College football NIL deals continue to soar

Universities are facing increased costs to secure elite high school and transfer portal athletes, with Name Image Likeness (NIL) deals reaching seven figures. Ben Finley, an attorney who negotiates NIL agreements, confirmed that every athlete he represents in the SEC or Big Ten has a six or seven-figure deal. Initially, NIL deals were around $150,000 when they began five years ago. Finley anticipates potential penalty provisions in contracts for players who enter the transfer portal. He also predicts more legal disputes between universities and players due to the lack of regulatory guidelines.

In addition to high-value deals, authentic NIL opportunities are expanding for athletes. Josh Hickson, the NIL business manager at UAB, emphasizes community partnerships, offering athletes opportunities such as autograph sessions and social media promotions in exchange for compensation. This area is expected to grow as businesses become more accustomed to NIL processes.