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The NCAA has been searching for a framework to regulate name, image and likeness, or NIL, since the policy was established in June 2021. Four summers later, a possible foundation is near, but no change will be without implications, especially for top athletic programs like the University of Florida. 

These changes have loomed for almost a year. President Donald Trump publicly considered an executive order May 2 to examine the state of NIL payments. Schools and athletes must heavily consider how these developments will impact their programs.

The prominent NIL discussion surrounds the House settlement. Lawsuits by current and former college athletes are pursuing a settlement of nearly $2.8 billion that will attempt to establish a future framework for NIL agreements. 

Philip Nickerson, a Troutman Pepper Locke law firm associate who represents universities and collectives in NIL matters, said the settlement contains four major parts: allowing schools to pay athletes themselves for use of their NIL with an annual budget of $20.5 million, the potential for roster caps, NIL compliance and enforcement oversight, and backpay for former and current athletes who were unable to profit from their NIL. 

In his personal interpretation, this could mean many of UF’s resources responsible for its success could become less prominent, Nickerson said.

“It puts a limit on how much they can spend, which means that smaller schools that maybe don’t have the same athletic budget or donor base have a chance to compete for the prized recruits and remain competitive,” Nickerson said. “I think it’s going to level the playing field across all college sports.” 

UF would be forced to rely on its coaches and recruiting staff even more to out-recruit other schools for star high school athletes and in the transfer portal. 

Christopher Batts, an attorney at ShuffieldLowman, represents students and institutions navigating NIL deals. 

“I think the real impact is going to be on the school, and then that’s going to trickle down to the athletes,” Batts said. “Trying to divide up $20.5 million amongst a bunch of really good athletic programs is going to be way more difficult than for schools that are known just for basketball or just for football.” 

Title IX compliance will complicate the issue, he said, but it will also prevent schools from putting all of the allotted $20.5 million into their higher-revenue sports like football and men’s basketball.

Even with these changes, Batts said there’s likely more to come. 

“I think it opens just as many new issues as it resolves,” he said. “It doesn’t address Title IX. It doesn’t introduce collective bargaining.” 

UF Director of NIL Strategy Ben Chase said Florida is more than ready to handle whatever changes head its way.

“Our goal here at Florida is to make sure that we give our athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level across all the sports we have,” Chase said. “There’s a lot of schools out there that are cutting sports, including at the Power Four level, and we don’t plan on doing that.” 

He doesn’t foresee the changes affecting investments from donors and partners who have been a huge part of the success of Gator sports, he said. Instead, Chase sees benefits in the new settlement because it allows the UF Athletic Department to share the revenue with its athletes. 

Chase said he’s excited about the opportunities UF’s athletes will have going forward, including more NIL deals. 

“I think that where we are headed is true corporate NIL partnerships that are with athletes that may have never gotten those deals before,” he said.  

A decision is expected to be made on the settlement in the next few months if executive action isn’t taken sooner. 

Contact Ava DiCecca at adicecca@alligator.org. Follow her on X @avadicecca24.

A Dynamic Partnership in the NIL Landscape

Navigating the evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals can be as daunting as it is exciting. Yet, Waymond Jordan has deftly maneuvered his way through, transforming potential challenges into opportunities as he secures a monumental partnership with NFL sensation Saquon Barkley. Together, they represent the vibrant face of a major energy drink brand, seamlessly blending athletic prowess with commercial influence.

Waymond Jordan: A New Trailblazer

In a landscape where promising high school athletes frequently find themselves at the center of lucrative NIL deals, Jordan’s rapid ascent stands out distinctively. Unlike many peers who eagerly anticipate their first on-field experience, Jordan has already begun shaping his legacy off the field. His journey redefines how young athletes can leverage their growing influence, positioning Jordan not just as a beneficiary of the NIL boom but as an active architect of his brand.

Following in the Footsteps of Giants

Aligning with Saquon Barkley—a formidable name in the NFL and an exemplar of marketability—Jordan is set on a path carved by one of the best. Barkley’s own success story in both the athletic and endorsement arenas offers Jordan a blueprint for balancing sportsmanship with market engagement. This collaboration is more than just a business arrangement; it is a mentorship, a passing of the torch that underscores the generational impact of seasoned athletes influencing newcomers.

The Broader Implications of Strategic Partnerships

Jordan’s strategic partnership signals a shift in how brands view and engage with emerging sports talents. By endorsing figures like Jordan, companies not only tap into the present enthusiasm surrounding collegiate athletes but also invest in the future icons of their industries. It highlights the growing acknowledgement of young athletes as influential entities capable of shaping consumer behavior early in their careers.

Reflecting on the Future of NIL Agreements

As the world of collegiate sports continues to transform under the influence of NIL agreements, the alliance between Waymond Jordan and Saquon Barkley serves as a reminder of the profound possibilities these changes can usher in. By combining their athletic talents with mainstream brand appeal, they set a precedent that may inspire other young athletes to pursue innovative collaborations. This burgeoning era of athlete empowerment promises a future where the journey to becoming a legend starts even before stepping onto the professional field.

A New Era for Michigan Football

Justice Haynes, a standout figure in collegiate athletics, has recently ignited conversations across the sports landscape with a pioneering NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreement that magnifies the progressive shift underway at Michigan. This development marks a significant milestone not only for Haynes personally but also for the Wolverines’ program, a testament to Michigan’s unwavering commitment to its athletes under the transformative leadership of head coach Sherrone Moore.

The Sherrone Moore Vision

Head coach Sherrone Moore has been at the helm of Michigan’s endeavors to harness the power of NIL opportunities for its athletes, a task he famously describes as occupying “50% of my day, if not more.” Moore’s devoted focus on securing equitable compensation for his players underscores a broader mission: to ensure that student-athletes receive the recognition and financial rewards they deserve. This investment of time and energy is beginning to yield significant returns, as evidenced by Haynes’ groundbreaking deal.

Justice Haynes: A Trailblazer in the Making

Justice Haynes has become an emblem of the evolving intersection between sports and branding, setting a new precedent in collegiate athletics. His unique NIL agreement is not just a personal triumph but a beacon for fellow athletes navigating this new territory. By taking this bold step, Haynes exemplifies the modern athlete’s dual role as both competitor and entrepreneur, showing that excellence on the field can indeed be paralleled by strategic acumen off it.

Impact on the Wolverines Program

The implications of Haynes’ achievement extend far beyond an individual victory; they symbolize the collective progress of the Michigan Wolverines. Under Moore’s guidance, the program is fostering an environment where athletes can thrive not just through their sporting prowess but also through the burgeoning opportunities NIL presents. This holistic approach to athlete development can attract future talent to Ann Arbor, making Michigan a desirable destination for aspiring stars who wish to excel in both sports and personal branding.

Reflecting on the Future

As Justice Haynes blazes the trail with his innovative NIL deal, he not only strengthens his own brand but also sets a robust example for his peers. His success serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of collegiate sports, where the power dynamics are shifting, offering athletes new platforms for growth and expression. Michigan, with its strategic embrace of these changes, is well-positioned to lead in this new era, offering a blueprint for integrating athletic achievement with personal and financial development.