tanner Mordecai (a transfer from SMU), Chimere Dike, and C.J. Williams.
Terms of the agreement have not been released, but all signs from the players are encouraging. “I really enjoy working with a brand that not only supports our athletic program, but cares about the students and athletes that represent the Badgers both on and off the field,” said Allen.
More info is available HERE.
The Masters’ Top Amateur Sam Bennett Signs NIL Deal, Looks to Go Pro
Although Bennett was not able to collect his winnings from his Masters performance, he signed a partnership with T-Mobile this week.
His agreement with T-Mobile—an official sponsor of both the SEC and Texas A&M, his school—does not require him to endorse the brand on his golf gear, and will expire after his college career.
Instead, the sponsorship focuses primarily on social media postings, such as Instagram, where Bennett has 137,000 followers.
He holds other marketing deals with Ping, Veritx Community Bank, and Suncast, which can all be seen on his Masters apparel above.
Despite the added income from NIL deals, Bennett is looking to turn professional before the end of the year, with the goal of playing in The Memorial for his first tournament as a pro.
When he decides to turn professional, the deal with T-Mobile, and all other endorsement deals he currently holds, will expire, allowing Bennett to sign more lucrative long-term endorsements.
More info is available HERE.
Jaden Rashada Opens Up on Rumored NIL Deals
Jaden Rashada, who is perhaps best well-known for the multi-million dollar NIL offers that fell through at first Miami(FL) and subsequently Florida, spoke to CBS about the experience this week.
Rashada was reportedly offered a deal with a total value of $8 Million when he committed to Miami(FL) last year. After de-committing and signing with Florida, rumors of a $13 Million deal with a now-defunct Florida collective came to light.
After the reported deal broke down, Rashada requested and was granted a release from his National Letter of Intent to Florida, and subsequently signed and enrolled at Arizona State.
Rashada remains focused on his performance on the field, but new NCAA President Charlie Baker used the story to promote his preference for a federal NIL law.
"That's a great example of what the so-called 'Wild West' looks like and what happened -- what can happen," Baker said. “I don't want to limit what anybody gets, but I definitely want them to know what they're getting.”
More on the story is available HERE.
ICYMI Ticker
LSU Women’s Basketball star Angel Reese signed an NIL deal with Caktus AI. LINK
The California Assembly Higher Education Committee approved a bill that includes the opportunity for revenue sharing for student-athletes. LINK
Texas representatives are considering a new bill similar to Oklahoma’s which will protect schools from NCAA penalties. LINK
Could NIL be influencing a rise in perfect 10s in NCAA gymnastics? At least one columnist thinks so. LINK
Colorado has introduced a bill which will allow schools to “identify/create/solicit/facilitate NIL deals” so long as they get the athlete’s consent and they inform the athlete within 72 hours. LINK
The NBC Sports Athlete Direct NIL platform partnered with MOGL to broaden their NIL efforts. LINK
The Houston-focused LinkingCoogs collective signed a $1 Million team-wide deal for the Houston Football team with Daspit Law Firm. LINK
Rumors flew this week regarding Miami(FL) quarterback’s dissatisfaction with his current NIL deal. It appears as though he will remain at Miami following interest from Alabama. LINK