SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Name, image and likeness NIL deals have changed the way both colleges and college athletes can market themselves. NIL deals have quickly taken the college athletics world by storm.
Universities have made millions of dollars profiting off their athletes performance on the field, yet those same athletes preforming on gameday never saw a cent of profit from their jerseys flying off of shelves. While for a long time athletic scholarships were considered enough compensation, the reality is, there just isn’t enough scholarship money to provide for all athletes. Football and basketball players may attend a university for a full ride, but countless other sports do not reap those same benefits.
As of July 1, 2021, the NCAA allowed athletes to begin profiting off their NIL, something that would have ruined their eligibility in years past. Syracuse NIL professor, Dave Meluni says some schools are doing better than others in educating their athletes.
“Michigan state, Ohio state are doing a really good job but again schools can improve that to try and help. They need to [improve],” Said Meluni.
Meluni created Syracuse’s first ever NIL course which teaches students about the history, logistics and regulations involved in NIL deals.
Syracuse has begun helping their athletes profit off of this new opportunity. Syracuse has introduced their athletes to an app – INFLCR – which helps the student athletes manage their social media presence and reach out to brands for potential partnerships.
Syracuse University women’s field hockey player Tess Queen said if NIL had been around when she went through her recruitment process it definitely would have been a factor in her decision making.
“I definitely think if that is one of your marketing pieces of recruitment, like if someone’s coming to you saying 18 of their 25 girls have brand deals and are making money then its definitely [going to be] something where you’re like ‘oh that’s cool’ I would love that opposed to somewhere where you cant do that.” Said the senior, who experienced the legalization of NIL deals throughout her time with Syracuse Athletics.
While legally, schools cannot make NIL deal promises to recruits during the process, it could be a factor worth monitoring in both signing and the transfer portal moving forward.
