NIL

Commanders’ RFK deal gives D.C. Super Bowl boost

It’s a busy weekend on the sports calendar, with Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, Sunday’s F1 Miami Grand Prix, and more NBA and NHL playoff action. Earlier in the week, the Commanders and D.C. reached an agreement to build a roofed stadium at the RFK Stadium site. Meanwhile, the NFL Draft enjoyed standout audience numbers, thanks in […]

Published

1 month ago

May 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Commanders' RFK deal gives D.C. Super Bowl boost

Here are some highlights from the week:

AUDIO & VIDEO

On this week’s Sports Media Podcast, co-host Mollie Cahillane is joined by SBJ basketball writer Tom Friend. The duo deep dive into TNT’s last playoff run and what to expect at the start of the WNBA season. Later in the show, co-host Austin Karp catches up with Sports.ish founder Lily Shimbashi during the recent CAA World Congress of Sports to chat about the women and sports-focused media outlet. Finally, Cahillane puts a bow on the 2025 NFL Draft and discusses the latest on Pac-12 media rights.
Missed Morning Buzzcast this week? SBJ’s Abe Madkour, Joe Lemire, Josh Carpenter and Ted Keith take you through the biggest stories influencing sports business.

SBJ EARLY ACCESS (May 5 issue):

SBJ’s Bret McCormick examines how Idegy, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is navigating various global catastrophes and managing to remain a successful business.

SBJ’s Alex Silverman breaks down how the 16 World Cup host cities are raising money in preparation for the massive 2026 event.

EDITOR’S PICKS

NEW HOME: The Commanders and Washington, D.C., reached agreement on a $3.7B deal to build a roofed stadium at the RFK Stadium site, which will help increase the nation’s capital’s chances of hosting a Super Bowl.

MUST-SEE TV: The slide of Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft helped propel the event’s viewership, as it became the second-most watched edition in history with an average audience of 7.5 million viewers.

AND THEY’RE OFF: NBC Sports will use 68 cameras this weekend for the Kentucky Derby, about double the amount used during its first telecast of the Run for the Roses back in 2001.

RECORD REVENUE: South Florida Motorsports reached record sponsorship revenue for this weekend’s F1 Miami event, with 30 total sponsors for the fourth edition of the race.

TOP CANDIDATES: A decision by the PGA Tour on its next CEO is not imminent, but several options have made the rounds in golf circles, including NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade President & CEO David Abeles, while PGA of America COO Craig Kessler has emerged as the frontrunner to be the LPGA’s next commissioner.

EXPANDED COVERAGE: NIL deals are expanding beyond the players on the field of college sports, with EA Sports’ marching band contest with Metallica potentially becoming the first of many deals that could involve bands, cheer teams, student broadcasters and more.

UNDER THE LIGHTS: Rocket Arena now has the largest lighting rig for an NBA arena, installed during the four days before the Cavaliers began their first-round matchup against the Heat.

IN NEXT WEEK’S SBJ: David Hill revolutionized sports TV on both sides of the Atlantic, and he’s set to be honored with SBJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

DAILY

WEEKLY

PEOPLE

NIL

AJ Dybantsa earns $4.1m NIL honor

AJ Dybantsa hasn’t even played a single college game, and yet he’s already a titan in the world of name, image, and likeness (NIL). The incoming BYU freshman and top high school basketball prospect has racked up an eye-popping $4.1 million NIL valuation, putting Dybantsa at the pinnacle of college basketball earners, per Afrotech. He’s […]

Published

30 minutes ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dybantsa is coming off a standout prep career at Utah Prep Academy and is now locked in as BYU’s first-ever 5-star basketball recruit. That alone is historic. But his business acumen off the court is proving just as dominant. Deals with Red Bull and Nike headline his portfolio — the former being the energy drink giant’s first NIL signing of a male hooper. For Dybantsa, the collaboration was about more than cash. “We fit right in with each other,” he said on The Youngins Sports Podcast. “It’s going to be special.”

