Tag: Name

Notre Dame athletics announces new Name, Image and Likeness collective

It’s time to “RALLY”

While many schools across the nation were quick to push out Name, Image and Likeness collectives, Notre Dame wanted to wait to roll out its own that best suited the needs of the Irish’s student-athletes.

That day has finally come, as on Monday the Irish announced “[autotag]RALLY[/autotag],” described in a press release as “a collective and lifestyle agency for the next iteration of collegiate athletics dedicated to creating meaningful and market-based name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for Notre Dame student-athletes.”

RALLY is led by the Board of Directors chairman Jack Shields, who graduated in 1983, along with a few others most notably [autotag]Jordan Cornette[/autotag] and [autotag]Hannah Storm[/autotag]. Having two former Irish media stars in the group is a big deal, as they’ll help navigate through some potentially unknown waters within that industry.

You can learn more at ndrally.com, where they attempt to connect prospect student-athletes, businesses and fans of Notre Dame to help the cause.

While some students-athletes have already gotten themselves involved in NIL deals, this will open the doors for many more in the future.

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After NCAA settlement agreement, these big changes are coming to college golf

In the past, there were no roster limits while scholarships were 4½ for men and 6 for women.

It won’t happen immediately, but there are major changes coming to college golf soon.

The NCAA, the Power Five conferences and lawyers for the plaintiffs in three antitrust cases concerning the compensation of college athletes on Friday filed documents asking a federal judge in California to provide preliminary approval of a proposed settlement that would include a nearly $2.8 billion damages pool for current and former athletes and dramatically alter other fundamental aspects of how the association’s top level of competition is governed.

Division I schools would be able to start paying athletes directly for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), subject to a per-school cap that would increase over time.

And while athletes would continue to have the ability to make NIL deals with entities other than their schools, the settlement would allow the NCAA to institute rules designed to give the association greater enforcement oversight of those arrangements. The NCAA also would be allowed to have rules requiring athletes to make progress toward a degree in order to receive the payments proposed under the settlement.

Especially for college golf, another significant change would be roster caps. Scholarship limitations also would go away in all sports, though each sport would now be subject to roster caps. For college men’s and women’s golf, the cap will be nine players, which means schools can fund up to nine full scholarships but cannot have more than nine athletes in any given season.

In the past, there were no roster limits while scholarships were 4½ for men and 6 for women. Looking at specifically the Power 4 Conferences (SEC, Big 10, Big 12 and ACC), Oregon State men’s coach Jon Reehoorn posted on social media those roster caps would result in a reduction of about 65 spots for next year with the current numbers.

Include the rest of Division I, that number rises exponentially.

Another issue is the possible cuts coming down the road. While it may not happen initially, there are likely to be numerous sports at schools across the country to be on the chopping block because of the changes, including college golf programs.

While nothing is likely to happen in the 2024-25 season, Friday’s ruling is likely the tip of the iceberg as it comes to changes down the road in college golf.

Zion Williamson could reportedly receive more than $1 million in NIL back damages

As the NCAA settles with athletes unable to profit off of NIL, On3’s Pete Nakos reports that Zion Williamson could receive more than $1 million.

Former Duke basketball star Zion Williamson would have made millions in name, image, and likeness compensation if it existed back when he played in Durham. Now, based on one court case, he still might.

According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos on Friday, the NCAA reached a 10-year settlement to pay more than $2.5 billion in back damages to athletes unable to profit off of NIL.

According to the report, athletes are broken into categories based on their sport with the most compensation given to football players and men’s basketball players. The money comes from different categories as well, meant to reflect profits from broadcasting deals, potential video game compensation, and other lost opportunities. That final category will prove the most lucrative for Williamson.

“Just 3,000 athletes fall into the lost opportunities category in football and men’s basketball,” Nakos wrote. “But for some of the top talent that missed out on NIL, they could command $800,000.”

The report named Williamson, former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, and former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield as prime examples of such top talent.

Nakos reported that the first payment will be due in May 2025.

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 the latest data, here is the current rundown of NIL guidelines for all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

(Updated: July 25, 2024)

Logos may be coming to an Owen Field near you, but should they?

The NCAA is considering opening the door for advertising on playing surfaces and jerseys may not be far behind.

College football is evolving at a rapid pace. The idea of amateur athletics had been eroding before our eyes with the money not talked about, but with name, image, and likeness, it’s pretty much an idea of the past.

With the proposed settlement of a trio of anti-trust lawsuits against the NCAA leading to damages in the billions and the move to allow programs to pay players directly, schools may have to get creative in how they generate revenue.

According to USA TODAY Sports, the NCAA is considering letting schools sell advertising space on the playing surface during the regular season.

“I believe the NCAA is going to allow us to put a sponsor logo on the field during the regular season,” Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin said Wednesday at the Southeastern Conference’s spring meetings in Miramar Beach, Florida. “That’s an obvious revenue stream that has not been there in the past. The pro sports are putting patches on jerseys. That doesn’t seem like something that’s crazy for us to consider these days.”

On June 6, and NCAA association committee will discuss a proposal that would allow corporate sponsors as part of the midfield decor like it is during bowl games.

