🏅College soccer's impending facelift

Teaming up with

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College soccer is mulling structural changes, like breaking away from the traditional soccer schedule and shifting to a more FIFA-friendly method to secure its developmental pipeline. But will it work? Then we’re discussing one Oregon bill that could completely upend the House Settlement’s NIL clearinghouse idea. Lastly, following soccer’s lead, Washington’s Jedd Fisch takes aim at college football’s schedule by suggesting they synch up with the NFL. It’s all coming up… now!

Guys, sign up before it’s too late: Tuesday at 1:00 CST/2:00 EST, the Anthem NIL Tax webinar is going down. We’re gonna be there — are you? Sign up here for free, and we’ll see you there!

— Cole, Justin and Collin

The Big 3

College Soccer wants to Adopt FIFA model

The US Soccer Federation doesn’t want to lose its developmental pipeline as collateral damage from the House Settlement. That’s why they’re tossing around the idea of a 32-team, two semester pilot program that would better serve as a runway to professional soccer careers.

The program would essentially fund 32 teams as part of a separate “league” almost. That “league would run year-round so as to match up more consistently with the FIFA soccer schedule. The programs currently being discussed seem to be Big Ten and ACC programs.

There are issues with changing the schedule, however. The year-round soccer schedule would absolutely align better with FIFA’s schedule; however, it (of course) essentially destroys the traditional, NCAA-mandated college schedule. That could be a problem for the NCAA, who’s grip on college sports has never been weaker. (More)

Oregon Bill would Bypass NIL Clearinghouse

If this new bill passes in Oregon, no student-athletes would be required to disclose their NIL earnings to the NCAA or any other organization. Of course, that comes in direct opposition to the new NIL clearinghouse, which requires students to disclose all deals over $600 to ensure the deals are market value.

Why does the clearinghouse exist at all? Great question. Because the House Settlement can’t enforce an actual salary cap, the clearinghouse is trying to root out “extra” money in the compensation system. If players are getting “overpaid” for their services, the school and player are skirting the rev-share “cap” that’s currently in place.

This bill sort of shatters that plan. The clearinghouse idea tries to regulate the NIL market, but if states are going to pass laws such as this one, good luck enforcing those rules. (More)

Should College Football Mirror the NFL Schedule?

Speaking of soccer’s proposed changes to the schedule, Washington’s Jedd Fisch is suggesting a similar change for college football. His idea? Match up the college football schedule with the NFL schedule. 

“We should literally just take the NFL schedule,” he said, “OTAs are just spring practice, there’s no real difference… When they have their draft, we can have our portal, and then we can roll. That’s a way for them to make sure that their new coaches are all situated. We want to find a way to make sure our new coaches are all situated.”

This suggestion comes as many coaches struggle with handling the grueling spring transfer portal schedule. Aligning the college football schedule more clearly with the NFL’s would reduce friction between the two leagues – especially when considering whether to leave school for the NFL draft. (More)

Teaming up with

Join Anthem NIL Strategists for our upcoming FREE webinar, "Navigating NIL Taxes," 

This is designed specifically for student-athletes navigating the complex world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) income. As a firm specializing in NIL taxes, we understand the unique challenges athletes face when managing their finances and tax obligations.

In this informative session, our experts will provide valuable insights and practical advice on how to effectively handle NIL income, ensuring you stay compliant with tax regulations and optimize your financial situation. Topics covered will include understanding taxable NIL income, deductible expenses, filing requirements, and strategies to minimize your tax liability.

Whether you're just starting to receive NIL income or looking for ways to better manage your existing earnings, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to confidently navigate the tax landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of NIL taxes and ensure your financial success. 

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ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Lucy Olsen

School: University of Iowa

Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard

Class: Junior

Accolades:

• Big Ten Player of the Week (2/5/2025)

• Led Iowa to upset victory over #4 USC with 28 points (2/2/2025)

• Averaging 19.8 points per game in the 2024-25 season

• Key player in Iowa's six-game winning streak (as of 2/13/2025)

• Named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2022-23 season)

• Second Team All-Big Ten selection (2023-24 season)
  

Performance Highlights:

• Scored 28 points with 3 steals in upset win against #4 USC

• Recorded 27 points in victory over Rutgers, extending team's winning streak

• Consistently leading scorer for the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team

NIL: While specific NIL details are not available, Olsen's rising stardom and key performances in high-profile games are likely to increase her NIL opportunities and value.

NIL BLITZ

♦️ NCAA athletes want judge to block the House opt-in deadline

♦️ College basketball is “almost a carbon copy” of the Euroleague, according to Rick Pitino

♦️ West Virginia is now joining the lawsuit restraining the NCAA from investigating NIL activity

♦️ Here’s how brands are evaluating March Madness from an NIL perspective

♦️ Oklahoma just hired Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy as their football GM

♦️ Louisiana is joining Georgia, Alabama, and Illinois as NIL tax havens

♦️ USC freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart buys a car for his mom with NIL earnings

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BATTER UP

Today’s Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Who should get the majority of NIL funding at North Carolina?

• Bill Belichick, you don’t bring in a legendary coach to be a second-rate priority - 52%

• UNC Basketball, the team that’s actually won a championship before - 48%