Nike, meanwhile, offered a deal reportedly exceeding $4 million. “Joining the Nike basketball family is huge,” he told Sports Illustrated. “To now be part of the same team as the players I looked up to? That’s an opportunity I don’t take for granted.”

But it’s not just about stacking endorsements. Dybantsa and his family have been selective, turning down quick money in favor of long-term moves. “Me and my parents are really smart with it,” he explained. “We don’t want to take every deal… but the smart ones we gotta take.”

Article Continues Below

Building a Legacy at BYU

Even before stepping on the court in Provo, Dybantsa has ignited a national buzz. His $5 million NIL package from BYU marks the beginning of a new era for the Cougars, especially as they navigate their second season in the Big 12. Head coach Kevin Young has already started working with Dybantsa, and it’s clear the freshman will be a foundational piece of the program’s future.

As if the hype wasn’t loud enough, Dybantsa also just received an invite to the Team USA U19 training camp in Colorado Springs. He’ll be competing for a spot to represent the United States at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. USA Basketball’s Sean Ford made the mission clear: build a championship-caliber squad from a mix of elite veterans and rising stars. Dybantsa fits both molds.

It’s rare to see a freshman bring this much heat before a single collegiate tip-off, but AJ Dybantsa is not your average freshman. He’s a brand, a baller, and now, a multi-millionaire. BYU is officially in the national spotlight, and Dybantsa is leading the charge.

Burtland Dixon is an entertainment, celebrity, and music journalist for ClutchPoints. He has a degree from Cal State San Marcos, and he’s demonstrated his pop culture expertise for years with bylines at Idolator, Trend Chaser, and Buzznet.

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Syracuse Orange football: can the D.A.R.T. car take the checkered flag at the Glen?

The Syracuse Orange Football NIL held a golf tournament earlier in the week and sure they raised $2m for the NIL, but the real news was this: NEWS: Syracuse Football NIL is painting the #44 car Syracuse Orange for the Watkins Glen International Nascar Race on August 10th: pic.twitter.com/0VqPJsKiCy — Samantha Croston (@SamCroston1) June 10, […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Syracuse Orange Football NIL held a golf tournament earlier in the week and sure they raised $2m for the NIL, but the real news was this:

NEWS: Syracuse Football NIL is painting the #44 car Syracuse Orange for the Watkins Glen International Nascar Race on August 10th: pic.twitter.com/0VqPJsKiCy

— Samantha Croston (@SamCroston1) June 10, 2025

We can’t say that “Orange is the New Fast” anymore so we’ll say that this car is going to be

Driven

At a

Ridiculous

Throttle

There weren’t a lot of details, but we assume that the NY Racing Team’s 44 car will be an all-out Syracuse affair. Fran Brown will be the crew chief and on the headset with driver JJ Yeley. If Yeley can’t get it done, then Fran will turn to Rickie Collins or Steve Angeli to pilot the D.A.R.T. mobile. The pit crew will be led by Derek McDonald, Dennis Jaquez and Tank Wilson with Yasin Willis handling the gas.

Can we get the NunesMagician logo on the car? Well, we’ve asked the Syracuse Football NIL to tell us the sponsor requirement in NunesBucks and we’re still waiting to hear back. If they don’t put us on the car, we’ll just have our social media interns blame it on the Chancellor and Wildhack.

See you at the Glen!

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College World Series bracket 2025

Which NCAA baseball teams could blow up the bracket The Montgomery Advertiser’s Adam Cole and The Southwest Times Record’s Jackson Fuller break down who could wreck the tournament bracket. Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut against UCLA. The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut against UCLA.
The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

OMAHA, NE. — Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut today against UCLA.

The Racers’ fourth NCAA Tournament has been a historic one. Murray State is one of two Group of Five schools (along with Coastal Carolina) in Omaha, a city dominated by the SEC and ACC as of late. Sixty-nine of the 120 MCWS spots over the last 15 years have gone to those conferences.

