New deals helping student-athletes

The NCAA is entering a new era by allowing athletes to earn money from NIL deals. NIL, which stands for name, image, and likeness, allows collegiate athletes to benefit and profit from their playing ability. In other words, college athletes can get rewarded with money based on their social status. Although there are a couple of obstacles left to overcome, the NIL has proven to be significantly beneficial to the NCAA. The benefits include more athletes making money to help with financial literacy, staying in school, and more exposure for all types of athletes.  

Take high school quarterback Jaden Rashada for example. He is a senior at Northern California at Pittsburg who is committed to the University of Miami for football and has signed a NIL deal for 9.5 million dollars. Although Jaden has one of the biggest NIL deals by committing to the University of Miami, he turned down an 11-million-dollar NIL deal from the University of Florida. 

“Jaden left millions on the table, Millions. He did not pick the highest offer. He went there because he loves Miami, the coaches, and the opportunity,” said Michael Caspino, the attorney representing Rashada. 

The student-athletes do agree that the NIL is a significant opportunity. Their opinion is imperative as they plan to play sports at the college level. The student-athletes appreciate this deal due to the circumstances some of them have been put through. Many of these players believe that the opportunity of getting NIL deals would not only help themselves, but also their families as well as their communities. It may also encourage them to take their skills to the next level and compete professionally in their sport.  

Written by Jasraj Sarkar | Graphic Designed by Nolan Debrocq

Published October 11, 2022 | ePathfinder | Sports