Explanation of what NIL is and why it matters to college athletes

NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, and it refers to the right of college athletes to profit from their own identities and brand. Prior to recent changes, college athletes were not allowed to earn money from their NIL, but now they can. This is a big deal for college athletes because it allows them to make money while still in school.

 

According to a report by ESPN, NIL is essential to college athletes because it allows them to monetize their skills and popularity. For example, a college football player could earn money by selling autographs or merchandise with their name or image on it.

 

NCAA president Mark Emmert has also spoken about the importance of NIL for college athletes. He said, "We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes. Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education."

 

There have already been several examples of college athletes who have benefited from the ability to profit from their NIL. For example, University of Miami quarterback D'Eriq King signed a deal with a Florida-based tech company to promote its products on his social media accounts. According to Forbes, King's deal is worth six figures.

 

Another example is gymnast Katelyn Ohashi, who gained a large following on social media due to her viral floor routine. According to a Sports Illustrated report, Ohashi could not profit from her popularity while in college, but now she can. She has since signed endorsement deals with companies like Nike and Gatorade.

 

In conclusion, NIL is important to college athletes because it allows them to monetize their identities and brand. This can help athletes earn money while still in school and build a foundation for their careers.