Meanwhile, Murray State makes 20 MCWS appearances for the Missouri Valley Conference. It’s the league’s first since Missouri State in 2003. The Racers are also the fourth No. 4 regional seed to make it this far since 1999.

The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

Buy Murray State baseball tickets for CWS

Follow below for updates throughout the MCWS game between the Racers and Bruins.

After walking three batters and allowing a hit to start, Schutte sent UCLA back to the dugout with clutch pitching. He struck out to batters with the bases loaded. The inning ended with a ground out to first.

1 hit, 1 run, 0 errors, 3 LOB

Barnett struck out two batters and walked two more to start the game.

0 hits, 0 runs, 0 errors, 2 LOB

Right-handed pitcher Michael Barnett will start for the Bruins. The junior is 12-1 on the mound and has a 4.09 ERA. He’s recorded 71 strikeouts and allowed 95 hits and 37 earned runs in 81 and 1/3 innings pitched.

Right-handed pitcher and Male High School alum Nic Shutte will start for the Racers in their MCWS debut. The junior is 8-4 on the mound and has a 4.85 ERA. He’s recorded 94 strikeouts and allowed 75 hits and 49 earned runs in 91 innings.

Date: Saturday, June 14
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Where: Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska

Here is the latest college baseball schedule and NCAA Tournament bracket update.

Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com, and follow her on X @petitus25.

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Insider Provides Update on First Athlete Deals on Deloitte

Not so long ago, Karl Schaefer of Deloitte stepped on a podium and pulled the curtains back on the much-whispered-about “NIL Go.” This is not just a tech tool; it is college sports’ biggest shot yet at regulating the Name, Image, and Likeness deals. And at the heart of it all is the mission to […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Insider Provides Update on First Athlete Deals on Deloitte

If that wasn’t intriguing enough, the mystery has a new twist.

Insider Pete Nakos Reveals What Deloitte-Powered NIL Go Brings to the Table

On3’s Pete Nakos took to X and disclosed a major update about the intriguing NIL Go. He went on to disclose that the very first athlete deal has officially been submitted to NIL Go. The ball is rolling, but Nakos went on to also add, “Was told by a few agents in the last 24 hours that deals have been submitted to NIL Go, but takes up to 5 business days for approval.”

Was told by a few agents in last 24 hours that deals have been submitted to NIL Go but takes up to 5 business days for approval https://t.co/OJ0tqaId7Y

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) June 14, 2025

Well, bureaucracy in college sports is no new news. But here’s what is new. Athletes and their reps can now log in to the NIL Go portal and upload their deals. As per Nakos’ report, “Deals executed prior to June 7 must be reported if they include payments that continue after June 30. Deals must be submitted by July 1.” It is a short deadline, but athletes are not alone.

The athletes can designate agents to handle the paperwork. However, they will still need to double-check and hit “submit” themselves. It seems like the dawn of a new age of NIL accountability, where even the click of a button could determine whether a deal gets green-lit or lands in arbitration.

But what exactly is Deloitte’s game plan here? It cannot all be about a “submit” button. Well, there is a six-step approval process. It looks into who’s paying whom and why. Is the company linked to the university? Is there a valid business purpose, like a commercial or an event?

And most crucially, does the money fall into Deloitte’s “range of compensation” algorithm? That range is based on an athlete’s performance, social reach, market, and more.

Essentially, Deloitte wants to figure out if this is a real NIL deal or a booster cutting a check. Now, if the deal, for some reason, does not pass the test, then athletes have options. They can revise the deal, cancel it, accept it and risk enforcement consequences, or fight it in arbitration. The last option opens the door to limited subpoena power, something the NCAA never had.

Now, the bigger question is, can NIL Go clean up an industry that’s been running on money and booster handshakes for the past four years? The numbers say it might be. Deloitte officials claim 70% of old booster collective deals wouldn’t have made the cut, while 90% of legit brand-backed deals would’ve passed.

