Category: NIL

Texas A&M wide receiver Evan Stewart ranks top five in NIL valuation

What does Texas A&M’s Evan Stewart have in common with the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Caleb Williams, and Travis Hunter? They all firmly rank top five in NIL valuation.

Texas A&M‘s Evan Stewart continues to rise in the ranks of all-time Aggie wide receiver accolades, but he already boasts a top-five ranking in one category off the field. In a recent name, image, and likeness licensing valuation ranking, the Aggie wideout was ranked top five among college football athletes.

Stewart’s valuation is behind the likes of Colorado’s Shedeuer Sanders, Texas‘ Arch Manning, USC’s Caleb Williams, and Buffaloes’ two-way phenom Travis Hunter. Truth be told, being in that company is a feat in itself, as all four individuals are either currently, or will be, the faces of college football.

Each student-athlete’s respective valuation speaks to their ability to maximize their achievements on the playing field.

On top of boasting nearly 1 million followers on Instagram and over 700,000 followers on TikTok, Stewart holds a handful of name, image, and likeness licensing deals with reputable brands. Among them is the luxury fashion brand Coach, unveiled in April.

The news comes off the heels of Texas A&M announcing the launch of Texas Aggies United, the official name, image, and likeness licensing partner of Aggie Athletics and Texas A&M Sports Properties. The partner will work directly with student-athletes to maximize their potential through name, image, and likeness licensing deals, and Stewart should be among the most high-profile names to benefit from the launch.

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Texas A&M launches Texas Aggies United, official NIL partner of Aggie Athletics

Texas Aggies United will be the exclusive and official partner of Texas A&M Athletics, and will work directly with its student-athletes to maximize future NIL opportunities.

On Monday morning, Texas A&M announced the launch of Texas Aggies United, the official name, image, and likeness licensing partner of Aggie Athletics and Texas A&M Sports Properties.

Texas Aggies United will operate independently from Texas A&M University but will work directly with its student-athletes, as well as Texas A&M Sports Properties, to maximize any future name, image, and likeness licensing opportunities.

As part of the agreement, Texas Aggies United will have the ability to use University marks and logos with student-athletes and their respective name, image, and likeness licensing endeavors. As an official partner, it will be able to promote its efforts in-venue at Texas A&M Athletics events, as well as during Texas A&M radio broadcasts and social media channels.

In an official statement, Texas A&M Director of Athletics Ross Bjork echoed his excitement for the future of Texas Aggies United:

“We are excited to welcome Texas Aggies United as the first Name, Image and Likeness partner to become an exclusive and official partner with Texas A&M Athletics. As we continue to create more and more opportunities for all Aggie student-athletes and the Name, Image, and Likeness ecosystem continues to evolve and grow, this collaboration will allow Texas Aggies United to be strategically aligned with Texas A&M Athletics.

“Most importantly Texas Aggies United will be a main gateway to provide even more support for our student-athletes through branding and Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. We are fired up to welcome Texas Aggies United as the official NIL entity of Texas A&M Athletics, and we encourage everyone to join Texas Aggies United today!”

In a joint announcement, it was revealed that TexAgs will provide digital content and administrative support. For further details about Texas Aggies United, fans can visit TexasAggiesUnited.com.

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Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman unveils name, image, and likeness deal

The sophomore QB is the latest Aggie football player to agree to an NIL deal, joining the likes of wide receiver Evan Stewart.

Another member of the Maroon and White is the latest to take advantage of the name, image, and likeness licensing landscape.

On Tuesday it was revealed that sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman had agreed to a name, image, and likeness deal with disaster relief and infrastructure support company Cotton Holdings, Inc. In addition to the deal with the signal-caller, a press release unveiled that the company had reached a “long-term corporate partnership” with Texas A&M Athletics.

Jeff Erler, Chief Legal Officer of Cotton Holdings, expressed his excitement and support for both Weigman and the Aggies in the aftermath of their partnership announcement. He also highlighted his excitement for what’s in store this season both on and on the field:

“Conner Weigman is such an exciting, dynamic player, who shares Cotton’s passion for teamwork…We’re excited to support Conner and the Texas Aggies and cannot wait to see what this season has in store.”

Erler also underlined the seamless partnership between Cotton Holdings and Texas A&M, given the two parties’ storied relationship throughout history:

“Cotton’s relationship with Texas A&M is one with a lot of history. Cotton is proud to have many current and former Aggies among our employee ranks, and we have partnered with A&M many times through the years to provide our full suite of services when they’ve needed a helping hand.”

