Latest news with #ImageandLikeness
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Ohio State announces the creation of consolidated NIL initiative
Ohio State announces the creation of consolidated NIL initiative With the approval of the House Settlement for distributions and allowance of direct student-athlete pay, things will continue to change, most notably with Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). The days of large, somewhat vague NIL deals are gone, with anything over $600 needing to be approved by an NCAA Clearinghouse. To meet the demands of a changing landscape of NIL, Ohio State has announced the creation of the "Buckeye Sports Group." In partnership with Learfield, the OSU Department of Athletics has created the initiative to "support, streamline and enhance Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for Ohio State student-athletes," the university announced on Tuesday. 'Ohio State has always been a leader in college athletics, and this initiative is another step forward to build upon our strong NIL foundation,' said Carey Hoyt, Ohio State's Deputy Director of Athletics in a statement. 'By combining the power of our athletic brand with Learfield's expansive network, we are creating an innovative, full-service approach to NIL that directly benefits our student-athletes.' Ohio State will work with Learfield Impact, the company's industry-leading NIL services, to dedicate on-campus leadership professionals who will prioritize Buckeye student-athlete brand engagement and content-driven campaigns. Buckeye Sports Group (BSG) will have access to Learfield's Compass NIL technology broker deals and gather insights into student-athlete interests so that they can build brand connections. Buckeye Sports Group will focus on three comprehensive strategies to move NIL efforts forward: deal facilitation and management, content creation and storytelling, and support services. NIL Deal Facilitation & Management o Negotiating and securing brand partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally for student-athletes. o Overseeing contract preparation and fair market value assessments. o Utilizing analytics to track NIL performance and return on investment. Content Creation & Student-Athlete Storytelling, powered by Learfield Studios o Creating athlete-driven digital content, including social media campaigns, video series and podcasts. o Leveraging Learfield's Fanbase data and digital expertise to optimize distribution across social media and digital channels. o Providing marketing resources for brand collaborations to maximize results, including the use of Ohio State marks, logos and access to campus facilities. Athlete Support & Services o Providing financial literacy and tax support through partnerships with industry experts. o Offering branding and social media growth training to help athletes build their personal brands. o Connecting student-athletes with brand partners to provide business experience, micro-internships and build professional networking relationships with companies. With the new approach to NIL, Buckeye Sports Group will also work to consolidate current collectives already in place under one vision and strategy so that all efforts are working together under the same parameters and in concert, something that will be paramount to forging ahead in yet another new frontier in college athletics. We are committed to making Ohio State the premier destination for NIL success,' Hoyt added. 'With Buckeye Sports Group, we're building a model that will serve as the new standard for college athletics.' Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A NEW ERA IN COLLEGE SPORTS BEGINS: COURT APPROVES LANDMARK HOUSE SETTLEMENT, NEW COLLEGE SPORTS COMMISSION LAUNCHES
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks a historic milestone for college athletics in the United States. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has granted final approval to a settlement in the House v. NCAA ("House") litigation. This landmark settlement – agreed to by plaintiffs representing nearly 400,000 current and former student-athletes and the NCAA, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Pac-12 Conference and Southeastern Conference (SEC) – will reshape the landscape of college sports, paving the way for a model that prioritizes fairness, stability, integrity and opportunity for student-athletes and institutions. Overseeing this model will be the newly established College Sports Commission – an independent body that will be responsible for implementing the settlement terms governing revenue sharing, student-athlete Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals and roster limits. The Commission will investigate any potential violations of these rules, make determinations regarding potential rules violations and penalties, provide notice and opportunity to be heard, participate in the arbitration process and ultimately administer penalties for violations of these rules. The Commission's leadership team will be announced in the near future. Under the new system, student-athletes will have more opportunities to financially benefit during their participation in intercollegiate athletics than ever before. Institutions are now able to share revenue directly with student-athletes, in addition to providing existing benefits such as athletic scholarships, access to world-class training facilities, academic counseling, medical care, post-eligibility medical coverage, mental health resources, nutritional guidance and life skills