All of this sounds dreamy, but what happens if schools don’t engage? There are big penalties for that, too. Postseason bans, multi-million dollar fines, coach suspensions, and even a cap on how many transfers a school can bring in could be imposed. The only thing that will remain untouched is the revenue-share pool.

It seems like NIL Go is trying to bring order to a system that thrives in chaos. And while the first deals have quietly made their way through the system, the real test lies ahead. Will schools cooperate? Will athletes push back? And will this new platform stand its ground once the legal challenges come in?

2-Round 2025 NBA Mock Draft: Kasparas Jakučionis Gives Hope to Rebuilding Nets, Cedric Coward Leaps Into First Round

College athletics is officially changing again. And for now, NIL Go is on the clock.

NIL

Reese Atwood, ex-coach deny report connecting them to Texas Tech, NIL

Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American-Statesman | Hearst – Austin Transition Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere. An article published Thursday afternoon by Softball on SI reported the rising senior was contacted by Texas Tech’s NIL collective the Matador Club or her former travel softball coach, Nathan Nelson, about transferring to Lubbock. “Reese never got […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American-Statesman
| Hearst – Austin Transition

Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere.

An article published Thursday afternoon by Softball on SI reported the rising senior was contacted by Texas Tech’s NIL collective the Matador Club or her former travel softball coach, Nathan Nelson, about transferring to Lubbock.

“Reese never got a phone call,” Nelson, coach of Texas-based Hotshots Fastpitch, told the Austin American-Statesman on Friday afternoon. Atwood, in a text message to the American-Statesman, denied that there was any tampering with her former coach.

Nelson in the article was accused of working with the Matador Club to bring players to Tech. He has alumnae that play for TTU but told the Statesman he denies the allegations raised in SI’s report, which cited an unnamed softball player’s parent who alleged he offered cash earlier this spring for a transfer to Tech.

“That did not occur,” Nelson said.

The report alleges that Nelson and the Matador Club have acted as a third parties to help Tech coach Gerry Glasco circumvent rules prohibiting contact with players at other schools. The article was based on conversations with six different softball programs and 10 sources, SI reports. But Nelson said most of the time he and his alumnae — including Atwood, who played four seasons for Nelson — would speak, they were discussing technique or tips, not transfers.

“How does my swing look? A certain pitch is being thrown at me, (how do I adjust)?” Nelson told the American-Statesman.

Tech has drawn attention of many in softball after reeling in almost a half-dozen talented transfers just days after the softball season ended. He denies any early or inappropriate contact.

“All I can speak for are my alumni,” Nelson said. “There were kids that were already in the portal… so I was involved in those conversations. I did contact them and told the third-party management (trying to recruit them) that I did not want to give out their numbers, that I would handle it myself. I called them (former players) and they have the right to say yes or no. Two of them said ‘no thank you, not interested,'” Nelson said.

Nelson said he does not know anyone at the Matador Club. A request for comment from the Matador Club about their recruiting practices and SI’s report did not draw a response Friday.

Reese Atwood shoots down report of possible transfer talk

The report listed Atwood among eight star players who had allegedly been reached out to on Tech’s behalf.

“I was never contacted by Nathan Nelson regarding anything related to playing softball at Texas Tech… I won’t be responding to any further comments about a false article,” Atwood said via text.

Atwood, a Sandia native, has become one of the top catchers in college softball. Her two-out, two-RBI single, in what was supposed to be an intentional walk, gave the Longhorns the lead, and the eventual win in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals. Her work behind the dish also earned Atwood a first-team All-American nod.

She hit .393 this season with an .504 OBS and a team-high 21 home runs and 89 RBIs.

“They call travel ball coaches, us, people they trust… that’s my conversations and my communication lines with my girls,” Nelson said.

Third parties, have reached out to Nelson, he said. At least one group has asked for phone numbers for his former players, but he said he does not provide that information freely.

He said he would be a buffer between the players and those groups.

