Parents How To NIL

 The NIL landscape is exciting but can be confusing for parents. Here's how you can guide your child towards potential NIL opportunities:

Support and Guidance, Not Pressure:

• Passion First: NIL should never overshadow your child's love for the sport. Prioritize their athletic development and enjoyment.

Building a Strong Foundation:

• Skill Development: Encourage consistent training and skill development to maximize your child's athletic potential.
• Academic Performance: NIL compliance often requires maintaining good academic standing.
• Social Media Strategy: Help your child develop a positive and engaging social media presence on platforms relevant to their sport. Focus on quality content and interaction over follower count.

Understanding NIL Rules and Regulations:

• NCAA Compliance: Stay informed about the NCAA's ever-evolving NIL guidelines. Different schools may have additional policies.
• Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with an NIL agent specializing in youth athletes. They can provide legal and strategic advice but ensure they are NCAA-certified.

Marketing Your Child's Brand:

• Highlight Achievements: Create highlight reels and compile statistics showcasing your child's skills.
• Targeted Networking: Connect with local media outlets, coaches' networks, and potential sponsors aligned with your child's sport and values.
• Authenticity is Key: Maintain transparency and authenticity in your child's online presence. Building a genuine brand is crucial for attracting sponsors.

Remember:

• Focus on the Long Term: NIL should be part of a holistic approach fostering your child's athletic and personal growth.
• Patience is Key: Building a strong brand and securing deals takes time. Encourage your child to celebrate milestones along the way.
• Realistic Expectations: Large, multi-million dollar deals are rare for young athletes. Start by focusing on smaller partnerships that can build a foundation for future success.

By providing support, guidance, and fostering a strong athletic and online presence, you can help your child navigate the world of NIL responsibly and potentially secure deals that align with their goals and values.

Who is the youngest person to land an NIL deal?

 The youngest person to land an NIL deal is Ghalee Wadood Jr., a 9-year-old football player from Los Angeles.

A breakdown:

• Age: 9 years old
• Sport: Football
• League: Played in Snoop Dogg's Youth Football League (https://ktla.com/news/local-news/9-year-old-signs-six-figure-nil-deal-with-sports-agency/)
• Deal: Signed a six-figure NIL deal with the sports agency Family 4 Life in 2023. ([invalid URL removed])

Important note, some consider this an anomaly. While NIL allows athletes of any age to profit from their name, image, and likeness, the focus is typically on high school and college athletes with established followings and potential for professional careers.

The additional details:

• Ghalee's father: Is an employee of the Los Angeles Rams, which might have played a role in attracting the agency's attention.
• Focus of the deal: Specific details are undisclosed, but it likely involves promoting the agency and potentially Ghalee's football skills and future potential.

While Ghalee's deal is a unique case, it highlights the evolving nature of NIL and the potential for young athletes to benefit from their talents and marketability.

Top NIL Deals

 

The Top NIL Deals (We Think We Know About): Unveiling the Moneyball of College Athletics

The world of college athletics is forever changed. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have exploded, allowing student-athletes to capitalize on their talents and brands. But with most deals shrouded in secrecy, who's actually cashing in the biggest? Here's a look at the top 3 contenders for the title of "biggest NIL deal" (as of June 13, 2024):

1. The Quarterback King: Shedeur Sanders ($4.7M Valuation)

This rising star quarterback at the University of Colorado, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, boasts the highest NIL valuation on On3. While specifics are unknown, his immense talent, massive social media following (1.8M on Instagram), and association with a famous name likely translate into a lucrative deal (or a combination of deals) making him a top NIL earner.

2. Bronny James: Heir Apparent ($4.5M Valuation)

Following in his father LeBron James' footsteps, Bronny James, a high school basketball phenom, has a sky-high NIL valuation. Though details are scarce, with major brands lining up to be associated with the James legacy, it's safe to assume Bronny has secured a massive NIL deal (or deals) before even entering college.

3. The Gymnastic Powerhouse: Livvy Dunne ($3.7M Valuation)

Livvy Dunne, a superstar gymnast at LSU, breaks the mold. Despite her sport not traditionally generating the same level of revenue as football or basketball, Dunne's massive social media presence (13.2M followers on TikTok) makes her a marketing goldmine. Her NIL deals, though undisclosed, likely capitalize on her immense online reach, potentially placing her among the top NIL earners.

The Bottom Line:

While exact figures remain elusive, these athletes, based on valuations and media reports, are strong contenders for the top NIL deals. As NIL continues to evolve, transparency might improve, but for now, the biggest deals remain shrouded in mystery, making the NIL landscape a fascinating moneyball game to watch.

The First NIL Deal

 

Kayvon Thibodeaux and the NIL Landscape

Kayvon Thibodeaux is a prominent figure in the early days of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for college athletes. Here's a breakdown of his involvement:

Potential First NIL Deal:

• There's a strong possibility that Thibodeaux signed the first reported NIL deal in April 2021. This endorsement deal with Adidas was reportedly worth up to $1 million. (Source)
• It's important to note that this deal happened before the official NCAA rule change allowing NIL compensation on July 1, 2021. However, the timing suggests it was likely anticipated.

Creative Approach to NIL:

• Beyond the potential first deal, Thibodeaux also garnered attention for a unique NIL collaboration in July 2021. He partnered with Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Nike VP of Design Tinker Hatfield to create and sell an NFT (non-fungible token) featuring artwork by Hatfield. (Source [invalid URL removed])

Impact on NIL:

• Thibodeaux's deals helped pave the way for the NIL landscape we see today.
• His early involvement, especially the potential first deal, highlighted the potential for significant financial opportunities for college athletes.
• The creative NFT collaboration demonstrated the diverse ways athletes could leverage NIL beyond traditional endorsement deals.

Beyond NIL:

• Thibodeaux was a star defensive end at the University of Oregon.
• He was drafted 5th overall by the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Overall:

Kayvon Thibodeaux's involvement in NIL deals, particularly his potential role in the first reported deal, makes him a significant figure in the early stages of this new era for college athletes.