🏅NIL's Looming Mental Health Crisis

Hey there,

Here we are, just a few days out from the House Settlement’s objection deadline. There’s been a few groups getting their complaints in before the settlement is confirmed – one of which is trying to save walk-ons, which we’re talking about in today’s edition.

Then we’ve got a story on how NIL – and specifically its dependence on social media – is having a negative effect on mental health for student athletes. Lastly, a million-dollar college wrestling tournament was just announced. Let’s get into it all right now.

Do you love what we do? Or think we can do better? Email us at [email protected] to get in touch.

— Cole, Justin and Collin

The Big 3

Meet the Man Trying to Save College Walk-Ons

The House Settlement’s objection deadline lands on January 31^st, only a few days away. Well, plenty of groups are filing those objections at the last minute – one of which comes from a Camden Dempsey, a walk-on at the University of Colorado who’s fighting back against the settlement’s proposed roster limits.  

Dempsy is not arguing to completely take roster limits out of the settlement. Instead, he wants the policy to be grandfathered in – to allow current walk-ons (which he says represents 46% of current DI athletes) to remain on rosters until they graduate. 

“Walk-Ons who are cut also will face real, concrete, and immediate, financial damages as many walk-ons have worked to arrange NIL deals and create businesses,” Dempsey says in the objection, “As of this moment, walk-ons are not represented by counsel in this proceeding, despite being directly affected by the proposed settlement.” (More)

NIL’s Mental Health Crisis

The NIL era has been a financial success for student-athletes, but entering the attention economy isn’t without drawbacks. Most NIL deals demand social media followings, which produces extremely negative mental health outcomes.

“Chasing clicks and likes has become the defacto currency to monetize their NIL,” said Forbes’ Karen Weaver, “If they aren’t gaining traction with their social media feeds, it can lead to disappointment.”

It’s not just social media, either. Because of the financial ramifications, athletes are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety concerning their on-field/court performance, too. If things aren’t working out, they may attempt to mend cognitive dissonance by blaming the school or coaches for their shortcomings, which leads to more transfer portal entries. (More)

A New $1 Million College Wrestling Tournament

College wrestling is about to get a huge injection of NIL capital. A new tournament in Oklahoma is being funded by Paycom CEO Chad Richison, and the total payout purse will exceed $1 million – presumably in NIL. 

“Due to the unprecedented challenges in NCAA Division I athletics today,” Richison said, “It is more imperative than ever to have more big moments in intercollegiate wrestling so we can substantially grow our fan base and viewership.”

The tournament will take place in at Oklahoma State’s campus and will involve sixteen teams. The winner will receive $200,000 dollars – but every team that’s invited will receive $20,000 just for showing up. (More)

Teaming up with

Reasons you should be a Locked On NBA insider

What’s up, NBA fans! From our expert hosts who cover your team every day on our podcasts, we offer a free daily newsletter delivered right to your email so you don’t miss any of the action on the court. Get expert analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, trade talk, draft coverage, and more. We curate your daily ticket to everything NBA, giving you the rundown for each NBA team and the league news you need to know. Be one of thousands of fans who are already insiders - fast and easy.

Subscribe for free

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Haley & Hanna Cavinder 

School: University of Miami

Position: Guard 

Sport: Basketball

Class: Graduate Student  

Accolades: 

Hanna 

•  2023 All-ACC Academic Team

• All-Mountain West Team (2020, 2021)

• 2020 Mountain West All-Freshman Team

Haley 

•  2023 All-ACC Second Team

• 2023 All-ACC Academic Team

• 2022-23 ACC Newcomer Watch List

• NIL: The Cavinder twins, Haley and Hanna, have leveraged their NCAA basketball success and social media influence to secure numerous NIL deals with major brands such as Boost Mobile, Champs Sports, Raising Cane's, and GHOST.

  Beyond endorsements, they've ventured into entrepreneurship by launching their fitness app Twogether, investing in Slate Milk, and partnering with WWE, demonstrating how college athletes can use NIL opportunities to pave the way for diverse post-college careers.

NIL BLITZ

♦️ Penn State just poached Ohio State’s defensive coordinator with a $9 million-plus deal

♦️ Here are the 100 most watched college football games of the season

♦️ Joel Klatt says college football is in a golden age because of NIL

♦️ St. John’s is reseating season ticket holders based on their donations to the school

♦️ Ryan Williams gives advice on NIL: “If you have interest in something, go attack those interests”

♦️ Ohio State championship players are working at Canes as part of an NIL promotion

♦️ The SEC and Big Ten are continuing to explore CFP format changes 

♦️ The new X Games CEO has been an NIL advocate since 2004 – when he played football at Colorado

Share NIL Wire

Have a friend or colleague who would enjoy NIL Wire? Share with them today!

You currently have 0 referrals.

BATTER UP

Today’s Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Will Ohio State repeat as National Champions again next year?

• Yes, they have too much money with NIL not to - 38%

• No, too much year-to-year turnover. Give me the field - 62%