The landscape of college athletics has shifted in a big way lately. Name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights are at the center of it all.
Sure, the headlines love to talk about Division I football and basketball stars landing massive deals. But NIL isn’t just for the big names. Smaller college sports programs are figuring out this new world too, and it’s not always straightforward.
How are student-athletes at these smaller schools handling it? We’ve gathered some thoughts from sports administrators and athletes themselves.
The Evolution of NIL in College Sports
Ever since NIL rights came into play, college sports haven’t really looked the same. John Neese, vice president for athletics at Hardin-Simmons University, points out how quickly things have changed—from almost no compensation to athletes now making money off their personal brands.
Neese thinks this shift was overdue. For a long time, athletes put in the work and didn’t see much in return.
Compliance and Education
One big challenge for smaller schools? Keeping up with NIL rules. At Division 3 schools, staff are already stretched thin, so tracking and teaching athletes about NIL isn’t simple.
Hardin-Simmons University brought in a company called Open Door to help out. They run educational sessions twice a year for athletic teams, covering the basics of NIL so athletes know their rights and what’s expected of them.
Neese says these sessions are vital. If athletes don’t understand the rules, it could hurt the whole program.
NIL Opportunities at Smaller Schools
At smaller schools, NIL deals don’t usually mean huge paychecks. More often, athletes get products or merchandise in exchange for a post or two on social media.
Even if the money isn’t life-changing, these little perks matter to college students. Sometimes it’s about more than just the cash.
Real-World Examples
Neese has seen a few athletes at Hardin-Simmons land monthly cash payments from NIL deals. It’s not a windfall, but it helps with the bills, and that counts for a lot in college.
Brennan Ramirez, a libero at Abilene Christian University, has found NIL deals that fit her schedule and don’t mess with the team vibe. She started out at the University of Texas and likes that NIL can add to the experience without taking away from the sport itself.
The Personal Impact of NIL
NIL isn’t just about the money. Ramirez says having these opportunities takes some pressure off, letting athletes focus more on playing and growing as people.
For students who aren’t from wealthy backgrounds, NIL can be a real game-changer.
Building Confidence and Reducing Stress
Ramirez believes NIL deals can boost confidence. Earning their own money gives athletes a sense of independence.
That confidence can show up in their performance, too. When you’re not worried about money, it’s easier to enjoy the game and the whole college experience.
The Future of NIL in College Sports
NIL’s not going anywhere. Neese feels that even if some athletes don’t chase every opportunity, just knowing they have the option matters.
It’s a kind of freedom that student-athletes didn’t have before, and that’s worth something.
Navigating the Complex Landscape
Neese and Ramirez both see NIL as a mixed bag. Sure, it brings a bunch of new challenges, but there are real opportunities too.
For smaller programs, it’s all about finding that balance. They’ve got to juggle new possibilities with the need to stay compliant and keep athletes informed.
When schools get that right, athletes can actually take advantage of NIL without putting the program’s reputation at risk. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.
If you want to dig deeper, check out the original article on how small college sports programs navigate the new NIL benefits and challenges.
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