AROUND NIL THIS WEEK | JAN 6, 2025
- Golf NIL
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28
Jan 9, 2025—Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order enabling institutions to pay student athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness without relying on taxpayer dollars. The order paves the way for contributions to NIL funds without scrutiny from organizations like the NCAA or athletic conferences.
Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. thanked Stitt in an X post. "As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to shift, the University of Oklahoma is committed to leading with innovation and positioning our student-athletes—and the state of Oklahoma—for enduring success." MORE
Jan 9, 2025—The NCAA's latest Q&A on deals has sparked fierce debates. Starting July 1, 2025, all Division I athletes must report NIL deals worth $600+ for "fair-market value" assessments by Deloitte. Disputed valuations can face neutral arbitration, but legal experts warn of potential bias and challenges. Only "associated entities" fall under scrutiny, leaving loopholes. Critics like attorney Tim Mars and Jeffrey Kessler predict litigation, questioning the NCAA’s ability to define fair-market value amid a fragmented system. Moreover, Scholarships are protected under the settlement, but roster spots and uniform payments are not guaranteed. The settlement awaits final approval on April 7, 2025. MORE
Jan 9, 2025—After managing NIL deals for University of Kansas athletes, the Mass St. Collective has closed its doors. This move coincides with KU's introduction of FLIGHT, a new in-house marketing partnership with Walz Tetrick designed to link athletes directly with endorsement opportunities. In preparation for the upcoming House v. NCAA settlement, the transition is set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, allowing universities to pay athletes directly. Jason Booker, KU's Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs and Revenue Generation, hopes that partnering with seasoned agencies will strengthen the university's ability to secure corporate endorsements for its athletes. MORE
Jan 10, 2025—Illinois has introduced HB1116, a bill amending the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act. It proposes reducing academic scholarships by $1 for every dollar a student-athlete earns above $250,000 from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Aimed at balancing financial fairness, this law would impact high-earning athletes while retaining scholarships for others. Advocates highlight equity concerns in collegiate sports funding, while critics warn it may discourage NIL opportunities. NIL attorney and sports law professor Daniel S. Greene noted the bill’s potential implications on Twitter, sparking debate about the future of student-athlete financial regulation.
