NIL
Red Sox Announce LG Electronics USA as TV Sponsor
LG Electronics USA and the Boston Red Sox have announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership, making LG the “Official TV Partner of the Boston Red Sox.” This collaboration, brokered by ANC, marks the first fully integrated marketing partnership between LG and the Red Sox, leveraging LG’s cutting-edge commercial and consumer display technologies to enhance the Fenway […]
LG Electronics USA and the Boston Red Sox have announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership, making LG the “Official TV Partner of the Boston Red Sox.”
This collaboration, brokered by ANC, marks the first fully integrated marketing partnership between LG and the Red Sox, leveraging LG’s cutting-edge commercial and consumer display technologies to enhance the Fenway Park experience for fans.
Building on their longstanding relationship with Fenway Sports Group, ANC, a sports and entertainment venue solutions and marketing agency, played a pivotal role in bringing this partnership to life.
Beyond LED digital signage, the agreement establishes a multi-year marketing platform that opens the door for future LG product integrations, including the placement of LG TVs in premium areas of Fenway Park.
Commenting on the partnership, chief marketing and partnership officer of the Boston Red Sox, Troup Parkinson, said: “The Boston Red Sox are thrilled to welcome LG Electronics as the Official TV Partner of the club.”
“Through our valued partnership with ANC, we’re proud to bring an industry leader like LG into the Red Sox family.
“This collaboration will elevate the in-venue experience for our fans with cutting-edge technology while also expanding LG’s presence through dynamic activations that will engage Red Sox Nation all season long,” Parkinson said.
LG Electronics USA head of media entertainment solutions marketing, Phil Lubell, added: “We are honored to be the Official Television Partner of the Boston Red Sox.”
“Year after year, LG OLED TVs consistently receive rave reviews for their lifelike and immersive picture quality and sound. That’s why we’ve been the Worlds’ Number 1 brand of OLED TVs for the past 12 years,” Lubell said.
ANC, which recently formed an official alliance with LG to drive revenue and innovation for North American sports and entertainment venues, played a key role in structuring and negotiating this historic partnership.
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NIL
Phantom Island Podcast: Building an Offensive Line in the Portal/NIL era
Fucking amazing podcast by Stephan Godfrey and Parker Flemming (@statsofwar). The talk scheme, they talk advanced analytics, and just general narrative around offensive line. Spotify Link This summary won’t do the pod justice, you should listen yourself, but the big takeaways: For the first time in the history of CFB, there is evidence that – […]
Fucking amazing podcast by Stephan Godfrey and Parker Flemming (@statsofwar). The talk scheme, they talk advanced analytics, and just general narrative around offensive line.
Spotify Link
This summary won’t do the pod justice, you should listen yourself, but the big takeaways:
- For the first time in the history of CFB, there is evidence that – specifically on the offensive line – raw talent matters far more than continunity. This is evidenced by the fact that there is an inverse relationship between snaps played together (amongst offensive linemen) and winning percentage. The explanation is that if you have 5 guys playing together 85% of the time, it’s likely not because those 5 guys work so well together; it’s because you don’t have any depth, and in all likelihood there is a weakness amongst those 5 guys.
- Offensive schemes are simplifying because offensive linemen are more evenly distributed across the sport. The RPO is the easiest way to deal with this problem (along with shifts/misdirection/motion). They talk a lot about the % of protections called, etc
- When looking for OL in the portal, you need a scheme fit for the player. As a result, coaches are dumbing down their offenses in order to make it easier for OL to quickly learn the system. We’re seeing less variety in offensive schemes/playcalls (per PFF – again, there is data backing this up). Disappointing for fans that offenses will likely continue to become more homogenous over the next five years.
- Paradoxically, the dearth of offensive linemen means that development is more important than ever before, but due to the portal, it’s even harder to retain (and thus develop) talent than ever before. Obviously, no one has solved for this issue yet.
Really fascinating listen, highly recommend.
DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.
NIL
NIL in high school? Next-gen athletes balance books, brands in new era
Gregory Graves | Cronkite News GCU President Brian Mueller on joining Mountain West, impact on NIL Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller talked to the media about the impact joining the Mountain West Conference will have on NIL growth. PHOENIX – In the evolving world of amateur sports, the three-letter acronym NIL has begun rewriting […]
GCU President Brian Mueller on joining Mountain West, impact on NIL
Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller talked to the media about the impact joining the Mountain West Conference will have on NIL growth.
