Learn the Facts!

NIL: Revealing the Truth by Debunking 3 Myths

By Royce Linder|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on July 12, 2022)

Name, image, and likeness, more commonly known as NIL, is one of the newest changes in policies adopted by the NCAA. With any change of this magnitude comes a lot of controversy. With NIL being a very new change in regulations, there are still a ton of myths spreading across the internet that I am here to debunk.

Myth #1: NIL Deals Will Only Come for Superstar, Popular Athletes

Although this could easily pass as the truth, it simply is not accurate. Many of the major NIL opportunities are gifted to the top-performing athletes, but many smaller companies create opportunities for smaller athletes. Every athlete, no matter their sport or their popularity, has a dedicated fanbase that companies see as opportunities for marketing.

Myth # 2: Thanks to NIL, Many College Teams Will No Longer Be Successful

The argument behind this is that schools with higher NIL bargaining power, for instance UCLA since it is in Los Angeles, will get all of the good recruits. This argument, however, has no actual merit to it. The reality is having the best recruiting class in the NCAA does not guarantee the most success. Almost every year, either Kentucky or Duke have the number one recruiting class in basketball, but we have seen plenty of other schools win the national championships. On top of that, a program's success does not dictate its popularity. Plenty of schools with struggling programs maintain great attendance levels and vice versa.

Myth #3: Schools Will Create Marketing Departments to Negotiate Deals for Athletes

First off, it will not be in any school's best interest to be involved in any deals involving marketing their players. There is a fine line between student-athlete and employee that many schools do not want to end up crossing by getting too involved in a student's business ventures. Schools also will not want to face the inevitable Title IX lawsuits that would come if they got involved because of the disproportionate amount of opportunities for male athletes over female athletes. On top of that, the NCAA has put in regulations to the NIL prohibiting schools or coaches from getting involved in the negotiation of contracts regarding the NIL. This could change in the future if state or federal laws are passed, but for now, university and booster activity in the NIL space is prohibited and college athletes are not legally considered employees.

NIL is a huge step for college athletes, that I hope is successful as it was put in place to benefit them. For now, since it is so new, there is a lot of false information circulating the internet so it is important to stay informed on the correct rules and regulations for NIL.

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