Texas A&M is set to promote Cotton Holdings through advertisements at field level, as well as an LED banner.

Weigman is taking full advantage of his name, image, and likeness following a promising true freshman campaign in Aggieland. In 2022, Weigman completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 896 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions with a 132.3 passer rating. While the sophomore makes moves off the field, he remains in a tightly contested position battle through fall camp.

With under two weeks until Texas A&M’s 2023 season opener versus New Mexico, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino have yet to unveil the team’s starting quarterback. Once the dust settles on fall camp, it will come down to either Weigman or veteran southpaw Max Johnson.

While the final decision has yet to reach a verdict, we here at Aggies Wire have a strong inclination toward Weigman being named the starter for a pivotal 2023 season. Off the heels of agreeing to a name, image, and likeness deal, Weigman winning the starting quarterback job would mark another milestone toward a promising career in College Station.

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Texas A&M’s 12th Man Foundation announces it will discontinue the 12th Man+ Fund

In a release shared on Thursday afternoon, Texas A&M’s 12th Man Foundation announced that the 12th Man+ Fund will be discontinued.

In a release shared on Thursday afternoon, Texas A&M‘s 12th Man Foundation announced that the 12th Man+ Fund will be discontinued. In the aftermath of new laws regarding the guidance of non-profit organizations that engage with student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness, this pivot was expected.

The 12th Man Foundation shared the following release regarding the discontinuation of the 12th Man+ Fund:

“On June 9, the IRS released a generic legal advice memorandum providing specific guidelines for non-profit organizations that engage with student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The operation of the 12th Man+ Fund is impacted by this new guidance.

Following consultation with external advisors, the 12th Man Foundation is altering its approach to NIL which includes discontinuing the 12th Man+ Fund. This decision was made to ensure the 12th Man Foundation meets its high standards for compliance and to protect the organization’s mission.

This decision does not prevent the 12th Man Foundation from supporting NIL opportunities for Aggie student-athletes. As part of its altered approach, the organization plans to support NIL opportunities for Aggie student-athletes by expanding its marketing outreach using unrestricted annual fund contributions.

Supporters who have contributed to the 12th Man+ Fund will be contacted directly by 12th Man Foundation staff with their options including ways to redirect their contribution and continue investing in the student-athlete experience at Texas A&M.

The 12th Man Foundation remains committed to engaging with Aggie student-athletes and promoting the organization’s mission of funding scholarships, programs, and facilities in support of championship athletics at Texas A&M.”

When the 12th Man+ Fund launched back in February 2023, many recognized it as the next evolution of name, image, and likeness collectives. The fund was essentially the closest public link between a traditional athletic department fundraising effort and name, image, and likeness-related donor dollars.

Now with the fund discontinuing operations, all eyes will be on the next step, as it’s been noted that donors who have already contributed will be directly contacted by the foundation regarding options to redirect their contributions.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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Texas A&M’s NIL collective is the ‘wave of the future’ according to one industry leader

As Texas A&M continues to spearhead the evolution of NIL, the efforts of 12th Man+ Fund collective are being applauded by one industry leader.

As Texas A&M continues to spearhead the evolution of name, image, and likeness (NIL), the efforts of the 12th Man+ Fund collective are being applauded by one industry leader.

In comments shared with On3, Jim Cavale, founder and CEO of industry-leading INFLCR, believes collectives are here to stay as the NIL landscape evolves. Furthermore, he believes Texas A&M‘s highly publicized progressive model is the wave of the future.

Much of the noise surrounding A&M’s collective, The 12th Man+ Fund, has come amidst the ongoing tussle between NIL legislation at the NCAA and state levels. For instance, the new law in Texas allows donors to receive priority points for their contributions to a collective, which is an apparent violation of NCAA rules. The law also prohibits the NCAA from policing NIL activity.

Texas A&M is the most prominent school taking advantage of the new law, a move that has had no shortage of critics nationwide. But in the eyes of Cavale, the cause for envy and discontent is moot given that Texas A&M’s model is the way of the future:

“I think collectives are here to stay, and I think the model that Texas A&M is doing is something you’re going to see a lot more schools do. It solves a lot of problems. Whether they’re donors, businesses, or fans, they’re used to hearing from the school about donation campaigns, capital campaigns, scholarship funds, ticket sales, merchandise sales, and events. This is just another addition for that same audience to hear about, and it should be done in unison with the school’s existing efforts.”