PHOENIX – In the evolving world of amateur sports, the three-letter acronym NIL has begun rewriting the rulebook.
Short for name, image and likeness, this concept has opened the door for monetization at all levels of athletics. A financial revolution once seemingly only available for college athletes is now trickling down all the way to the high school level. NIL is making its way into high school gymnasiums and fields with athletes across the U.S. growing their brand before stepping foot on a college campus.
At the center of this shift in Phoenix is Zaire “Cherri” Hatter, a 14-year-old basketball star from Desert Vista High School who has already begun navigating the life of a high-profile athlete. Hatter is a representation of the new world of youth athletics – a world where Hatter can reach new heights while staying true to herself.
It’s terrain University of Arizona basketball player Jada Williams knows well. She was among the first female high school basketball players to sign a national NIL deal when she was at La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego and continues to reap the financial benefits from companies including Spalding and Gym Shark.
How we got here
To better understand NIL’s rapid growth, we have to look back to the origin. At the start, collegiate athletes competed for either pride or scholarships. But as collegiate sports evolved into a multi billion-dollar industry over time, the model began to shift.
In 2021, after years of legal battles among athletes and the courts, a landmark Supreme Court decision came in the NCAA vs. Alston case. As a result, the NCAA adjusted its rules to allow athletes to receive compensation through NIL deals.
One level lower, discussions began around NIL and high school athletes. As of 2025, at least 42 states and the District of Columbia allow high school athletes to profit from NIL.
Jon Kappes, an associate research professor at Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law who recently hosted an event about NIL for young athletes, spoke to this and some of the risks that deals can pose in states where NIL is not permitted.
“I am aware that different states have been slower to change the high school policies, which have in some instances said high school students can lose eligibility,” Kappes said.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association officially approved NIL activity for high school students, allowing students the ability to profit under strict guidelines. Arizona’s high school students are prohibited from wearing school uniforms or logos or have any affiliation to the school in any NIL activities.
“It has added another layer of support and education we need to make sure we address these student-athletes, we have to make sure they are aware of the AIA bylaws,” said Jared Walther, the assistant principal of activities at Desert Vista. “We educate our coaches with the bylaws and help them navigate it with the kids.”
The support system
Hatter’s emergence as one of the top high school athletes, and the top girls state basketball athlete in the class of 2028 has placed the freshman guard at the forefront of the Arizona NIL youth movement. Hatter is already in line for NIL opportunities while also fielding Division I offers from programs like Alabama and Maryland. She recalled her excitement when she received that first offer.
“It was exciting, because it confirms that my hard work has paid off so far,” Hatter said. “I definitely still have a lot of work to keep getting better.”
While she enjoys the spotlight at a young age, Hatter is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with being a high-level athlete. The pressure of living up to the hype comes with its own challenges, but she keeps her mind focused.
“I still have three years left of high school, I am making sure I continue to get better each day,” Hatter said.
Maintaining a positive mindset on and off the court at times can be tricky and hard to manage for young athletes. Having her mother by her side has been one of the keys in her success so far.
With her mother working as an equipment manager for the Desert Vista team, the long afternoon sessions that extend into the evenings become easier with her mother’s sacrifices.
“It is a big time commitment, but I enjoy the process of juggling school, and basketball,” Hatter said.
Another piece of the puzzle is Desert Vista coach Erin O’Bryan, a former university of Arizona women’s basketball player, who understands Hatter is rare and provides guidance based on her own experiences.
“Cherri’s work ethic is unmatched, she puts in hours upon hours in the weight room, on the court, and in the training room. She is dedicated to becoming the best player she can,” O’Bryan said. “Cherri has a very high ceiling, and she has high expectations for herself. She could end up being the most highly sought after player in Arizona.”
The praise is consistent among all coaches, friends and family, but the admiration does not change Hatter’s personality. O’Bryan mentioned that the era of NIL has not changed any team dynamics.
Hatter’s acknowledgment extends beyond just the court for Walther, who sees how well she handles the pressure at her age.
“For being only a freshman and having these expectations placed on her, she has gone with the flow and not let any of it disrupt her usual day to day life,” Walther said. “She continues to do well in the classroom even with her basketball responsibilities.”