development. Beginning July 1, 2025, each year, participating schools can distribute up to 22% of the average revenue among schools in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC from media rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships – known as the revenue sharing cap. The cap is estimated at $20.5 million per school for the 2025-26 academic year, pending final confirmation. To ensure revenue sharing with student-athletes is appropriately managed and reported to the Court for compliance, athletics departments will use the new College Athlete Payment System (CAPS) platform developed by LBi Software. Student-athletes will also be able to continue receiving compensation from third-parties other than their institutions for the use of their NIL, so long as their NIL deals are made with the purpose of using their NIL for a valid business purpose and do not exceed a reasonable range of compensation. On behalf of the College Sports Commission, Deloitte* has built and will maintain a new technology platform called NIL Go in which student-athletes will be required to report their NIL deals to confirm they are in compliance with the rules. Deals will be evaluated based on: Payor association – The relationship between the payor and the student-athlete's school. Valid business purpose – Whether the payor is seeking the use of the student-athlete's NIL for a valid business purpose, meaning to sell a good or service to the public for profit. Range of compensation – Whether the compensation paid to the student-athlete is commensurate with compensation paid to similarly situated individuals. Finally, for participating schools, NCAA scholarship limits have been removed and roster limits have been established for each sport, allowing for a significant increase in scholarship opportunities for student-athletes. Under this new model, schools will have the option to offer partial or full scholarships to every student-athlete on a team's roster, as long as the total number of student-athletes stays within the sport's specific roster limit. Efforts have also been made to ensure current and immediately incoming student-athletes are not adversely impacted by the establishing of roster limits. Removing scholarship limits allows schools to better support their student-athletes through new scholarships, particularly in non-revenue-generating sports. "This is a significant moment for college athletics that will provide unparalleled opportunities for student-athletes. We look forward to implementing this new system which offers much-needed transparency and structure to create a more sustainable model for the long-term future of college athletics," said Jim Phillips, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference. "We look forward to implementing this historic settlement designed to bring stability, integrity and competitive balance to college athletics while increasing both scholarship and revenue opportunities for student-athletes in all sports," said Tony Petitti, Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. "As we enter this new era of college athletics, it is crucial we do so with structure, transparency, and the success of student-athletes in mind — this settlement and new model will ensure that happens. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to implement this new system that prioritizes fairness and opportunity for all student-athletes and institutions," said Brett Yormark, Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. "It's a new day in collegiate athletics. This historic moment allows us to maintain what makes college sports special, the development of young individuals through sport, while also evolving to meet today's student-athletes where they are with new opportunities in a manner that provides long-term stability for collegiate athletics. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues as we implement and introduce the future of college sports," said Teresa Gould, Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference. "The approval of the House settlement agreement represents a significant milestone for the meaningful support of our student-athletes and a pivotal step toward establishing long-term sustainability for college sports, two of the Southeastern Conference's top priorities. As the journey to modernize collegiate sports continues, we remain focused on identifying and implementing innovative opportunities for our student-athletes across all sports while maintaining the core values that make collegiate athletics uniquely meaningful," said Greg Sankey, Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference. Following are significant dates related to the implementation of the settlement: June 6, 2025: Settlement approved; settlement-related NCAA rules are effective, as adopted by the NCAA Division 1 Board on April 21, 2025. June 11, 2025: NIL Go portal launches. June 15, 2025: Opt-in deadline for non-defendant schools to fully commit to revenue sharing. July 1, 2025: First date for direct institutional revenue sharing payments to student-athletes. July 6, 2025: Opt-in schools must "designate" student-athletes permitted by the settlement to remain above roster limits. Start of 2025-26 academic year: With the exception of the "designated" student-athletes, Fall sports must be at or below roster limits by their first day of competition. December 1, 2025: With the exception of "designated" student-athletes, Winter and Spring sports must be at or below roster limits by their first day of competition or Dec. 1, whichever is earlier. More information about the College Sports Commission and the implementation of these new policies can be found at * As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see for a detailed description of its legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. MEDIA CONTACTcollegesportscommission@ View original content: SOURCE College Sports Commission Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First Team Impact Launches to Champion the "Impact-First" NIL Model
