AROUND NIL THIS WEEK | MAY 5, 2025
- Golf NIL
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
May 7, 2025—Arizona’s SB 1615, signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, moves the state’s universities into new territory: schools can now pay student athletes directly for their name, image, and likeness—a notable shift from the days of private-only endorsement deals. Unlimited 50/50 raffles are now fair game, with proceeds split between lucky winners and athletes, as schools look for ways to stay competitive in the NIL era. The law draws some boundaries: NIL deals can’t conflict with team contracts or school policies, and athletes must run their agreements past the university first. Recruiting negotiations are now shielded from public records, keeping rivals guessing. Student fees are off-limits for athlete pay, but tuition dollars could still play a role.
May 7, 2025—Clemson’s playing its NIL and revenue-sharing cards close to the vest, stamping contracts as “trade secrets” and keeping the details locked away from public view. Fans of the move say it’s all about protecting Clemson’s financial playbook and staying a step ahead in the college sports arms race. Critics aren’t buying it—they see a public school dodging transparency and leaving athletes in the dark about what’s really on the table. With the House settlement set to shake up the landscape, schools might soon have to cut athletes in on the revenue, but no one knows if those deals will ever see daylight. Football coach Dabo Swinney’s betting that revenue sharing helps Clemson keep pace, but for now, the real numbers are anyone’s guess. MORE
May 8, 2025—The $2.8 billion House settlement, which would open the door for schools to pay athletes directly, remains in limbo as Judge Claudia Wilken weighs in on the impact of new roster caps. After Wilken raised red flags about student-athletes potentially losing their spots, the NCAA and top conferences tweaked the proposal: schools can now choose to “grandfather” current players, recently cut athletes, and recruits who lost offers, allowing them to stay or transfer without counting toward new roster limits. Notre Dame set the tone as the first school to publicly guarantee roster spots for all current athletes, even inviting back those cut earlier this year as new roster limits loom. This move follows recent settlement changes allowing—but not requiring—schools to “grandfather” current players, cut athletes, and impacted recruits so they don’t count against new caps. With this policy optional, Notre Dame’s stance could influence others. Judge Wilken is still reviewing the settlement, with objections due by May 13.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard at the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship
May 8, 2025—President Donald Trump has tapped legendary coach Nick Saban and Texas businessman Cody Campbell to lead a new commission focused on college sports. Their task: tackle issues like NIL payments, athlete transfers, and the changing rules around compensation. Saban, respected for his coaching success and outspoken views on NIL, joins Campbell, a Texas Tech supporter with deep NIL experience. Supporters believe the commission could bring much-needed consistency and fairness to college athletics, helping schools, programs, and student-athletes alike. However, some critics worry about political influence, added bureaucracy, and whether real change is possible given past failures by the NCAA and lawmakers. The group’s findings could shape future policies and the direction of college sports nationwide.
