College sports just keep changing, don’t they? With the arrival of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, the old business model for universities and athletes has been turned on its head.
LSU’s right in the thick of it. CFO Todd Horne has been busy figuring out how to deal with this new world. He’s got some thoughts on how NIL is shaking up revenue, facilities, forecasting—heck, even football scheduling.
The New Business of College Sports
Now that student-athletes can actually make money from their own brands, the financial game is totally different. LSU and schools like it have had to rethink how they bring in money and plan for the future.
Revenue Streams and Financial Forecasting
Revenue streams are looking a lot different these days. Ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and donations used to be the big three, but now there’s a whole new layer.
Athletes can snag endorsement deals and sponsorships. That means the finance folks—like Todd Horne—have to get creative with budgets and predictions.
Some of the new revenue sources popping up:
- Direct athlete endorsements
- Brands chasing partnerships with college athletes
- Sponsorships tied to individual performances
Facilities and Infrastructure
With all this change, the campus itself needs upgrades too. LSU gets that top-notch facilities help draw in talent and support their athletes, both on and off the field.
They’re working on training spaces, academic centers, and digital tools so athletes can make the most of their NIL opportunities. It’s not just about shiny new gyms—it’s about the whole package.
Here’s what’s getting attention:
- Modern training and recovery centers
- Better academic and career support
- Digital resources for brand management and financial know-how
The Impact on Football Scheduling
Football scheduling isn’t immune to all this, either. Endorsements and NIL deals mean the team has to be smart about when and where they play.
Horne points out that juggling these factors is key to staying competitive—and keeping athletes healthy.
Strategic Game Planning
LSU’s started planning games with both sports and NIL in mind. It’s a balancing act, for sure.
Some of the strategies in play:
- Picking game times for max athlete exposure
- Coordinating travel around endorsement obligations
- Making sure there’s time to recover
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Juggling school and sports has always been tough. Now, NIL activities add another layer.
LSU’s offering more academic support and flexible schedules so athletes can keep up. It’s not easy, but they’re making it work.
Support looks like:
- Personalized advising
- Flexible classes
- Set time for NIL commitments
Looking Ahead: The Future of NIL in College Sports
NIL isn’t done changing things. Strategies and rules will keep evolving, no doubt about it.
LSU, with Todd Horne at the helm, is setting an example for how to handle all this. Prioritizing athlete well-being and financial stability seems like the way forward, though who really knows what’s next?
Potential Challenges and Opportunities
NIL brings a ton of opportunities, but it’s not all smooth sailing. There are real challenges to tackle, like making sure every athlete gets a fair shot and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Some things to keep in mind as we move ahead:
- Fair, transparent NIL policies
- Education on branding and finances
- Watching how NIL affects team chemistry and performance
The introduction of NIL policies is a huge shift for college sports. LSU, with Todd Horne at the helm, is feeling its way through this new world.
They’re trying different things—some innovative, some just plain practical—to support athletes and plan for what’s next. Other schools are watching closely, maybe even taking notes.
For more info on how NIL is shaking up college sports, check out Tiger Rag’s NIL College Sports section.
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