New Organization Creates Personalized Giving Strategies That Grow Impact, Protect Income, and Strengthen Brand Stories Creating Impactful NIL Strategies for Athletes—and Connecting Nonprofits, Brands, and Foundations to the Causes They Champion ORLANDO, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing "impact first" movement is redefining how college athletes approach their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) — and now, a new organization is helping them lead that shift with purpose, professionalism and long-term value in mind. First Team Impact has launched to help athletes use their NIL earnings to support causes they care about, while structuring their giving to provide both personal fulfillment and potential tax advantages. The result is what First Team Impact calls "NIL with a heart" - a model that balances personal purpose, strategic giving, and sustainable brand value, aligning with the rising trend of athletes who want their platform to stand for more. Founded by professionals in philanthropy and brand strategy, First Team Impact offers tailored services that help athletes align with nonprofit initiatives, establish their own foundations, and tell their stories in ways that connect with communities and sponsors alike. "We want athletes to know that giving back doesn't have to wait," said Carol Wick, co-founder of First Team Impact. "You don't need millions of dollars to start making a difference. What you need is a plan — one that honors your values and makes smart use of your resources." A Financially Strategic Approach to PhilanthropyLike any form of income, NIL earnings are taxable—and many athletes are not prepared for just how much of their earnings go to federal and state obligations. First Team Impact helps athletes navigate that reality by showing how strategic charitable giving can serve both personal values and financial strategy. The organization provides support in structuring charitable giving in compliance with federal tax laws and NIL verification processes, including: Advising on how NIL earnings can be directed toward a registered nonprofit, including one the athlete establishes Highlighting potential tax deductions tied to qualified charitable contributions Assisting with fundraising, matching donations and long-term planning Managing the logistics of content, visibility and brand alignment "Taxes are inevitable—but with the right plan, athletes can use charitable giving to create impact and reduce their tax burden," Johnson said. "It's about making generosity work smarter." Individualized Planning and SupportEach athlete receives a customized gameplan that reflects their interests, availability and long-term vision. Some may choose to partner with an existing nonprofit that aligns with their story. Others may elect to launch their own foundation around a particular mission or need in another part of the world. "Our work is rooted in customization," Wick said. "Every athlete is different, and their philanthropic journey should reflect who they are and what matters to them." These strategies are also designed with portability in mind—allowing athletes to continue their philanthropic work even if they transfer to another school or move on to professional opportunities. Purpose-Driven Platforms Attract Purpose-Driven SponsorsAs more athletes lean into purpose, sponsors are taking notice. Brand partners increasingly seek out individuals who not only perform, but stand for something. "Brands are looking for more than talent—they're looking for character, story, and alignment," said Johnson. "When athletes show what they believe in, they attract sponsors who want to stand beside them." First Team Impact also works with companies and foundations to connect values-aligned athletes to mission-driven campaigns—bringing authenticity, energy, and tax-smart structure to their community investments. Fueling the Impact-First MovementThe launch of First Team Impact comes as the broader NIL landscape undergoes rapid transformation. From legal rulings to revenue-sharing debates, stakeholders are looking for stability—and athletes are looking for meaning. Recent examples like Bear McWhorter, a 4-star Michigan commit using his NIL to promote adoption, and Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, who's spotlighting organ donation, are early proof points of this growing impact-first movement. While neither athlete is affiliated with First Team Impact, their stories reflect the kind of athlete-driven purpose this new platform aims to support and scale. "Athletes are already inspiring people on the field," Johnson said. "We want to help them inspire change off the field—in a way that's financially smart and appealing to sponsors who value authenticity and purpose." You Don't Need Millions to Make an ImpactHigh-profile athletes like LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, Patrick Mahomes and Paige Bueckers have all launched foundations that shown how platforms can fuel change—but First Team Impact exists to prove that you don't need a multimillion-dollar contract to get started. With the right plan, even modest NIL income can fund youth programs, sponsor mental health campaigns, or support local education efforts. First Team Impact's turnkey services simplify the process, providing the structure and strategic support to turn good intentions into lasting results. "Athletes are already inspiring people on the field," Johnson said. "We want to help them inspire change off the field — in a way that's financially smart and appealing to sponsors who value authenticity and purpose." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE First Team Impact Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nick Saban: 'I don't think we need a commission' on college sports. Here's why
