The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules and the transfer portal has really shaken up college athletics. Non-revenue and women’s sports are feeling this shift in all sorts of ways.
There’s a lot to unpack here, as covered in a recent Oklahoma Chronicle Digital Exclusive with State Senator Todd Gollihare and Bobby Lepak, a professor at OU’s Price College of Business. Let’s poke around and see what these changes actually mean for college sports.
The Impact of NIL on Non-Revenue Sports and Women’s Sports
Thanks to NIL, student-athletes can finally make money from their personal brands. It’s opened up new revenue streams, even for those in sports that don’t usually get much attention—or cash.
This has been a real turning point. Suddenly, athletes have financial incentives that just weren’t there before.
Opportunities for Female Athletes
Women’s athletics have actually become a hot market for NIL deals. Brands are starting to see the value in female athletes as marketing partners.
They’re often seen as strong role models, and there’s an association with higher-income environments, which makes them pretty appealing for endorsements.
- Role Models: Female athletes inspire young girls—and boys, too. That’s something brands want to be a part of.
- Marketing Potential: There’s a real appetite to connect with female athletes because of their broad appeal and marketability.
Challenges and Concerns
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The House litigation settlement has put a lot of financial pressure on budgets for women’s and Olympic sports.
These sports don’t bring in as much money as football or men’s basketball, so they’re feeling the pinch. It’s a tricky situation.
Senator Gollihare pointed out that college sports aren’t just about profit. There’s a bigger mission here—helping student-athletes grow, learn, and develop as people.
The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword
The transfer portal lets athletes switch schools without losing a year of eligibility. That’s a pretty big deal and it’s changed the game.
It gives athletes more freedom and opens up new doors, but it’s also made things more complicated for everyone involved.
Benefits of the Transfer Portal
For athletes who didn’t get a fair shot at their first school, the portal can be a lifesaver. They can move somewhere that fits them better—on the field and in the classroom.
- Increased Opportunities: Athletes can find programs where they’ve got a real shot at playing and growing.
- Flexibility: If a coach leaves or something unexpected happens, the portal gives athletes options.
Drawbacks and Complications
Still, the transfer portal isn’t perfect. Too many transfers can mess with team chemistry and make it tough for coaches to keep things together.
There’s also a worry that all this movement could water down the traditional college experience. Is something important getting lost in the shuffle?
Senator Gollihare and Professor Lepak both stressed that it’s important to keep the college experience front and center. Maybe limiting how often athletes can transfer would help keep some stability and preserve that connection to their schools.
Legislative Responses and Future Directions
With NIL and the transfer portal changing fast, lawmakers are scrambling to keep up. Regulations at both the state and federal level are in the works to try to strike the right balance.
State-Level Legislation
In Oklahoma, Senator Gollihare has played a key role in shaping NIL laws. The idea is to support student-athletes but also make sure that all sports—not just the big money-makers—survive and thrive.
Federal-Level Initiatives
On the federal side, the proposed SCORE Act could shake things up even more. One big thing: it would require universities to keep a minimum number of athletic programs, so resources don’t just flow to football and men’s basketball.
- Minimum Athletic Programs: Schools would have to support a variety of sports, not just the big ones.
- Transfer Regulations: There are proposals to limit how often athletes can transfer, aiming to keep teams stable and help athletes develop.
Preserving the Essence of College Sports
At the end of the day, the real challenge is keeping the spirit of college sports alive. Sure, student-athletes should benefit from NIL and the portal, but there’s something special about the college experience that shouldn’t get lost.
Balancing Commercial and Educational Objectives
College sports aren’t just about making money or putting on a show. They’re also about helping young people learn and grow—on and off the field. That’s got to stay front and center.
- Educational Mission: The focus should stay on helping student-athletes develop as people, not just as players.
- Commercial Opportunities: NIL and the transfer portal are great tools, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of what makes college sports unique.
Looking Ahead
It’s important to keep an eye on how NIL and the transfer portal are changing things. Nobody really knows what the long-term effects will be, so staying flexible matters.
The conversation isn’t just for coaches or athletes—lawmakers and educators need to join in too. That mix of voices could help shape smarter, fairer policies for student-athletes.
If you’re curious for more, check out the full discussion over at the Oklahoma Chronicle Digital Exclusive.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
