Can non student athletes get NIL deals?
Can non student athletes get NIL deals?
By Justin Rubin June 16, 2023 11:12
Non-student athletes have been left wondering if they can make money from their name, image, and likeness just like college athletes. The answer is that it depends on the state's NIL rules, but generally, non-student athletes may find it challenging to get NIL deals due to their lack of exposure and fame.
NIL deals have been a hot topic in the sports world since July 2021 when the NCAA changed its rules, allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. This decision has led to Spencer Rattler, the former quarterback for Oklahoma, signing a historic deal with Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, worth $1.4 million. Rattler's deal has set a new standard for what college athletes can earn from their NIL, and many other college athletes have also signed significant deals. However, while college athletes have a platform to showcase their skills and exposure to a broader audience, non-student athletes may not have the same opportunities.
The issue is that over 60% of NIL deals have gone to college football players, leaving athletes in non-revenue sports struggling to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. Non-student athletes may not have the same level of fame and exposure as college athletes, making it difficult for them to attract companies' attention. However, there are still opportunities for non-student athletes to make money from their NIL.
One way non-student athletes can make money from their NIL is through social media content. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube provide opportunities for non-student athletes to showcase their skills and build a following. By creating engaging content, non-student athletes can attract followers and potentially monetize their accounts. They can also partner with local businesses and create a brand to increase their exposure and attract more opportunities.
Another way non-student athletes can make money from their NIL is by partnering with their teammates for deals. This can be a great way to leverage each other's following and increase exposure to potential sponsors. Additionally, non-student athletes can reach out to brands and businesses and offer their services in exchange for compensation or exposure.
It's also essential for non-student athletes to engage with businesses and perform acts of kindness to grow their following. By engaging with businesses and performing acts of kindness, non-student athletes can attract more followers and increase their exposure. This can lead to more opportunities to make money from their NIL.
It's worth noting that NIL deals are expressly prohibited from rewarding compensation to a college athlete for their performance on the field]. This means that non-student athletes cannot receive compensation for their performance in any sports event. However, they can still make money from their name, image, and likeness in other ways.
In conclusion, non-student athletes may find it challenging to get NIL deals due to their lack of exposure and fame. However, there are still opportunities for non-student athletes to make money from their name, image, and likeness. By leveraging social media, partnering with local businesses, creating a brand, teaming up with teammates, and being proactive in reaching out to brands and businesses, non-student athletes can increase their exposure and attract more opportunities. It's also important for non-student athletes to engage with businesses and perform acts of kindness to grow their following. While it may not be easy, non-student athletes can still monetize their NIL and potentially transform the way we think about sports.