By SportsEpreneur Editorial Team | Updated: June 2026
TL;DR NIL Pros and Cons in 2026
Here’s where NIL is winning — and where it’s breaking the system:
Pros
- New direct money: Schools can now pay athletes up to $20.5M per year through revenue sharing, on top of NIL deals. Real earnings power is here.
- Market growth: The NIL economy is now $2.6B, with ~$1.8B reaching athletes directly.
- Women’s sports rising: Volleyball, softball, and women’s hoops are seeing triple-digit NIL growth and record TV audiences.
- More opportunities: From EA Sports’ $1,500 per player video game checks to long-term brand partnerships, NIL is diversifying beyond just football and basketball stars.
Cons
- Inequality widening: ~84% of direct school revenue sharing still flows to football and men’s basketball. Other sports lag far behind.
- Distractions & pressure: Obligations, disclosures, and portal-driven deal spikes add stress to already packed student-athlete schedules.
- Spending frenzy: Collectives blew up +824% YoY in June 2025 ahead of new caps—a sign of how distorted the market can get.
- International athletes locked out: Visa restrictions still block many foreign players from NIL, even as they dominate rosters in soccer and other sports.
This is the balanced view, both sides on the table. If you’d rather see one side argued all the way through, read the case that NIL is good or the case that NIL is bad. For the current rules themselves, including 2026 updates like the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model and the latest NIL Go reporting and review thresholds, see our practical guide to NIL Rules in 2026. This page stays focused on the broader pros and cons.
NIL Pros and Cons: 2026 Summary
NIL has matured from a chaotic gold rush into a $2.75 billion industry with real structure, real winners, and real losers.
The Upside in 2026
Athletes now have direct earning power, schools are sharing revenue, women’s sports are growing fast, and new opportunities — from brand deals to video games — keep expanding.
The Downside in 2026
Money still flows heavily to football and men’s basketball, compliance pressure is rising, collectives continue to distort the market, and international athletes remain sidelined.
The Bigger Picture
NIL is here to stay, but the story is far from settled. Whether it becomes the best thing to happen to college sports — or its most dangerous experiment — depends on how schools, athletes, brands, and regulators handle the next phase.
The Rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
NIL is the best and worst thing to ever happen to college sports—finally rewarding athletes for their value, while also threatening to tear the system apart. In just four years, NIL has exploded into a $2.75 billion economy, reshaping how athletes, schools, and brands interact.
On one hand, NIL delivers long-overdue financial empowerment, professional development, and recognition. On the other hand, it brings inequality, distractions, compliance headaches, and a growing gap between the haves and have-nots.
This article breaks down the NIL pros and cons in 2026, pulling in the latest numbers, stories, and trends. The goal isn’t to take sides—it’s to show how NIL is simultaneously a dream come true and a potential disaster for the future of college sports.
NIL Pro: Financial Empowerment
Perhaps the most prominent benefit of NIL deals is the newfound financial empowerment they afford to college athletes. Student-athletes have always been restricted from profiting while their universities and athletic programs reaped the rewards of their labor and talent. In the few years NIL has been around, the top earners have already received life-changing sums of money. Some argue that the compensation is long overdue and well-deserved, while others say the payouts are too big and could lead to irresponsible decisions and a loss of passion.
One example that drew significant media attention in recent years was Shedeur Sanders. Shedeur was the second-highest NIL earner, with an estimated $4.7 million in earnings, and he was not shy about showing it. Shedeur created a big wave in the sporting world with his “watch flex” celebration, where he holds up his wrist to the opposing team or crowd and shows off his $70,000 Audemars Piguet watch coated in 30 carats of VVS diamonds. Fans were split on their feelings towards the watch and Shedeur’s actions; some called it excessive, while others felt it was a masterclass in marketing and perfectly fit the family brand (his father, Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, has always turned heads). Sanders’ “Prime 21” sunglasses made an estimated $4.5 million in sales, and he still boasts that same swagger he carried in the 1990s.
But it would be wrong to conclude that all successful college athletes splurge in the same way. Some athletes probably discuss their new wealth carefully with advisers and loved ones.
Takeaway: NIL has created real earning power for college athletes—how they handle it varies widely, from flashy marketing to responsible planning.
