The advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has transformed the landscape of collegiate athletics, allowing student-athletes to monetize their personal brands. Central to this evolution are two distinct concepts: individual NIL deals and NIL collectives. Understanding their differences is crucial for grasping the current and future dynamics of college sports.

In a landmark development, the NCAA has agreed to a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust lawsuits concerning restrictions on student-athletes' ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This settlement not only provides substantial compensation to affected athletes but also ushers in significant changes to the collegiate athletic landscape, particularly impacting NIL collectives.

The landscape of college athletics has undergone a significant transformation with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. Understanding who can benefit from NIL opportunities and the various forms these deals can take is crucial for student-athletes navigating this new era.

When Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan, the entire college football world felt the shockwaves. But no one felt it more than LSU. And they made it crystal clear—they’re not getting caught slipping again.

In recent years, the landscape of college sports has undergone a massive shift thanks to three little letters: NIL. But what exactly is NIL, and how do NIL collectives fit into this game-changing movement? Let’s break it down.