In the growing landscape of college athletics today, NIL continues to become more-and-more of a factor in the day-to-day of programs across the country.
This thought is likely echoed by many across college football, with athletic programs seemingly starting to get in bidding wars in order to potentially acquire talent via recruiting and the transfer portal.
Many in athletic departments across college football have commented on this before also, the latest of which was Alabama Crimson Tide athletic director Greg Byrne on Wednesday afternoon via a statement on social media.
“Over the past few years, there have been drastic changes in college athletics,” Byrne said. “We have been careful during this transitional period to protect our position at the top of college athletics while being mindful to listen, engage and learn from our generous supporters, proud alumni and unrivaled fans to make sure that we protect our great traditions here at Alabama. But there’s a time for talk and a time for action. Now is a time for action.”
“Although we have been competitive from an NIL standpoint, our competition has us in their sights and are actively trying to surge ahead with NIL. You have heard examples of other teams using promises of million-dollar paydays to lure away our players or convince them not to come to Alabama. It is time for the Bama Nation to fight back.”
In the statement Wednesday, Byrne called on Alabama fans to “fight back” with NIL by donating to Alabama’s “Yea Alabama.”
The full statement from Byrne posted Wednesday on social media can be found below:
Alabama fans,
Over the past few years, there have been drastic changes in college athletics. We have been careful during this transitional period to protect our position at the top of college athletics while being mindful to listen, engage and learn from our generous…— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) December 18, 2024