NIL Pro: Recognition of Athlete’s Value
It can be argued that the NIL deals are not even about the money. Rather, these deals acknowledge the revenue these athletes bring to their universities and sports programs, as well as the sacrifices they make on the way to greatness. Many start as young as three, four, or five, putting in thousands of hours of practice and games throughout their childhoods. They may love their sport and might have played happily without NIL deals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve recognition and reward.
Takeaway: NIL deals aren’t just about dollars—they’re a long-overdue acknowledgment of the time, effort, and value athletes bring to their schools and the sports industry.
NIL Pro: Professional Development and the Incentive for Academic Success
Engaging in NIL deals provides athletes with valuable real-world experience in marketing, branding, and financial management. In the past, this was not part of athletes’ lives until they reached the professional level. While most professional athletes have agents, financial advisors, and other representatives to manage brand deals and speak to companies on their behalf, many young athletes have to learn to represent and sell themselves to secure brand deals or negotiate larger pay from companies seeking their business. They also face very difficult money-management decisions. By navigating endorsement contracts and sponsorships, athletes gain insight into the business side of sports, equipping them with skills that can prove invaluable beyond their athletic careers, whether they become professionals or not.
The potential for lucrative NIL deals may motivate athletes to excel both athletically and academically. By maintaining high performance on and off the field, athletes can enhance their marketability and attract more lucrative endorsement opportunities from potential sponsors. No matter how talented a player is, many companies will care more about how good a person they are. They would not want to attach their brand and image to someone who doesn’t fit their culture, especially in today’s era of social media, where people will find any mistake someone has made and use it against them.
Takeaway: NIL gives athletes an early start on building their personal brand and handling real business decisions—skills that matter whether or not they go pro. It also pushes them to stay sharp academically and personally, since character now affects earning potential.
For the full argument that the upside outweighs the problems, read NIL Is Good.
NIL Con: Inequities and Distractions
While NIL deals promise newfound opportunities for athletes, they also risk exacerbating disparities and distractions within collegiate athletics.
Of the top 100 athletes in NIL rankings in 2o24, 98 were either football or basketball players. There is also a clear imbalance between men’s and women’s sports. For example, Caitlin Clark became the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball history. And then she broke the all-time NCAA record for men or women—Pete Maravich’s record of 3,667 points scored. However, Clark ranked 38th in NIL rankings. Another kind of disparity involves players on the same team who are similar in skill but differ in social media flare. For example, the two leading scorers on the USC basketball team that year were Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier, both of whom averaged just over 16 points per game. Ellis was not even in the NIL top 100, while Collier ranked 94th. There’s no denying there are clear discrepancies in NIL so far.
And when a freshman in college is given millions of dollars, there’s a high probability that it can become quite the distraction, whether it is a direct distraction, as some have claimed about Shedeur Sanders, or a result of applying more pressure to perform and maintain this level of popularity online. Many of these players now have obligations to fulfill as a part of their NIL deals, which can take time away from their academic and athletic obligations, which should be priorities one and two.
Takeaway: NIL has opened doors, but it’s also raised questions about fairness—between sports, genders, teammates, and personalities—and added new pressures and distractions for young athletes still trying to grow on and off the field.
NIL Con: Impact on Amateurism and Competitiveness in the NCAA
The introduction of NIL deals raises fundamental questions about the traditional principles of amateurism and collegiate athletics. NIL has shifted the environment between college and professional sports, as college sports are now viewed more as a business for athletes than as a school. Some argue that college sports will lose their unique feeling as we move into the NIL era.
College rosters change every year, creating an exciting situation where any given year could see new rankings in the top 25, new Heisman Trophy winners, and a new National Champion. This is in contrast to professional sports, where often there are just a few teams that are contenders, and it’s much easier to predict who will win the MVP and the championship. So, the argument is that if NIL continues to dominate as it already has, we will see something similar: a handful of schools that generate the most revenue will also have the most to offer and spend on NIL deals, leading to predictable seasons and repeat champions.
Takeaway: NIL may blur the line between college and pro sports—potentially hurting the spirit of amateurism and creating an uneven playing field where only the biggest programs consistently dominate.