The discussion around NIL legislation won’t be resolved any time soon, but Cavale does offer valid points regarding donors and organizations already accustomed to a school communicating their fundraising efforts. Alumni of an institution know this full well, and truth be told this could just be the next stage of those communication efforts.

What matters most amid this discussion is how the efforts of a collective impact the student-athletes themselves, as the latter have earned every right to maximize the achievements they have accomplished on the playing field. As it pertains to Texas A&M, they’re helping usher in a new era of NIL with the launch of their AMPLIFY initiative.

So long as these efforts continue to impact student-athletes in a positive manner, there should be room for discussion as to whether time and effort are best spent to help establish collectives rather than bash them.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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Meta announces NIL incubator for female college athletes

Female athletes ranging from D1-NAIA divisions are eligible to apply and the applications close July 23rd, 2023.

Meta announced its NIL Empower 3.0: “an incubator program aimed to empower female college athletes to maximize NIL opportunities and prepare for life after sports.” This comes on the heels of LSU’s Livvy Dunne announcing her own foundation to help LSU female college athletes excel in Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities.

Instagram is looking for 30 female athletes to go through this five-month program. The selected athletes will “work with the Meta Sports Partnerships team, industry leaders, and some of the biggest brands in the world to gain education, mentorship, and opportunities aimed to help them succeed in the NIL Era.”

The program is threefold:

Education

“Learn what it takes to build a brand, grow an audience and monetize in the NIL era by participating in five educational workshops led by the Meta sports partnerships team and industry professionals.”

Incentives

“Athletes will receive gifting, unlock opportunities to receive at least one NIL deal, be prioritized for Meta incentive programs, and receive amplification opportunities with Meta partners.”

Career Development

“Build your network, connect with fellow female athletes, and prepare for life after sports by hearing from inspirational guest speakers and having the opportunity to be considered for micro-internships.”

Female athletes ranging from D1-NAIA divisions are eligible to apply and the applications close July 23rd, 2023. There are eligibility requirements including:

  • Have at least one (1) semester of eligibility remaining during the 2023-2024 academic year;
  • Excited about the NIL era and eager to learn more about how Facebook and Instagram can help you build and monetize your personal brand;
  • Willingness to collaborate with the Empower cohort on content opportunities;
  • Bonus: ambitious, engaged, entrepreneurial, willing to hustle!

Even if an athlete is not selected, by simply applying they will receive educational NIL resources and be invited to join an informational webinar designed to provide resources, connections, and opportunities for female college athletes.

Texas A&M Athletics ushers in new chapter of NIL with latest initiative

Texas A&M continues to spearhead the evolution of name, image, and likeness (NIL), and they officially unveiled a new program to aid their student-athletes.

Texas A&M Athletics continues to spearhead the evolution of name, image, and likeness (NIL) across college athletics, and the next chapter has officially arrived.

Beginning July 1, Texas A&M is ushering in a new chapter with the rollout of AMPLIFY, a comprehensive NIL platform that provides a holistic experience for all Aggie student-athletes. The goal is straightforward: With some of the best athletes to grace the playing field, Texas A&M is leveraging every resource possible to help these young individuals build their brand for the future.

Per the AMPLIFY website, the objective of A&M’s in-house NIL platform is as follows:

“AMPLIFY is an innovative and comprehensive name, image, and likeness program designed to equip Aggie student-athletes with tools and training to maximize their brand and platform.

AMPLIFY serves Texas A&M student-athletes with best-in-class education and resources related to personal branding, networking, finance, and media training. We look to help our student-athletes in three key areas:

  • EDUCATE student-athletes on rules, best practices, and processes in place at A&M to help them make informed decisions.

  • EQUIP Student-athletes with the skills and resources that will help them AMPLIFY their brand.

  • EMPOWER Student-athletes to leverage their personal brand to create meaningful partnerships that foster mutual growth and positive impact in their communities.”

Upon a quick glance at the offered programs, a few of the pieces of training include “Building Your Personal Brand,” “Social Media Audit and Engagement Analysis,” and “Financial Literacy and Tax Education.”

Helping student-athletes become more self-sufficient and knowledgeable on the subject matter is a worthwhile endeavor, especially given the messy state of NIL legislation.