Beyond the court
The pressure of NIL reaches beyond just the financial aspects and collegiate recruitments – they also influence mental health. The feeling of starting early and standing out can at times train kids to not only train to like professionals but seemingly market themselves like that as well.
Lindsey Markwell, a lecturer at Arizona State University in the Movement Sciences Programs with expertise in sport psychology and mental performance, echoes those concerns.
“When sport becomes the only thing a youth athlete does or the only thing others talk to them about it can lead to single-performance based identity,” Markwell said. “Their self-worth becomes tied to how well they perform.”
In most cases, especially in Arizona, sports such as basketball are year-round due to school commitments and club or team commitments resulting in a situation where most do not get that break or that “offseason” away.
In Hatter’s case, it is vital to her success to have a strong environment surrounding her to ensure the road trips or the early practices are possible, and the enjoyment of being a kid isn’t lost.
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Luckily for Hatter that is exactly what she has from her mom by her side, to her sister, to all coaches and teachers, everyone in Hatter life is there to support her and see her grow not just as an athlete but as a person.
While the mental load for anyone at this age let alone a teenager is quite a lot, it is simply hard to put NIL or competitive sports at fault. For all athletes alike, positive mental health outcomes will always be possible when someone such as Hatter has the ability to be heard and feel valued past how they play on a given day.
“When supported well, early commitment can build resilience, discipline, and confidence,” Markwell said. “Balance, autonomy, and having a voice in their schedule makes all the difference.”
For Desert Vista girls basketball the show is not all just about Hatter instead she is the beacon that shines brightest for the team and inspires each person to give it their best. Ultimately, by serving as leader on the court, Hatter’s passion and love for the game echoes across the locker room and classroom.
“Cherri gives our team confidence, she is reliable and plays well every time she steps on the court,” O’Bryan said. “She upholds the culture of toughness and winning.”
A quick comparison
As the spotlight continues to grow on young athletes such as Hatter, it is brought to question that what we’re witnessing isn’t entirely new – it just looks different. NIL, with the branding and pressure to perform mirrors some of the experience of the youth entertainment culture of child stars in Hollywood.
“In terms of an age threshold, what comes to my mind is that this context of athletics and sports is not that different from young actors,” Kappes said. “So you’ve got child actors that are toddlers, that are babies, nine months old, two years old.”
Like child actors, NIL athletes tend to be thrusted into adult conversations and spaces while still developing as a person mentally and emotionally. In a lot of situations they are learning to market themselves and perform under pressure before they can even legally drive a car.
“Athletes are branding themselves at 14 or 15, constantly curating how they’re seen,” Markwell said. “That pressure to always perform – both in real life and online – is a lot for anyone, let alone a teenager.”
Though unlike child stars in Hollywood, students like Hatter are expected to attend school, take tests and homework like everyone else and in some situations to a higher degree.
When hearing from people close to her though, this is exactly what makes Hatter special — managing both lives – as a freshmen student and a high profile athlete. She is able to thrive as a person in the classroom and on the court.
A new era
The NIL era has unlocked untapped doors for young athletes to offer opportunities to profit from not only themselves but their passions. As time moves on, expectation starts to grow and the pressure to perform is more than just sport.
“The first thing for a young person to look at: Do they want to be engaged in sanctioned high school athletics, or do they not,” Kappes said.
Luckily for Hatter the decision is easy as becoming the best player she can be is a simple mindset that continues to take her places. Hatter is not just navigating NIL – she is acting as a pioneer in a world that is still unknown and fresh – serving as a representation of young athletes to come.
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
NIL
Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Commit Signs Major Agency for NIL Representation
The Kentucky Wildcats’ men’s basketball program is one of the preeminent blue bloods in the sport today. Their long track record of success on the hardwood continues to see them land the biggest-named recruits, and in an era of Name, Image, and Likeness, that brings with it an entirely different landscape than it once did. […]
The Kentucky Wildcats’ men’s basketball program is one of the preeminent blue bloods in the sport today. Their long track record of success on the hardwood continues to see them land the biggest-named recruits, and in an era of Name, Image, and Likeness, that brings with it an entirely different landscape than it once did.
