I've asked these same questions in several threads here and other boards and no one ever takes the challenge of answering them yet those same people turn around and poast messages acting like they're some authority on the matter. So I'm tagging
@andrew jones in hopes he will give it a try.
1 - In short, how does NIL work?
2 - Does the coaching staff have any NIL responsibilities? Can they speak to that when recruiting a player?
3 - How much (ballpark) does the program have access to? Is that number defined before the offseason or is it on a request basis?
4 - How does our NIL rank in comparison to other programs? Is that dollar figure public information? If not, why?
5 - Is the amount that each player makes through NIL public information? If not, why?
Those are for starters. If I can get some answers, I may have some follow up questions.
Gun, here is something that may help. There are links out there that has more details on these answers, but it is extensive. Let me know if you want the links to a specific answer.
The most recent NCAA lawsuit changes a lot of things. Here is the link that explains it all :
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristi...t-the-ncaas-house-settlement/?sh=1b2b8b945cb1
The following addresses your questions, but keep in mind that some of this is changing with the lawsuit settlement. Good luck reading!
Detailed Breakdown of NIL and Its Implications
1. How Does NIL Work?
NIL stands for "Name, Image, and Likeness," and it allows college athletes to profit from their personal brand. This means athletes can enter into agreements with businesses or individuals to endorse products, make appearances, or promote services on social media. The NCAA's interim policy, effective since July 1, 2021, permits these activities, provided they comply with state laws and NCAA regulations.
2. Does the Coaching Staff Have Any NIL Responsibilities? Can They Speak to That When Recruiting a Player?
Coaching staff can discuss NIL opportunities during the recruiting process, but they cannot directly offer NIL deals as inducements for athletes to attend their school. The NCAA prohibits "pay-for-play" and recruiting inducements tied to NIL deals. However, coaches can inform recruits about the NIL resources and support available at their institution, such as partnerships with NIL collectives or platforms that facilitate deals.
3. How Much (Ballpark) Does the Program Have Access To? Is That Number Defined Before the Offseason or Is It on a Request Basis?
The amount of money available for NIL deals varies widely between programs and is not typically a fixed number. It depends on the resources of the NIL collectives associated with the school, donations from boosters, and the marketability of the athletes. Some programs have more robust NIL infrastructures and can facilitate larger deals, while others may have more limited resources. The exact figures are often not publicly disclosed and can fluctuate based on ongoing fundraising efforts and donor contributions.
The UNC basketball collective is the Secondary Club.
4. How Does Our NIL Rank in Comparison to Other Programs? Is That Dollar Figure Public Information? If Not, Why?
NIL rankings and valuations are tracked by various platforms, such as On3.com, which provides estimates of athletes' NIL earnings and ranks programs based on their NIL activity. However, the specific dollar figures for each program are not always public. This lack of transparency is due to privacy concerns and competitive advantages. Schools and collectives may not want to disclose their financial capabilities to avoid giving other programs insights into their recruiting and NIL strategies.
5. Is the Amount That Each Player Makes Through NIL Public Information? If Not, Why?
The amount each player makes through NIL deals is generally not public information. While athletes are required to disclose their NIL earnings to their schools for compliance purposes, this data is often kept confidential to protect the athletes' privacy. Additionally, public disclosure of individual earnings could lead to issues such as jealousy among teammates, potential exploitation, and competitive disadvantages for the schools. Some states have laws that require disclosure of NIL deals, but these are often de-identified to protect the athletes' identities.
Conclusion
NIL has significantly changed the landscape of college sports, providing athletes with new opportunities to monetize their personal brands. However, the implementation and regulation of NIL deals involve complex considerations around compliance, privacy, and competitive balance. Schools and athletes must navigate these challenges carefully to maximize the benefits of NIL while adhering to NCAA rules and state laws.