Nelson had 22 former players appear in the Women’s College World Series, including Atwood and members of Texas Tech’s team. According to unnamed sources in Softball on SI’s story, Atwood, Taylor Pannell (who committed Thursday to play for the Red Raiders), Isa Torres, Dakota Kennedy, Kasidi Pickering, Maci Bergeron, Dez Spearman, and Tori Edwards were names that Nelson or Matador, allegedly contacted.

However, Kennedy, Bergeron, Spearman and Edwards, are not Nelson’s former players. Nelson told the Statesman that any contact information for Pannell came from her parents.

“For Maci and Tori, there names shouldn’t have been in there (the story) at all. To have to explain to their coaches why their names are in there is completely unfair,” said Nelson.

Tech has been busy since losing to Texas

Since the championship game eight days ago, the Red Raiders signed five transfer portal prospects: Pannell (Tennessee), infielder Mia Williams (Florida), two-way player Kaitlyn Terry (UCLA), infielder Jackie Lis (Southern Illinois) and catcher/utility Jasmyn Burns (Ohio State). All but Burns, an All-American, made it to Oklahoma City with their respective teams

Glasco, known for an aggressive approach to taking in transfers since his days with Louisiana, could not contact players during the WCWS because NCAA rules prohibit coaches from contacting the player of a rostered opponent unless permission is granted or a player is already in the portal. But the Matador Club can.

Thursday’s addition of Pannell, a star third baseman who played at Tennessee, seemed to draw a rebuke from Lady Vols coach Karen Weekly.

“I think we can all agree on 2 things: 1) women making money in sports is awesome and long overdue; 2) contacting players (directly or indirectly) before their season ends and signing them to NIL deals before they enter the portal is wrong. Money isn’t the issue – tampering is!” the veteran coach posted Friday on social media.

It’s unclear if the NCAA will investigate any transfer activity.

A non-profit, Matador Collective helped bring pitcher NiJaree Canady from Stanford, where she led the Cardinal to back-to-back trips to OKC, to Lubbock with a $1 million NIL deal in 2024. She signed another seven-figure deal during the WCWS Finals. While Canady boasted the second-lowest ERA in college softball at 1.11 and hit 11 home runs and 34 RBIs, Tech’s lack of depth in the circle played a role in its demise in Game Three of the title series.

One thing seems clear: No matter who Tech adds, Atwood is staying put.

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Bill Belichick Elevates UNC with Record NIL Funding Boost

A Maestro in Chapel Hill Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A Maestro in Chapel Hill

Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already reshaping the landscape of the university’s athletic program.

Revolutionizing NIL Funding

Under Belichick’s guidance, the university has seen a meteoric rise in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding, skyrocketing from a modest $4 million to an impressive $20 million. This surge not only reflects the increased confidence and interest in the program but also highlights Belichick’s ability to attract resources and attention. His presence has turned UNC into a beacon for young athletes, eager to be part of a program with such a storied leader at the helm.

A Magnet for Talent

The influx of over 60 transfers is a testament to the magnetic pull of Belichick’s reputation. Young players are flocking to Chapel Hill, drawn by the opportunity to learn from one of football’s greatest minds. This rejuvenation of the roster is setting the stage for a new era in Tar Heels football, one that promises to be as competitive as it is exciting.

The Belichick Effect

Belichick’s impact extends beyond the field. His approach to leadership and team-building is instilling a culture of discipline and excellence that resonates throughout the entire athletic department. The changes he has implemented are not just about winning games, but about creating a sustainable model for success that will benefit UNC for years to come.

Looking to the Future

As the Tar Heels continue to evolve under Belichick’s stewardship, the future looks brighter than ever. His transformative influence is setting a new standard for college athletics, proving that with the right leadership, even the most ambitious goals are within reach. The legacy of Bill Belichick at UNC is only just beginning, but its impact is already profound, promising an exciting journey ahead for the Tar Heels and their fans.

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