Tony Bennett's Retirement, Washington Launches NIL Marketing Unit, and More | Newsletter #281
Tony Bennett's Retirement, Washington Launches NIL Marketing Unit, and More | Newsletter #281
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 Tony Bennett’s retirement, Washington’s NIL marketing unit, 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. Tony Bennett’s retirement
2. Washington’s NIL marketing unit
3. What’s coming up in the world of NIL
4. Legal Updates: Former NCAA athletes can now file claims in House settlement
5. News/tips for administrators and student athletes
Major News
Tony Bennett Cites NIL Era as Reason for Retirement
Last Friday, Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett announced his sudden retirement from college basketball. Former assistant Ron Sanchez, who rejoined the program last season, will take over as interim coach.
Bennett said he felt like “a square peg in a round hole” as he was not suited to navigate the current landscape of college basketball. He stated that NIL money and the transfer portal brought elements to his job that he is not great at.
“The game and college athletics is not in a healthy spot,” Bennett said. “And there needs to be change. I think I was equipped to do the job here the old way. That’s who I am and that’s how it was. My staff has buoyed me along to get to this point, but there needs to be change.”
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Washington Launches NIL Marketing Unit
The Washington Athletic Department introduced Dawgs Unleashed, an internal unit focused on NIL and influencer marketing. This new initiative aims to create more revenue opportunities for Husky student-athletes.
UW alum, Joe Knight, is leading the charge and taking on the role of Executive Director, positioning Washington as a trailblazer in maximizing NIL benefits for its athletes.
The initiative is about building a strong network to link UW’s student-athletes with Seattle’s thriving business community. Dawgs Unleashed aims to serve as a model for integrating NIL opportunities into collegiate athletics without compromising the university’s values.
The initiative will spotlight the lives and accomplishments of Husky athletes both on and off the field, showcasing their potential as influencers and community leaders.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
Dave Portnoy assures Michigan fans he plans to make good on his promise to contribute $3 million to the program for a top quarterback - LINK
COROS launches their NIL program, NextGen, which provides athletes with gear and an athlete manager - LINK
Texas offensive tackle Cameron Williams lands at the top of On3’s NIL valuation for week 7 - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
Next Month | Big Ten-SEC Meeting
April 7, 2025 | Final Approval Hearing for the House v. NCAA Settlement
Legal Updates
Former NCAA Student-Athletes Can Begin Filing Claims in House Settlement
On October 7, Judge Wilken granted preliminary approval for the House v. NCAA settlement.
Former college athletes can now begin filing claims for their piece of the $2.8 billion the NCAA is set to pay in back pay damages.
As part of athletes submitting back damage claims, collegeathletecompensation.com has launched for athletes. Those eligible at any point for competition from June 15, 2016, through Sept. 15, 2024 can apply. The claim period will close on January 31.
For former athletes who missed out on financial opportunities, this is your chance to earn a share of a market that wasn’t accessible during your careers.
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
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe signs NIL deal with Panini America, the home to trading cards of the top college football players - LINK
Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman signs NIL deal with Krystal - LINK
Reebok signed Nate Ament to an NIL deal, the brand’s first NIL deal with a high school basketball player - LINK
Tip of the Week: NIL is not limited to high-profile athletes at top schools.
Most student-athletes, even those in less visible sports or at smaller programs, can also find endorsement deals. Brands are interested in collaborating with student-athletes to capitalize on their popularity and influence. Most athletes don’t understand that NIL can offer them other benefits outside of endorsement deals.
Advice from Chloe Mitchell for college athletes who want to monetize their NIL: “Stay organized, set priorities, seek guidance, build your brand, negotiate wisely and maintain balance. NIL isn’t for everyone. Don’t feel bad if it’s just not for you. If it does seem like the right fit, ensure the brands you represent resonate with you. Brands want authenticity, and you want to be true to yourself. Think long-term when you’re engaging with opportunities.”
FOR ADMINS
Notes for the Week
WKU partnered with Outback Steakhouse to provide NIL opportunities for more than 30 student-athletes - LINK
Arkansas launches new NIL initiative “spare change round up,” where enrollees link their credit card and have their purchases rounded up for the spare change to go to their collective - LINK
Tennessee launches NIL content platform Rock Media to offer fans high-quality, behind-the-scenes content without any barriers - LINK
Tip of the Week: Continue to use NIL software to fit your needs.
Disclosures are not the most popular topic of NIL, but they are arguably the most important aspect of NIL to athletic departments. Some schools may struggle to meet demand for reviewing deals. Lectures to student athletes are probably not enough as athletes aren’t being educated on the need to disclose deals. Since outreach from brands to students is often done through social media DMs, it can be difficult to get final arrangements/contracts to compliance offices. Not only is it important to continually remind your student-athletes to disclose all deals, but it is also important to regularly assess and utilize software to fit your school’s needs.
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!