What is the NCAA NIL (Name, image and likeness) Policy?

As of July 1, NCAA college athletes were given the opportunity to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), these 3 components are essentially a person’s own personal brand. This policy allows student-athletes to have the same rights that any college students have to profit off their name and brand.

College athletes will be able to receive compensation for third-party endorsements without school involvement. The NCAA has given athletes the freedom to get creative in how they want to build their brand. Athletes can now host private training camps or sessions, and sell autographs and merchandise. Social media opens a new avenue for athletes, they can use their social influence to their advantage to secure paid sponsorships and much more.

Athletes benefiting from NIL so far

NIL has made some athletes very happy, Mikey Williams a 17-year-old 6’2 high school basketball player landed his first footwear and apparel endorsement deal with PUMA. According to ESPN, the 6’2 student-athlete at Vertical Academy in Charlotte was the first American high school basketball player to secure a deal with a global footwear company. Williams has more than 5 million followers combined across his socials and has already received many scholarship offers from college programs.

“I am excited to join the Puma family this early in my basketball journey,” Williams said in a written statement. “Puma really understands how to mix hoops and culture, two things I am passionate about.”

Check Mikey’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mikey/

The power of social media also landed the Cavinder twins a sponsorship deal with Boost Mobile, Hanna and Haley are 20-year-old Fresno State women’s basketball stars. The siblings found their spotlight on their joint TikTok account where they have 3.7 million followers.

Check them out on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@cavindertwins?

What impact will NIL legislation have on recruiting?

A prospective student-athlete may choose one program over another based on the NIL laws. The new legislation may have a recruiting advantage over the rest of the NCAA, creating an uneven recruiting landscape.

Image Credits: Flikr – Beaverbasketball

(Edited by NextUp)