AROUND NIL THIS WEEK | FEB 3, 2025
- Golf NIL
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28
Feb 3, 2025—LSU gymnast and social media icon Livvy Dunne isn’t staying silent on the NCAA’s $2.8 billion House settlement. In a scathing open letter, she calls out the deal for failing to properly compensate female and non-revenue sport athletes, arguing that their NIL earning potential was historically restricted. With over 13 million social media followers, Dunne has been at the forefront of NIL success, and she’s making it clear—this settlement isn’t good enough. The NCAA claims it’s a step toward fairness, but Dunne and other critics see it as just another play to shortchange athletes. MORE
LSU's Olivia ''Livvy'' Dunne competes on the floor during NCAA Gymnastics competition against Florida Gators | CLM/Alamy
Feb 3, 2025—With college athletics raking in billions, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) wants answers. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), he’s demanding an investigation into how Division I and II schools’ $19 billion athletic spending impacts tuition and fees. Schools are funneling cash into facilities, coaching salaries, and now, NIL deals—but at what cost to students? Walberg questions if federal student aid is unknowingly subsidizing athletics. As tuition soars nationwide, this probe could expose how deep the financial ties run. Will college sports’ spending spree face new oversight? The GAO’s findings could shake up the game. MORE
Feb 3, 2025—A year after winning a national title, Michigan football is back in the spotlight—this time in a courtroom battle. Over 300 former Wolverines, including Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards, are suing the NCAA and Big Ten, claiming they were shut out of the massive profits their names, images, and likenesses (NIL) generated. The NCAA fired back, arguing the claims are past the legal deadline, but the players say this fight isn’t about timing—it’s about fairness. With billions flowing through college football, these former stars want their cut. The verdict? Still uncertain. But one thing is clear: Michigan’s biggest names aren’t backing down. MORE
Former Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson takes a selfie with fans during a Michigan-Ohio State football game | CLM/Alamy