While the NCAA continues to bicker with NIL legislation at the state level, it’s key to remember that it ultimately impacts the financial future of student-athletes. At the end of the day, these young individuals have every right to maximize their hard work and achievements on the playing field, and soaking up valuable knowledge on the matter will only prove invaluable in the long term.

Kudos must be given to Texas A&M for spearheading this next chapter in their NIL efforts, and above all else, it will be great to see how the Aggie student-athletes maximize the opportunity in their own unique ways.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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The NCAA will reportedly penalize schools like Texas A&M who follow newly implemented NIL State rules

Unsurprisingly, the NCAA will reportedly penalize schools, such as Texas A&M, who abide by recently passed local NIL bills

Well, we all knew it was simply too good to be true earlier this month after Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2804 , the bill made its way through the Texas House, which focused on state-based NIL reform that would go into effect on Saturday, July 1. On Tuesday, the NCAA informed all member schools that programs, like Texas A&M and Texas, will violate “association rules” if they abide by their State passed NIL reform, wielding their power once again. For Texas A&M, The 12th Man Foundation described as,

The 12th Man+ Fund was established to further the 12th Man Foundation’s mission while enhancing the student-athlete experience at Texas A&M through name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities.

12th Man+ is a new avenue of support through the 12th Man Foundation designed to compensate student-athletes for promoting the organization through charitable marketing services.

According to the foundation, Every donor will have the opportunity to donate funds to specific sports or to contribute to a general A&M fund which will be distributed to every sport while providing incentives between donors and players in a completely legal manner.

The Texas Longhorns, whose Longhorn Foundation provides essentially the same services, will also be directly affected by the ruling, as NCAA executive vice president of regulatory affairs Steve Wilcox released the following statement:

“The Association has been clear and maintains that schools must adhere to NCAA legislation (or policy) when it conflicts with permissive state laws,” Wilcox wrote in the letter. “In other words, if a state law permits certain institutional action and NCAA legislation prohibits the same action, institutions must follow NCAA legislation.”

In lamens terms, the NCAA believes that the current NIL state laws in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are meaningless based on the current power structure that puts them in charge of every and any future change, leading to Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork to reveal the Aggies’ strategy moving forward:

“The state law is going to govern how we do business,” Bjork stated. “We will continue to communicate with the NCAA on a variety of matters, but in terms of this, the state law will reign.”

There it is. Expect more information regarding the ruling to be released as the 2023 CFB season draws closer, but as things stand from Texas A&M’s purview, this is just the start of what may be a continuous power struggle.

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Current high school NIL rules in each of the 50 states (plus D.C.)

A current rundown that shows which states have adopted rules in favor of high school athletes benefiting from name, image and likeness.

When the NCAA adopted language that allowed college athletes to earn money—or benefit, as it was termed—from their name, image and likeness (NIL), it created a new chapter in amateur athletics, one that was as groundbreaking as it was, at times, confusing.

Since then, we’ve seen NIL deals take form at the NCAA level, with athletes singing endorsements never thought possible. But the unknowns remain, and really, have only grown as NIL questions and curiosities have been met by state rules and regulations that have been anything but uniform.

What are the current regulations regarding name, image and likeness in your state?

As expected, the variances make understanding or adhering to NIL guidelines much more complex, where your state might not even allow such deals, but the school you’re about to attend does. Or, in some cases, the answer is …. unclear.

Based on data from Business of College Sports, here is the current rundown of NIL guidelines for all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

(Updated: June 25, 2023)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs NIL bill to soon become law

The state of Texas is in the forefront of the NIL fight by signing historic bill into law

According to polling last year, I’m in the majority of people that support student-athletes being able to profit off their name and likeness. Paying college athletes is not a new conversation and dates back decades. The case that sticks in my head the most was O’Bannon v. NCAA in 2009. While I won’t go into detail, I just wanted to highlight how long this fight has been going on. Today marks an important day in NCAA history with the signing of House Bill 2804, which will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across the states.

Texas A&M and Texas aren’t always rivals when it comes to the well-being of students, and they both had an integral role in helping push the legislation through. Also, as much as teams like to say NIL is not the deciding factor, it’s still a heck of a selling point to have a solid NIL collective system when the bill becomes law in July.

I’m excited to see where this lands in the next four or five years. Hopefully, the schools also provide many financial resources to help these young adults have helpful information when dealing with taxes and contracts.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

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