Hey there,

We’re back from the weekend with a bunch of brand new NIL news for you. We’ve got updates on Utah’s historic NIL deal, UMass’ podcasting NIL strategy, and a potentially landscape-altering ruling in West Virginia. All of that, and more, coming at you now.

Before we dive in though, we’d love to hear feedback on anything and everything about our newsletter. Hit reply or send us an email at [email protected] to share your thoughts with us!

— Cole, Justin and Collin

KICK-OFF

West Virginia Ruling Could Alter Portal Forever

A West Virginia judge has just put a temporary restraining order in place which gives immediate eligibility to college athletes that have transferred more than once. The rule previously required these transfers to sit out a year before suiting up.

Depending on how the Judge ultimately rules, this case mean more than just a restraining order – it could radically alter how the transfer system works, uncapping many of the restrictions currently in place.

Until then, however, transfer students are allowed to play. But beware – the NCAA has already said that students who participate during this temporary window could lose a year of eligibility. (More)

Insiders Speak out on Biggest Industry Concerns

On3 just asked a bunch of industry insiders what their #1 concern with college sports is right now. Their answers were forward-focused, with tons of respondents curious about the future of compensation models. Here were a few responses.

“My No. 1 top-of-mind issue is the survivability of the NCAA with the current judicial threats facing the NCAA and its college athletics model,” said Dan Butterly, commissioner of the Big West Conference.

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione re-emphasized the problem. “The No. 1 priority as I see it is creating a sustainable financial model for the future of college athletics,” he said, adding that future revenue sharing models loom in the near future. (More)

Another Utah NIL Megadeal

Utah just announced another record-breaking NIL deal, this time for both the women’s gymnastics team as well as men’s and women’s basketball squads. Just like their football counterparts, these athletes will all be receiving a free lease on a car. The entire deal is valued at around $2M. 

The deal comes as the Utes take Title IX heat for their football-only truck deal, announced in early October. The argument being put forward was, essentially, how can such a large amount of NIL money exclusively go to men ?

With this new deal, Utah seems to be covering their backs as far as Title IX compliance goes. (More)

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Bronny James’ First Bucket

LeBron James Jr. has topped the NIL valuation charts for the better part of this year, currently clocking in around $5.9M. After having some heart issues, he’s finally cleared to play for the USC Trojans. Click the video below to see the nation’s #1 NIL earner score his first collegiate bucket.

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Residency Restriction Removed

This all stems from a lawsuit by RaeQuan Battle, who argued before the court that transfer restrictions put a cap on his potential NIL earnings. 

Lifting the residency restriction is a concession of sorts by the NCAA, even before a ruling is made. The lawsuit represents yet another antitrust battle the NCAA seems to be fighting weekly. (More)

Rhule Resets the Market

Not too long ago, Matt Rhule made waves in the NIL world by declaring that “a good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now.” Well, that comment may actually do more to set the market than anything else.

“Some people were not happy with me,” Rhule said on The Pat McAfee Show last week, “I’ve had some other college coaches kind of get on me and say, ‘Matt, you reset the market.’”

With a complete lack of market transparency, it makes sense that he may have changed the asking price. There’s really no precedent for how much to ask for, so Rhule’s comments are one of the few market-gauging events an athlete could point to during negotiations. (More)

COLLECTIVE 101

Podcasting for NIL

We told you last week about how UMass is upping their NIL game; well, their newest NIL initiative is distinguishing them even further. They invited former Minutemen great Marcus Camby to a live podcasting event to promote the collective’s fundraising efforts. 

As part of head coach Frank Martin’s Just Being Frank podcast, Camby talked ball with coach Martin in front of a live audience at a local brewery. Tickets for the event went directly into collective efforts for UMass basketball.

When asked about his involvement, Camby said he was happy to help with NIL efforts: “Whether that’s monetary wise, me showing up talking to the guys, me going to games, whatever I can to bring exposure back to the school and try to bring the program back to what it was when I was here. That’s what it’s all about.” (More)

Testing Their Luck

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Kiki Rice

Meet Kiki Rice, the basketball sensation rewriting the rules of the game. In high school, she was named the Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year and a three-time gold medalist with USA Basketball. She led her team to an undefeated season and clinched two state titles.

Rice used her 73K social media following to secure some impressive NIL deals with Beats by Dre, Wescom Credit Union, and the Jordan brand. At UCLA, Kiki Rice continues to redefine the meaning of unstoppable.

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NIL BLITZ

♦️ UCLA women’s hooper signs on with Beats by Dre

♦️ K-State unveils NIL beer launch 

♦️ Mississippi State announces a new NIL e-commerce partnership

♦️ Livvy Dunne launches a memorabilia collection

♦️ Washington athletics department expands Learfield partnership

♦️ College athletics leaders want independent football oversight

♦️ Dubs group partners with sports medic clinic and 90 OU athletes

BATTER UP

Todays Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Do most universities have the proper resources set in place to operate in the current NIL world?

• Yes - 58%

• No - 42%