NIL Con: Less Incentive to Compete and Progress
The last major issue that comes to mind is that NIL deals can reduce the incentive to compete and grow as a player. The argument is that if athletes are given money to take care of themselves and their families right out of high school, they will lose that drive and competitive edge that got them there in the first place, decreasing the incentive or even the need to aim for the pros. If a player receives millions of dollars while in college, why would he or she not stay as long as possible before progressing? We’ve witnessed, for decades, some of the best players in college sports never being able to replicate that success when they get drafted, whether due to poor performance or injuries. Players like Tim Tebow, Johnny Manziel, Greg Oden, and Anthony Bennett are among the most memorable in recent years, having won Heisman Trophies or been drafted first overall, only to never make it in the NFL and NBA. Could you imagine the NIL deals that Manziel or Tebow would have been offered had it been around in their time?
Takeaway: Big NIL payouts may reduce hunger and long-term development—some athletes might peak early, losing motivation to improve or push toward pro careers.
For the full argument that these problems are breaking the system, read NIL Is Bad.
The College Game Is Changed Forever
At its core, NIL isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. It’s the quarterback who can now help his family financially. It’s the volleyball player who turns her social media following into a career springboard. It’s also the international soccer star watching teammates cash in while she’s shut out by visa rules.
For some athletes, NIL means freedom and opportunity. For others, it means new pressure, jealousy, or being left behind. For fans and schools, it’s reshaping traditions, rivalries, and even what it means to call college sports “amateur.”
What happens next will define a generation: Will NIL strengthen college athletics by empowering athletes responsibly, or will it push the game further into chaos? One thing’s certain—the college game has changed forever, and the story is only beginning.
FAQs: NIL Pros and Cons (2026 Update)
What does NIL mean in college sports?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It allows student-athletes to profit from endorsements, sponsorships, merchandise, social media, and appearances while maintaining eligibility.
How much can schools now pay athletes directly?
Through revenue sharing (House v. NCAA settlement), schools can distribute up to $20.5 million per year (2025–26) to athletes. This is separate from outside NIL deals.
How big is the NIL market in 2026?
The NIL economy is worth about $2.6 billion in 2026, with nearly $1.8 billion going directly to athletes through school payments, collectives, and brand deals.
Who gets the majority of NIL and revenue-sharing money?
Roughly 84% goes to football and men’s basketball players, with other sports—especially Olympic and non-revenue sports—receiving far less.
Are women’s sports benefiting from NIL?
Yes. Women’s volleyball and softball have seen triple-digit NIL growth, and engagement on women’s athlete social accounts is almost 3x higher than the average influencer.
What is NIL Go and why does it matter?
NIL Go is a national portal launched in 2025 where athletes must report all deals over $600. It ensures compliance, verifies that deals have a valid business purpose, and prevents pay-for-play violations.
Why was there a spending frenzy in June 2025?
Collectives increased spending by +824% year-over-year in June, rushing to push money to athletes before new revenue-sharing caps and oversight took effect in July.
What about international student-athletes?
Most international athletes on F-1 visas cannot earn U.S. NIL income due to work restrictions. Despite starring in sports like soccer and tennis, they remain largely excluded unless they secure special work authorization.
Do video game deals count as NIL?
Yes. For EA Sports’ College Football 26, every FBS player is being paid at least $1,500, more than double the previous cycle’s base rate.
The NIL era is just beginning. If you’re building in this space and want your story told, SportsEpreneur collaborates with leaders across the NIL ecosystem. Reach out to connect.
Related content to “NIL Pros and Cons”:
NIL Pros and Cons / Con: Suicide Prevention, Pressure, and the Future of Athlete Mental Health | Dr. Kweku Amoasi
NIL Pros and Cons / Con: A Glaring Controversy With Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): International Student-Athletes Can’t Cash In
NIL Pros and Cons / Pro: Jaiden Fields | Growing Up With Justin Fields, UGA Softball, and WWE NIL Next
NIL Pros and Cons / Pro: How Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Are Improving College Athletics
Read more on Pros and Cons of NIL:
An FAQ about what NIL is and what the public, athletes, and parents need to know in 2025+ | FAQs: What Every Fan, Athlete, and Parent Should Know About Name, Image, Likeness (2025 Edition)
A positive take on the new world of college sports | How Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Are Improving College Athletics
A Glaring Controversy With Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): International Student-Athletes Can’t Cash In
What the Protect College Sports Act Reveals About Athlete Representation
Sports Has Turned Into a Money Game with Rachel Maeng
More 2026 updates on NIL:
The Post & Courier: South Carolina colleges are paying athletes. The Statehouse wants to know if these deals include public money.