With the implementation of NIL, collegiate athletes, specifically those expected to become big stars, are now signing with talent agencies for representation in their NIL negotiations. On Friday, one of the Wildcats’ commits joined the ranks of those players when the announcement was made that he would be signing with CAA.
Jasper Johnson, a four-star shooting guard commit from Overtime Elite in Lexington, Kentucky, announced via his Instagram Friday night that he is now being represented by CAA Sports for NIL representation.
CAA is one of the leading talent agencies in the country. Their client list contains superstar hoopers like Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, and recent college basketball superstar Cooper Flagg.
The agency’s talent does not only exist within basketball, however. They have stars in the NFL (Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, and CeeDee Lamb among others), MLB (Shohei Ohtani, Marcell Ozuna, and Trea Turner among others), and even in entertainment (Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, and Zendaya). Joining the ranks of these superstars in and out of their fields is definitely an accomplishment.
Johnson was previously represented by Nate Conley of Court XIV. Conley also worked with fellow Kentucky stars Oscar Tshiebwe and Rob Dillingham, as well as five-star recruit Anthony Thompson, who is a major target for the Wildcats for 2026.
Johnson, listed at 6’4, 170 pounds, is a dangerous scorer with serious superstar potential. The guard committed to Kentucky in September, officially signing with the program in the early period in November. 24/7 Sports has Johnson ranked as the 24th-best recruit in the nation for his class.
NIL
Texas Longhorns’ Steve Sarkisian Talks Transfer Portal, Roster Retention
With NIL on the incline and the transfer portal becoming increasingly accessible, the issue of roster retention has reached new heights in college football. NIL can incentivize players to spend more time in college, but it can also motivate players to pack their things and leave to follow money or more playing time. Players no […]
With NIL on the incline and the transfer portal becoming increasingly accessible, the issue of roster retention has reached new heights in college football.
NIL can incentivize players to spend more time in college, but it can also motivate players to pack their things and leave to follow money or more playing time.
Players no longer have to sit out a year of eligibility after transferring as of 2021, which makes it more challenging for coaches to convince these younger players who didn’t accumulate meaningful minutes to forgo the transfer portal and embrace returning to the same program to continue developing.
In a recent interview with college football analyst Josh Pate, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed how he approaches conversations with players when the transfer portal opens up in the spring.
His main priority is transparency, and he navigates each conversation based on a “form” of each rostered player that evaluates GPA, statistics on the field, any issues off the field and weight room performance.
“Okay, that’s a snapshot of where you’re at,” Sarkisian explained to Pate. “And then I sit down with each player and say, ‘Here’s where you’re at, okay, here’s where you can improve.’ Even a guy who’s got straight A’s, he’s all-conference. He’s this, he’s that. Well, how are we going to get better? How are we going to improve?”
From there, he leverages what he and his coaching staff has accomplished in seasons past and what they plan to accomplish in the future to show players why they should buy in.
Twenty-eight Longhorns have been selected between the last three NFL drafts alone, and Texas has reached the College Football Playoff for the past two years.
“They all have dreams and aspirations,” Sarkisian said. “And now having that opportunity to say, ‘Hey, this is kind of the blueprint, and I may not be where I’m supposed to be right now, but if I keep working, if I keep doing things the right way, that can become a reality for me down the road.’ ”
While Texas has the capital to obtain players through the NIL and the portal, they also have the resources to develop players who choose to see their college years through in burnt orange.
NIL
Alabama, Illinois In Pursuit Of Puff Johnson In The Transfer Portal
Donovan “Puff” Johnson is in the transfer portal again after stops at Penn State nad North Carolina. The 23-year-old is a former four-star recruit out of Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Arizona. He’s in the transfer portal for the second time in two years, and he has one year of eligibility left. Last season, he averaged […]
Donovan “Puff” Johnson is in the transfer portal again after stops at Penn State nad North Carolina. The 23-year-old is a former four-star recruit out of Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Arizona.
He’s in the transfer portal for the second time in two years, and he has one year of eligibility left. Last season, he averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting a career-best 54.3% from the field.
5 Potential Landing Spots for Puff Johnson
According to his agent, Johnson has been in contact with five different programs as regards a potential transfer.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide lost Mouhamed Dioubate, Derrion Reid, Jarin Stevenson, and Naas Cunningham. They’ve brought in players such as Noah Williamson from Bucknell and Taylor Bol Bowen from Florida, but it looks like they still need Johnson to complete the roster.
Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illinois men’s basketball team has had a significant amount of movement in the NCAA transfer portal recently, with both incoming and outgoing transfers, having initially started the off-season slowly.
Several players have entered the portal, while others have committed to the Illini. Key incoming transfers include Zvonimir Ivisic, Kylan Boswell, and Jake Davis, while outgoing transfers include Morez Johnson Jr., Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, and Carey Booth. They could do with another forward.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has also been active in the transfer portal, acquiring several key players. They’ve brought in Gabe Cupps from Indiana, Christoph Tilly from Santa Clara, and Brandon Noel from Wright State.
Additionally, Josh Ojianwuna has committed to the Buckeyes from Baylor. They lost Sean Stewart to the portal, and Johnson could replace him.
KEEP READING: Alabama Basketball Aiming To Put On A Show For The Upcoming College Basketball Season
Seton Hall Pirates
Seton Hall is experiencing a major overhaul of its roster due to the transfer portal, with several players leaving and a few returning, and the team is actively recruiting new talent, and Johnson will be a solid addition to the team.
Grand Canyon Antelopes
Grand Canyon lost important players like four-star recruit Sammie Yeanay, Austin Maurer, Ray Harrison, Tyon Grant-Foster, and Duke Brennan but despite that, they have had considerable success in the portal so far.
They’ve brought in four four-star players, including Brian Moore Jr., who averaged 18.1 PPG with Norfolk. Johnson could be one more addition for them.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football , men’s college basketball , women’s college basketball , and college baseball !
NIL
Former NFL Player Says NIL Needs To Change To Save College Football
PublishedMay 10, 2025 2:37 PM EDT•UpdatedMay 10, 2025 2:37 PM EDT Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link College football has a serious problem on its hands. After years of players having no ability to earn money as a result of their status as athletes, as well as little freedom of movement between schools, they now have […]
College football has a serious problem on its hands. After years of players having no ability to earn money as a result of their status as athletes, as well as little freedom of movement between schools, they now have arguably the most free and open system in sports.
Athletes can now move between schools each year, at will. Think you can get more Name, Image and Likeliness money elsewhere? The floodgates are open. Though of course, as Nico Iamaleava can tell you, searching for money doesn’t always work out.
There are some benefits to this both for players, and for certain schools who can now pull recruits away from big-name programs with better financial offers. But it’s also created a system where the “student-athlete” designation is essentially a farce. And former NFL player Jack Brewer thinks the sport needs a complete overhaul in order to return to how it used to be.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 23: Nico Iamaleava #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks on prior to the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the UTEP Miners at Neyland Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Former NFL Player Warns ‘Student Athletes’ Disappearing
Brewer, who played in the NFL from 2002 to 2006, spoke to Fox News Digital about the new era of NIL in college football and how, in his mind, it’s negatively impacted the sport and the players.
“We need to get back to student-athletes,” Brewer said.
“If a person wants the freedom to make as much money as they want and can leverage the sport to do that, they should absolutely be able to — and they can, in our professional leagues. But there’s no place for an unlimited amount of money to be paid to people in college sports. They should be student-athletes, which is what they signed up to be.”
And this is the delicate balance that college athletics is facing in the modern era; players are putting their health and careers on the line, in a sport that’s generating billions of dollars, and schools and administrators have historically taken advantage of it.
READ: Big Ten Conference Dominating On And Off Field, With Massive Revenue Increase
The system we have now though, all but eliminates the “student” part of “student-athlete.” Brewer agrees.
“You’ll continue to see students who are no longer focused on school because their incentive for going to college is no longer to get an education, but to make money,” Brewer said. “It’s not right for universities to exploit this loophole, recruiting student-athletes who no longer have to focus on being students.”
Where critics like Brewer are right is that the unrestricted transfer system and complete lack of regulation in NIL give college football players more freedom than virtually any other sport. NFL players have contracts; they aren’t able to switch between teams at the drop of a hat, even after the NIL distribution based on a presumed commitment.
President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed an executive order to put a stop to unrestricted NIL after speaking to legendary head coach Nick Saban. The free-for-all era seems to be coming to a rapid end.
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