The door is opening for universities to earn more in advertising revenue. However, as Dr. Ian Malcolm so poignantly stated in Jurassic Park, “Yeah, yeah. But your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, that they didn’t stop to think if they should.”

Creative programs like the Oklahoma Athletics Department will do whatever it takes within the rules to put the most competitive team on the field every season. And that may one day mean selling advertising space to some corporate sponsor. But there comes a point where it could detract from the most important brand; the University of Oklahoma.

The main characters in college football have always been the programs. Whether it’s Oklahoma or Alabama or Michigan, players and coaches come and go, but it’s the programs that have stood the test of time.

Putting logos on Owen Field, selling naming rights to Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, or putting sponsor logos on the jersey would certainly provide revenue for an athletic department that will now be tasked with paying its athletes. At the same time, if not done well, could take away from what’s left of what we love about college football.

More than ever, college football is embracing the idea that it’s a business. It’s been about the money for a long time, but athletic departments are hiring general managers to help manage the business aspects that programs are being forced to undertake to stay competitive.

There’s no going back now. We’re in the end game.

At the same time, do fans want to see telecommunication companies or airline logos on the hallowed grounds where their favorite teams play? Do they want the uniforms of their beloved universities sullied with logos from fast food companies?

Creating revenue streams is the next arms race in college football. At some point,, the beloved backdrop of the game we love will highlight a corporate entity. But ultimately, like in professional sports, the things that will matter most are the wins and losses.

Win, and most won’t care about sponsorships on the field or on the jerseys.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Kool-Aid McKinstry shares the story of his ‘sweet’ nickname

New Orleans Saints rookie draft pick Kool-Aid McKinstry shared the story of his ‘sweet’ nickname:

He was born Ga’Quincy McKinstry, but the New Orleans Saints’ second round draft pick has always gone by “Kool-Aid.” He put it down as his name on Alabama’s football roster, and that’s what Taysom Hill read out from the  podium at the 2024 NFL draft.

So how did McKinstry pick it up? He shared the story on ESPN’s broadcast of the draft: “Yes, I definitely embrace my name Kool-Aid. I got the name Kool-Aid from my grandma the day I was born. She said I came out smiling and she said I had a ‘Kool-Aid smile.’”

McKistry’s grandmother Brenda Allen explained it herself to the Tuscaloosa News’ Nick Kelly in 2023, recalling how he was the happiest baby she’d ever seen. No tears, no crying, no wailing or complaining. Just smiles, sweet like a glass of Kool-Aid.

“I told his mom,” Allen recalled. “Look at this boy with this big Kool-Aid smile on his face.”

The name stuck. He  went on to make a name for himself with his efforts on the football field, winning recognition as the USA Today High School Sports Male Athlete of the Year in 2021. He earned a scholarship to Alabama and later cashed in with a lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Kool-Aid. Now he’s been drafted by the Saints. We’re guessing there are more Kool-Aid smiles in his future.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. lands another ‘sweet’ NIL deal

Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to use NIL to his advantage. #GoBucks

Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. broke out on the football field in 2022. As a result of his stellar play on the field, he’s now producing off of it as well. Harrison has had a plethora of endorsement deals coming in 2023, and now the OSU receiver can add another “sweet” deal to the list.

Cincinnati-based Grippo’s has released a Hot Honey BBQ flavor potato chip based on Harrison’s sweet and savory play. Harrison announced the partnership with the chip company on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account.

Grippo’s brand is sold in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. However, Harrison also announced that the Hot Honey BBQ with his face on the bag will only be sold in the Ohio region. The product should be available for sale in local stores soon.

If the flavor is as good as Harrison’s play on the field, this might become a new fan favorite and a must at Buckeye tailgates and pregame parties.

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Women’s History Month Spotlight: basketball star, entrepreneur, and activist Sedona Prince

Alex Sinatra next highlights Oregon Ducks star Sedona Prince for Women’s History Month.

This Women’s History Month, I will be spotlighting women athletes and their achievements in college, after college, and beyond. Athletes are Humans First and while I want to highlight their athletic ability and achievements, I also want to point a spotlight on what they are doing off their field of play.

Sedona Prince made headlines when she shared a TikTok video of the NCAA’s inequitable treatment of the women’s and men’s basketball tournaments. She helped usher in change and when rules allowed college athletes to monetize their NIL, Prince was well-poised to excel in the space. Since then she has inked deals with Crocs, Uninterrupted, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Champs to name a few. She is set to enter the 2023 WNBA draft which airs on ESPN on April 10.

@sedonerrr

it’s 2021 and we are still fighting for bits and pieces of equality. #ncaa #inequality #fightforchange

♬ original sound – Sedona Prince

Her athlete advocacy off the court is just as impressive as she continues to shed a spotlight on what it means to be More Than an Athlete. Prince enjoys merging her advocacy and entrepreneurship with brands that align with her core values.

“I’ve always been very passionate about activism and advocacy, so the fact that I’m able to do that now with such a large platform and actually make a difference is really, really cool,” Prince told Insider of her equity-driven partnership and role as Chief Community Officer for plat-powered energy drink company Riff . “It’s impactful. And, you know, I’m just happy that I have a space to do this and that people actually listen and respond to it because it’s how we’re making change.”

