NIL
Tulane Football unleashes better NIL structure than some P4 programs
In the high-stakes world of college football, timing is everything. And Tulane just made a power move that could redefine how NIL works in the American Athletic Conference. On the heels of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s groundbreaking executive order allowing state schools to directly pay athletes for their name, image, and likeness, Tulane didn’t blink. […]
In the high-stakes world of college football, timing is everything. And Tulane just made a power move that could redefine how NIL works in the American Athletic Conference.
On the heels of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s groundbreaking executive order allowing state schools to directly pay athletes for their name, image, and likeness, Tulane didn’t blink. The Green Wave is already sprinting ahead of the pack.
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Starting July 1, Tulane will bring NIL operations under university control—a seismic shift from third-party collectives. In doing so, the program positions itself to take full advantage of a changing landscape that’s seen programs across the country scramble for structure amidst the murky prelude to the House settlement.
“The proposed House settlement allows universities to manage all these operations,” Tulane athletic director David Harris said in a recent release. “We’ll oversee everything from fundraising to NIL payments in one streamlined model.”
And they’re not short on resources. The school received a $3.5 million private donation to launch the Green Wave Fund, which will fuel Tulane’s NIL payouts moving forward. This means Tulane athletes could begin receiving direct compensation before the 2025-26 season even begins—legally and without NCAA interference.
What’s more, once the House settlement is finalized, Tulane will be among schools eligible to share up to $20.5 million in revenue with its student-athletes annually. The American Athletic Conference has already set a $10 million minimum for NIL distribution—Tulane’s proactive stance ensures it won’t just meet that mark; it could very well set the bar.
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This new era isn’t just about attracting talent—it’s about keeping it. With the ability to directly invest in its players, Tulane has a new tool to retain rising stars and build long-term momentum on the field.
For fans following NIL developments, Tulane’s strategy offers a model worth watching. With institutional backing, a multi-million dollar NIL fund, and zero legal risk, the Green Wave isn’t dipping a toe in the water—it’s diving headfirst into the future of college football.
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