In recent years, the landscape of college sports has shifted dramatically thanks to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. Since the NCAA’s interim policy took effect on July 1, 2021, athletes in every division can now monetize their personal brands.
While headlines usually focus on Division I athletes landing huge deals, it’s worth noting that Division III athletes are eligible for NIL too. Emory University, a standout Division III school, shows how athletes at this level can actually make NIL work for them.
The Rise of NIL in College Sports
NIL policies have opened the door for college athletes to profit from their own brands. For Division III athletes, this is a pretty big deal—they often don’t have the visibility or resources that Division I players enjoy.
There’s a common misconception that NIL is just for top-tier athletes, but Division III players have the same rights to explore these opportunities. Maybe it’s time more people realize that.
Emory University: A Division III Powerhouse
Emory University, based in Atlanta, has a strong athletic program with 19 varsity sports and over 400 student-athletes. The Eagles have racked up 35 NCAA team national championships and regularly sit near the top of Division III rankings.
They’ve managed all this without athletic scholarships or big conference media deals. That’s impressive, honestly.
Fan-Powered NIL: A Game-Changer for Division III
One of the biggest hurdles for Division III athletes in the NIL world is access. Division I athletes usually have agents and big sponsors, but Division III athletes lean on smaller, more local support networks.
This is where fan-powered NIL steps in, letting athletes connect directly with their supporters. It’s a different vibe—more personal, less corporate.
The Role of Emory’s Eagle Edge Program
Emory’s Eagle Edge program is a proactive move to help athletes navigate NIL opportunities. The initiative is part of a broader push for personal and career development, including academic support, leadership training, and community service.
By openly addressing NIL, Emory is setting an example for other Division III schools. It’s not just talk—they’re actually doing the work.
Success Stories from Emory Athletes
Some Emory athletes have already found creative ways to use their NIL rights. Take Ben Pearce, a standout men’s basketball player—he became Emory’s all-time leading scorer, founded the Emory Sports Business Association, and co-founded the Atlanta Sports Business Symposium.
Pearce used his NIL rights to run a basketball skills camp in his hometown. That’s a practical, real-world use of NIL, and honestly, it’s pretty inspiring.
Other Notable Emory Athletes
Emory’s teams feature athletes with unique stories and big achievements:
- Zimo Li: National player of the year in women’s golf, helped win back-to-back national championships.
- Carys Code: 2025 NCAA Division III individual national champion in women’s golf, attending one of the top business schools in the country.
- Nikki Boon: Neuroscience PhD student, national champion in the indoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon, and gold medalist at the Women’s Decathlon World Championships.
- Leah Wang: Women’s soccer player who started Emory’s Asian and Pacific Islander Student-Athlete group and spoke before Congress in support of Title IX.
The Mechanism of Fan-Powered NIL
Fan-powered NIL is all about smaller, more frequent contributions from a loyal fan base. This model fits Division III athletes well, since their supporters are often passionate but spread out.
Emory has over 130,000 living alumni, many of whom want to support their athletes. That’s a lot of potential connections just waiting to happen.
Creating a Transparent and Accessible Market
Transparency is a big plus with fan-powered NIL. Fans know exactly who they’re supporting, and athletes can see the impact directly.
The process is pretty simple—athletes make a profile, connect with supporters, and stay in line with school rules. Platforms like RallyFuel handle compliance reviews and tax paperwork, so athletes can focus on the stuff that matters to them.
The Future of NIL in Division III
Emory University proves you can compete nationally, get a great education, and make the most of NIL opportunities all at once. The stories coming out of Emory show that Division III athletes can absolutely benefit from NIL policies.
If other Division III programs offer similar support and resources, there’s no reason their athletes can’t build their brands and set themselves up for the future too.
Conclusion
The NIL era has cracked open all sorts of new opportunities for college athletes, even in the less spotlighted divisions. Emory University’s taken a pretty bold approach, and honestly, their athletes’ success is something other Division III schools might want to pay attention to.
By leaning into fan-powered NIL and putting real support in place, Division III athletes have a shot at reaching their potential—on the field and off. Curious for more stories or a deeper dive? Check out RallyFuel’s blog.
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