The way she navigates this NIL ecosystem shows that it is more than one-off deals. It is about building a future for yourself and your family.

In an interview with Boardroom, Prince shared her philosophy on what NIL did for her, “I guess I just became empowered. Like I have a voice to make change. I can partner with companies that I love. I’m making this money, to support my family, that I can have for the rest of my life to invest or to save.”

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Oregon’s Sedona Prince shared her plans for the future of her career

With the way the seasons are structured, there is no conflict for athletes to play in the WNBA and in Athletes Unlimited.

If you follow along with March Madness, you have heard the name Sedona Prince. She shined a spotlight on the NCAA’s inequitable treatment of the women’s and men’s basketball tournaments.

@sedonerrr

it’s 2021 and we are still fighting for bits and pieces of equality. #ncaa #inequality #fightforchange

♬ original sound – Sedona Prince

This brought a national spotlight to not only the women’s March Madness, but to Prince herself. She made headlines again when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against the NCAA in Alston v. NCAA, which ushered in the era of college athletes being able to monetize their own name, image and likeness.

Prince told Boardroom in 2022 that “with the help of her representation at Wasserman, she’s made north of $500,000 across 18 business and partnership deals, with no plans of slowing down” in one year after the Alston decision. She has deals with notable brands Crocs, Uninterrupted, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Champs to name a few.

With her ability to make money in college through her platform, she opted to stay at Oregon for the 2022-2023 season. However, a season-ending elbow injury cut the season short.

She graduated from the university in May 2022 and entered her name into the 2023 WNBA draft that takes place on April 10. It will be exclusively televised on ESPN from 7-9 p.m. EDT and available on the ESPN app.

However, in a short interview on March 11, Prince also revealed she wants to play in Athletes Unlimited basketball Season 3. With the way the seasons are structured, there is no conflict for athletes to play in the WNBA and in Athletes Unlimited.

While Prince’s college career was cut short, we could see her in the upcoming WNBA season and the upcoming Athletes Unlimited season. More Prince is good for all of us.

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Proposed changes to state NIL law could give Texas schools a recruiting advantage

A proposed amendment in Texas NIL law could give Lone Star schools an advantage.

The NCAA issued its first infraction related to name, image, and likeness and improper inducement and improper facilitation. This infraction centered around University of Miami booster John Ruiz, the head women’s basketball coach, and NIL superstars Hanna and Haley Cavinder, among others.

As per the negotiated resolution, “women’s basketball head coach violated NCAA rules when she facilitated impermissible contact between two prospects and a booster, according to an agreement released by the Division I Committee on Infractions. In facilitating the contact, the head coach also violated rules on publicity before signing and, because of her direct involvement, she violated head coach responsibility rules.”

While many speculated whether the NCAA should have been focusing on this area of their regulations, others surmised this might be a hint of things to come. While the negotiated settlement did not hand down a punishment to the athletes or the booster, many believed the move to punish the women’s basketball program made the NCAA look bad.

The NCAA looks to be cracking down on schools that are toeing the line between permissible and impermissible activities, but it is unclear who or where the NCAA might target next.

When a state doesn’t have a NIL law, they follow the NCAA interim policy which in some cases is broader than state laws. This has led to some states amending or totally repealing, as is the case in Alabama, their NIL laws. Will changing the laws in your state make you more valuable to prospective college athletes? Only time will tell, but it seems that creating more athlete-friendly laws would be more appealing to athletes.

In Texas, high school athletes are not allowed to monetize their NIL which puts the state at a disadvantage and has caused some high school athletes to graduate early and leave the state so they can pursue deals earlier, see Quinn Ewers. However, recently House Bill 1802 was introduced which would amend the Education Code and allow those athletes competing in University Interscholastic League (UIL) the ability to monetize their NIL if they meet certain requirements. Although, the requirements rule out a large majority of high school athletes.

The UIL “exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests.” It is strange that this sort of change to ostensibly allow high school athletes to monetize their NIL is a change to the Education Code and not a change to the Texas NIL laws. This act “takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.”

In addition to this proposed change that could affect high school athletes, another House Bill was introduced into the Texas legislature to amend the NIL laws relating to college athletes. House Bill 2804 would make many notable changes in the law including allowing an “employee of the institution, may identify or otherwise assist with opportunities for a currently-enrolled student-athlete to earn compensation from a third party for the use of the student athlete ’s name, image, or likeness”, with some specific restrictions. Previously, employees of institutions could not assist with NIL deals for college athletes. If this bill receives the requisite votes then it will go into effect July 1, 2023, however, if it does not, then it will go into effect September 1, 2023.

We will see states begin to amend their laws related to NIL monetization and some even repeal those laws, but with everything in the space changing so fast, what is the best move? New Jersey, for instance, has NIL legislation known as the New Jersey Fair Play Act, but it does not go into effect until 2025. High school athletes in New Jersey can also monetize their NIL as of January 2022.

This sort of approach seems to be the most logical so a state can assess the landscape without limiting the athletes’ and schools’ ability to navigate the new ecosystem freely.