Opendorse Announces New Partnership With Movember, Dabo Swinney on Clemson NIL, and More | Newsletter #293
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 Opendorse partnership, Clemson’s NIL position, 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. Opendorse Partnership with Movember
2. Dabo Swinney on Clemson’s NIL
3. What’s coming up in the world of NIL
4. Legal Updates: Senator Cruz Needs Bipartisan Support on Bills
5. News/tips for administrators and student athletes
Major News
Opendorse Partners With Movember to Increase Mental Health Awareness
Opendorse, a leading NIL company, announced their partnership with Movember in an effort to increase mental health services to student-athletes.
Their program, MindMoves, will be available to all participating student-athletes, making mental health support and suicide prevention resources more readily available.
"By partnering with Opendorse, we are thrilled to be able to develop a mental health program that meets the unique needs of collegiate athletes embedded in the NIL landscape and connects them to vital mental health resources. Together, we will be able to make a real difference in supporting the well-being of college athletes," said Movember’s director.
Access to mental health resources has not gone unnoticed by athletes. This partnership will allow for more accessible programs, something that many student-athletes have wanted to be apart of.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Dabo Swinney Changes his Tune on NIL
Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney was not always the biggest proponent for paying college football players, but Swinney has embraced the changing landscape of college football.
Clemson is preparing for the ushering in of the House settlement. The university has partnered with Everett Sports Marketing (ESM) to provide expert guidance to their staff and student-athletes and to connect their students with businesses seeking brand ambassadors.
Additionally, Clemson has created a “front office” of sorts to oversee contract details, compliance and allocation strategy. Swinney believes these factors will contribute to ongoing success for Clemson football.
“What I say, ‘Nobody is gonna have more money than Clemson,’ that’s because of the commitment from our administration. If you understand the lawsuit, the settlement, there’s a pile of money and that’s for everyone. At Clemson, we’re gonna be as good as anybody out there,” said Swinney.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
Shedeur Sanders vows to donate to Colorado NIL for a future “super team” - LINK
Nick Saban offers thoughts on NIL and transfer portal - LINK
Majority of Michigan fans disagree with NIL recruitment method to land star QB - LINK
NIL may threaten prestige of Atlantis and Maui basketball invitationals - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
December 18, 2024 | Jaden Rashada Motion to Dismiss Hearing
April 7, 2025 | Final Approval Hearing for the House v. NCAA Settlement
Legal Updates
Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Commerce Committee Need Bipartisan Support for College Sports Bills
Broad outlines of college sports bills have been debated for years. There is some bipartisan consensus that Congress should grant the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption that would allow it to make rules governing college sports without the constant threat of lawsuits.
Outgoing Commerce Committee chair, Democrat Maria Cantwell, tried to advance college sports bills but struggled to build consensus on legislation. She agrees with Cruz on two things: Congress should solve NIL standards and the dissolution of the PAC-12 Conference.
Cruz and others want to preserve at least parts of an amateur athlete model at the heart of college sports. He needs Democrat support for any bill passed, but he also faces pressure from his own side of the aisle.
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
Three Quinnipiac women’s field hockey players sign NIL deal with a local donut shop - LINK
New Mexico high school basketball star signs NIL deal with Nike’s Jordan brand - LINK
Texas QB Quinn Ewers collaborated with Victory Snacks to launch QB1 Ham Jerky - 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
UNC could receive influx of NIL with recent coaching rumors - LINK
Michigan’s NIL Collective posts social media message following their win against OSU - LINK
Tip of the Week: Schools need to be ready for a revenue-sharing model and a potential shift in the purpose of NIL collectives.
Colleges have been building up their collectives in order to be able to compete within the NIL space. However, the House settlement is potentially ushering in a revenue-sharing model. With that comes the reality that collectives and the transfer portal may become less important. Colleges need to have the budget within their athletic department to share revenue with their athletes in the future. Additionally, schools need to find the staff to implement the revenue-sharing model and deal with the changes that may impact their athletic department as a whole.
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!