Understanding NIL deals in college sports

Hi guys, I've been hearing a lot about these NIL deals with college athletes. Could anyone explain to me who usually gets these deals and why? Which athletes are making the most from NIL deals?

Sure, I'd be happy to explain NIL deals and how they function in the realm of college athletics! NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, and the term refers to a policy change enacted in July 2021 that allows college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness. Essentially, college athletes are now allowed to enter into endorsement deals, and sponsorship contracts, and receive pay for autograph events, among other opportunities.

Now, as for who gets these deals and why, it's pretty much open to any college athlete, but the deals do tend to occur more frequently and be more lucrative for athletes in high-visibility sports like football and basketball, especially at the NCAA Division I level. Players with social media following, or those who perform at a high level on the field or court are typically more likely to land these deals since they have greater visibility and more potential for marketability.

On which athletes are making the most from NIL deals, the specifics can vary widely. It's important to note that while there's a lot of attention on the athletes making six-figure deals, many athletes are not making this much. Athletes from smaller sports, or those from smaller markets may make less money. However, it's estimated that top athletes, especially in men's football and basketball, can make hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars thanks to these deals.

One notable example is college football player Quinn Ewers, who reportedly signed a six-figure NIL deal before he even threw a pass in a college game.

It's important to note, however, that the landscape of NIL deals is still new and evolving, and the exact norms and regulations can be contingent on a variety of factors including the specific policies of schools and athletic conferences.