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. — Nick Saban continues to be at the center of conversation about a recently announced federal commission on the future of college athletics, one that will tackle NCAA sports in the age of Name, Image and Likeness. But the former Alabama football coach reiterated a message that he's continued to push since he was announced a co-chairman of the commission along with Cody Campbell, a former Texas Tech football player and chairman of the university's Board of Regents. Advertisement "I know there has been a lot of stuff out there about some commission or whatever. I don't think we need a commission. I've said that before," Saban said before the Nick's Kids Golf Tournament at the Old Overton Club in Vestavia Hills. "I think we need to know what the issues are. I think we just need to have people who are willing to move those and solve those and create some solutions for some of those issues. I'm all for being a consultant to anybody who would think that my experience would be beneficial to helping create some of those solutions." To Saban, that doesn't mean that all the issues regarding the NCAA and NIL are solved. "I'm not anti-NIL. I'm all for the players for making money," Saban said. "I don't think we have a sustainable system right now. I think a lot of people agree with that in terms of the future of college athletics period, not just football. How do we sustain 20 other non-revenue sports that create lots of opportunities for people and the future?" Saban said he knows President Donald Trump is "very interested in athletics" and the changing college football landscape that includes NIL and "having a balanced competitive playing field." Advertisement "If I could be a consultant to anyone who might be able to help the future of college athletics, I would be more than willing to do that," Saban said. Ahead of the Regions Tradition Golf Tournament in Hoover May 14, Saban said he didn't "really know much about this commission." "I think we know what needs to be done, I just think we've got to figure out who's got the will to do it," Saban said. "I learned one thing about coaching for all these years that when you get into a subject like this that's very complex, it's probably good not to talk about it off the cuff." Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban reiterates lack of need for federal commission on college sports
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NCAA President Addresses Trump's Potential Role in College Sports Reform
NCAA President Charlie Baker didn't dismiss the idea of federal intervention on Monday—he practically invited it. Meeting with reporters after addressing ACC coaches and administrators at spring meetings in Amelia Island, Florida, Baker addressed growing concerns surrounding the future of college athletics. Amid the mounting pressure of NIL lawsuits, inconsistent state laws, and eligibility disputes, a new wrinkle emerged: Donald Trump might be stepping in. Advertisement According to a Wall Street Journal report, the former president is considering launching a federal commission on college sports, with an executive order possibly targeting the murky world of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) payments. The potential move follows Trump's recent meeting with coaching legend Nick Saban. While Baker didn't directly weigh in on Trump's plans, he acknowledged the broader climate of uncertainty—and the desperate need for streamlined governance. President of the NCAA, Charlie Baker speaks during a press conference celebrating the 25 year anniversary of the NCAA moving its national office to Indianapolis© Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK 'We've spent a bunch of time in Washington trying to sort this out,' Baker said. 'Between more than 40 states having different laws, ongoing lawsuits, and employment discussions, it's hard to create a level playing field.' Advertisement Monday's comments came just hours after the NCAA secured a legal win in South Carolina involving athlete Rahsul Faison's eligibility case. But Baker was quick to point out that legal victories offer little long-term stability. 'This patchwork approach—winning clarity one lawsuit at a time—isn't sustainable,' he said. 'We need federal help at some point.' Whether or not Trump's commission materializes, the conversation signals that college sports are firmly on the national radar—and both political parties may soon find themselves battling for control over its future. Related: 2027 4-Star QB Trent Seaborn Turns Down seven-Figure NIL Deal, Focused on One Team Related: Former Clemson Star's 56-Yard Bomb Has Fans Asking Why He's Not in the NFL Related: Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Etienne Comparisons Fuel Hype Around Clemson RB Gideon Davidson
