NIL Stars Added to SI's "Most Influential Figures in Sports," How NIL Has Transformed College Gymnastics, and More | Newsletter #273
Welcome to the NIL Newsletter by Optimum Sports Consulting - providing valuable, actionable NIL resources for athletes, administrators, agencies and other sport professionals.
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This Monday Newsletter includes:
1. NIL Stars in Sports Illustrated’s "Most Influential Figures in Sports"
2. How NIL has Transformed Collegiate Gymnastics
3. What’s coming up in the world of NIL
4. Legal Updates: Georgia’s Executive Order
5. News/tips for administrators and student athletes
Major News
NIL Stars JuJu Watkins and Travis Hunter Included in Sports Illustrated's "Most Influential Figures in Sports"
USC Women’s Basketball’s JuJu Watkins and Colorado Football’s Travis Hunter are two of the most successful student-athletes in the NIL era, and they can now add being members of Sport’s Illustrated’s “Most Influential Figures in Sports” to their rosters.
Watkins and Hunter join an iconic group of names, including LeBron James, Leo Messi, Simone Biles, Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, A'ja Wilson and Patrick Mahomes.
Watkin’s NIL deals include partnerships with Nike, AT&T, Poppi, RITZ Crackers, CELSIUS and NerdWallet. Hunter has brand deals with EA Sports, United Airlines, JLab, CELSIUS and NerdWallet.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
NIL is Transforming College Gymnastics
The framework of gymnastics, at both the collegiate and elite levels, immediately shifted following the passing of NIL.
The new NIL rules not only enabled college gymnasts to reap financial rewards but eased the boundaries between elite and collegiate gymnastics and enticed big names like Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey to compete in the sport at both levels.
Gymnasts compete in one of the most popular Olympic sports but generally do not have the financial future of a college football or basketball player. With most gymnasts having to retire following their college careers, there was no opportunity to reap the financial rewards.
Before NIL, the primary financial opportunities in the sport were reserved for the handful of gymnasts who made it to the Olympics every four years, and even then, the opportunity wasn't really lucrative enough to entice gymnasts to forfeit their collegiate eligibility.
As gymnasts use NIL to build their online presence, interest in watching collegiate gymnastics is increasing, especially with big names like Chiles and Carey returning to the collegiate level following their Olympic stints.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
Nick Saban cites shortcomings with regard to facilities and the NIL Collective as reasons for the Florida Gator’s disappointing start - LINK
Roger Goodell broke down how NIL has affected players joining the professional ranks - LINK
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders retains top spot for NIL earners in 2024 with an estimated $5.1M valuation - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
September 26: Second House v. NCAA settlement conference.
Legal Updates
New Georgia Law Allows Direct NIL Payments to Athletes
Last week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order allowing schools in Georgia to directly compensate their athletes for their NIL. This executive order went into effect immediately and shields Georgia schools from any punitive actions by the NCAA or athletic conferences.
The state of Virginia enacted similar legislation back in July, with both states now permitting direct payment to athletes for their NIL.
Athletic directors from both Georgia and Georgia Tech applauded Kemp’s decision in a joint statement: "In the absence of nationwide name, image, and likeness regulation, this executive order helps our institutions with the necessary tools to fully support our student-athletes in their pursuit of NIL opportunities, remain competitive with our peers, and secure the long-term success of our athletics programs.”
Unlike the potential House Settlement, the Georgia executive order has no monetary cap, potentially giving Georgia schools a competitive edge in recruiting top talent above other states where this practice is barred. The executive order will remain in effect until a formal settlement or federal legislation is enacted to address athlete compensation.
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
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith becomes the first college football player to sign an NIL deal with Red Bull - LINK
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt signed an NIL deal with a local restaurant, where 10% of the proceeds from sales of the Sam Leavitt QB 10 wrap will go to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital - LINK
LSU Women’s Basketball star Flau'jae Johnson shared her impact on NIL - LINK
Tip of the Week: Balance is key.
As a student-athlete navigating NIL opportunities, it's important to prioritize your education and athletics while exploring endorsement deals and partnerships. Make sure to carefully review any contracts or agreements before signing, seek guidance from trusted advisors, and stay organized with your commitments to ensure a successful balance between academics, sports, and business opportunities.
FOR ADMINS
Notes for the Week
UTSA Athletics will debut its “NIL Flash Give,” where fans can scan the QR code following a touchdown and pick from three collectives to support the program’s student-athletes- LINK
Mississippi State football received an $8 million donation and launched their State Excellence Fund - LINK
Arkansas AD said the school needs $12 million more in NIL per year to be competitive - LINK
Tip of the Week: There is no secret formula to understanding NIL.
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko on the state of NIL today: “I don’t know that anyone knows how to handle NIL and the transfer portal right now. I think everybody’s just trying to wing it, a little bit. I think NIL is interesting, because nobody wants to give away the formula. So I think everybody is working in their own, individual silos, trying to come up with the plan to give their university an advantage.”
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!