AROUND NIL THIS WEEK | SEP 16, 2024

Tractor Tuesday launches Farm Athletes NIL program for rural college stars

Sep 16, 2024—"Farmers and athletes share compelling stories of hard work and resilience"—former NFL player Jordan Carstens. Farm Athletes, backed by Tractor Tuesday, offers NIL deals to NCAA athletes from farm and ranch backgrounds, blending agriculture and athletics. This initiative supports "farm kid" athletes with financial aid, personal branding, and community engagement, easing financial strains while honoring their roots. MORE

Tennessee adds 10% ticket fee to pay players, lead NIL era

Sep 17, 2024—Tennessee football is introducing a 10% "talent fee" on 2025 game tickets to fund direct athlete payments, a move projected to raise millions annually. Alongside a 4.5% base price hike, the fee will help the Vols stay competitive in the NIL race.

“This will give our teams the best chance to succeed and bring championships home to Rocky Top,” said Athletic Director Danny White. With Neyland Stadium’s 101,915 seats, the fee positions Tennessee as a leader in revenue sharing while fans shoulder the cost to fuel this transformative shift in college sports. MORE

Georgia shakes up college sports, OKs direct athlete payments

Sep 17, 2024—Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s has greenlit colleges to directly pay student-athletes for NIL deals, sidestepping NCAA restrictions. With an estimated $20 million NIL cap set to launch nationwide in 2025, Georgia schools can now offer athletes uncapped payments immediately, gaining a competitive edge. The shields schools from NCAA penalties and sets a precedent in the $6 billion college sports industry, leaving rivals scrambling to keep up while the NCAA risks legal showdowns to maintain control. MORE