The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is a US-based government body that regulates the rules of sports in colleges and universities. It has the authority to look at any rules and regulations related to the welfare of the players.
In this blog, we will discuss every aspect of NIL, from how it comes into effect to what the eligibility criteria are to participate in the deal. You will also get to know about the highest-paid NIL athletes, how much they make, and do college football players get paid before NIL deals. Start reading to get all related information.
What is NIL in College Sports? Full Form of NIL
Nil is an abbreviation of Name, Image, and Likeness. It allows college athletes to make money on their celebrity image. This comprises endorsements, social media updates, and appearances.
Until July 2021, NCAA regulations prohibited any compensation to retain amateur status in sports. TV deals and ticket money were given to schools, and players did not receive any additional pay. But now, the new regulation has provided athletes with opportunities. This will allow players to sign deals with big brands like Nike, Adidas, and other such branded stores.
Before NIL, the money earned after the match and during the match all went to the school, and the student was given a small sum of money in the form of tuition, housing, and meals. With the implementation of the new policy, students will be allowed to earn their own by signing deals, selling autographs, and doing social media marketing. Let’s take a look at how a player can get this NIL deal.
Related: List of the Top 10 Hottest NFL Players and the Most Handsome Footballers
History of NIL Deal
NIL was regulated in 2021. Before the implementation of the NIL deal, players were not given an allowance. They were even banned from earning from brand sponsorship and social media.
The NIL rules come into effect to make players financially independent, and now, mostly followed players earn in lakhs and millions. This change comes after people got to know how much money colleges generate from sports tournaments.
What Benefits does NIL give to Athletes now?
- Athletes can now earn based on their name and fame.
- The higher the number of followers, the more you can earn.
- Players can sign brand deals.
- They can do brand promotions, but the earning depends on the player’s popularity.
Eligibility Criteria for NIL Deal
General requirements for participating in the NIL deal are as follows:
- Athletes should maintain an active sports status.
- They should not have any legal notice or must not have done anything against the law.
Who is eligible for the NIL deals?
- College athletes, who are competing in the NCAA Division programs, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ
- High school players will require parental consent in most cases.
- Both scholarship and non-scholarship holders can participate.
- All sports come under the NIL deal.
- International students will also be allowed, while following the rules of the Visa.
Who is the Highest-Paid College Football Player?
NIL college football athletes have received the highest pay over the years. Want to know who the highest-paid college athletes are?
Top 20 college athletes with estimated earnings from the NIL deal.
| Rank | Athlete | School | Sport & Position | Estimated NIL Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arch Manning | University of Texas at Austin | Football – Quarterback | $6.8 million |
| 2 | Carson Beck | University of Miami | Football – Quarterback | $4.3 million |
| 3 | Jeremiah Smith | The Ohio State University | Football – Wide Receiver | $4.2 million |
| 4 | AJ Dybantsa | BYU | Basketball – Forward | $4.1 million |
| 5 | Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | Football – Quarterback | $3.7 million |
| 6 | LaNorris Sellers | University of South Carolina | Football – Quarterback | $3.7 million |
| 7 | DJ Lagway | University of Florida | Football – Quarterback | $3.7 million |
| 8 | Cade Klubnik | Clemson University | Football – Quarterback | $3.4 million |
| 9 | Drew Allar | Penn State University | Football – Quarterback | $3.1 million |
| 10 | Sam Leavitt | Arizona State University | Football – Quarterback | $3.1 million |
| 11 | Bryce Underwood | University of Michigan | Football – Quarterback | $3.0 million |
| 12 | JT Toppin | Texas Tech University | Basketball – Guard | $2.8 million |
| 13 | Darian Mensah | Duke University | Football – Quarterback | $2.8 million |
| 14 | John Mateer | University of Oklahoma | Football – Quarterback | $2.7 million |
| 15 | Ryan Williams | University of Alabama | Football – Wide Receiver | $2.7 million |
| 16 | Caleb Downs | University of Alabama | Football – Safety | $2.4 million |
| 17 | CJ Bailey | University of Oregon | Football – Wide Receiver | $2.3 million |
| 18 | Dylan Raiola | University of Nebraska | Football – Quarterback | $2.3 million |
| 19 | Yaxel Lendeborg | University of Miami | Football – Wide Receiver | $2.3 million |
| 20 | Taylen Green | University of Arkansas | Football – Quarterback | $2.1 million |
What are the Advantages and Criticisms that come with NIL Deals?
Advantages of NIL deal:
- Reasonable salaries: Players will be given a certain amount of money that they earn by playing for the school. The pay will be either a percentage of the amount or a fixed sum.
- Develops practical skills: They will learn the way of earning while playing.
- Players will get a share, and they can also earn from social media sponsorship and brand deals.
What criticism can it bring:
- Small schools will suffer if they don’t have enough money to pay.
- The NIL deal should add a schedule for players to get enough time to study as well as play sports.
- Corruption can harm the benefits of the program.
More About NIL Deal
- Rules and regulations that every player needs to follow to participate in the NIL deal:
- International students will get paid depending on the visa restrictions.
- Students should be enrolled in a course.
- No pay for play, which means players can’t get paid according to the score or goals.
- A student can’t earn directly from the school.
- NIL income will be taxable.