The college sports scenario in the US has always attracted eyeballs & dollars alike but the athletes do not make a single cent. All the money goes to the universities’ bank account.
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the body responsible for college sports never allowed young athletes to make money off their name, image, or likeness (NIL), essentially leaving them out of the multi-billion $$ influencer industry.
Things had to change!
For the first time on July 1, the NCAA dropped all the NIL rules and opened an altogether fresh income stream for college athletes!
It was a watershed moment for the sports industry at large where businesses can write checks to athletes rather than universities. They can sell their own merchandise, and make money off their TikTok & Instagram handle.
Universities standing out!
The universities that provide guidance to their students in becoming better at personal branding, financial literacy, will have a competitive advantage and consequently, rack in solid application numbers!
On similar lines, the University of Texas launched its ‘Leverage Program’
Total freedom
At a macro level, these rules mean freedom. In a sense, athletes can make money off their name, their likeness, their image and represent brands with whom they resonate the most.
As soon as the rules were lifted, Fresno’s basketball team’s twin sisters signed an endorsement.
Influencers to the moon
As per OpenDorse, the college athletic influencer industry will touch the size of $500 Million in 2022 and in the subsequent year, it will be a $1 Billion market.
The maximum revenue will be raked in by the likes of Olivia Dunne who has a following of 1 Million+ on TikTok & Instagram.
Things are taking off and this summer will be really exciting for every collegiate!
What do you think?