The Athletic: Jaden Rashada saga shows NIL chaos in college football is at least better than it once was
SportsEpreneur: Roster Management in the Elite Brands College Football
First published March 2024. Updated February 2026 with current NIL policy shifts, revenue-sharing changes, and evolving athlete outcomes.
NIL Pros and Cons | The College Game Is Changed Forever (2026 Update)
By SportsEpreneur Editorial Team | Updated: June 2026
TL;DR NIL Pros and Cons in 2026
Here’s where NIL is winning — and where it’s breaking the system:
Pros
Cons
This is the balanced view, both sides on the table. If you’d rather see one side argued all the way through, read the case that NIL is good or the case that NIL is bad. For the current rules themselves, including 2026 updates like the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model and the latest NIL Go reporting and review thresholds, see our practical guide to NIL Rules in 2026. This page stays focused on the broader pros and cons.
NIL Pros and Cons: 2026 Summary
NIL has matured from a chaotic gold rush into a $2.75 billion industry with real structure, real winners, and real losers.
The Upside in 2026
Athletes now have direct earning power, schools are sharing revenue, women’s sports are growing fast, and new opportunities — from brand deals to video games — keep expanding.
The Downside in 2026
Money still flows heavily to football and men’s basketball, compliance pressure is rising, collectives continue to distort the market, and international athletes remain sidelined.
The Bigger Picture
NIL is here to stay, but the story is far from settled. Whether it becomes the best thing to happen to college sports — or its most dangerous experiment — depends on how schools, athletes, brands, and regulators handle the next phase.
The Rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
NIL is the best and worst thing to ever happen to college sports—finally rewarding athletes for their value, while also threatening to tear the system apart. In just four years, NIL has exploded into a $2.75 billion economy, reshaping how athletes, schools, and brands interact.
On one hand, NIL delivers long-overdue financial empowerment, professional development, and recognition. On the other hand, it brings inequality, distractions, compliance headaches, and a growing gap between the haves and have-nots.
This article breaks down the NIL pros and cons in 2026, pulling in the latest numbers, stories, and trends. The goal isn’t to take sides—it’s to show how NIL is simultaneously a dream come true and a potential disaster for the future of college sports.
NIL Pro: Financial Empowerment
Perhaps the most prominent benefit of NIL deals is the newfound financial empowerment they afford to college athletes. Student-athletes have always been restricted from profiting while their universities and athletic programs reaped the rewards of their labor and talent. In the few years NIL has been around, the top earners have already received life-changing sums of money. Some argue that the compensation is long overdue and well-deserved, while others say the payouts are too big and could lead to irresponsible decisions and a loss of passion.
One example that drew significant media attention in recent years was Shedeur Sanders. Shedeur was the second-highest NIL earner, with an estimated $4.7 million in earnings, and he was not shy about showing it. Shedeur created a big wave in the sporting world with his “watch flex” celebration, where he holds up his wrist to the opposing team or crowd and shows off his $70,000 Audemars Piguet watch coated in 30 carats of VVS diamonds. Fans were split on their feelings towards the watch and Shedeur’s actions; some called it excessive, while others felt it was a masterclass in marketing and perfectly fit the family brand (his father, Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, has always turned heads). Sanders’ “Prime 21” sunglasses made an estimated $4.5 million in sales, and he still boasts that same swagger he carried in the 1990s.
But it would be wrong to conclude that all successful college athletes splurge in the same way. Some athletes probably discuss their new wealth carefully with advisers and loved ones.
Takeaway: NIL has created real earning power for college athletes—how they handle it varies widely, from flashy marketing to responsible planning.
NIL Pro: Recognition of Athlete’s Value
It can be argued that the NIL deals are not even about the money. Rather, these deals acknowledge the revenue these athletes bring to their universities and sports programs, as well as the sacrifices they make on the way to greatness. Many start as young as three, four, or five, putting in thousands of hours of practice and games throughout their childhoods. They may love their sport and might have played happily without NIL deals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve recognition and reward.
Takeaway: NIL deals aren’t just about dollars—they’re a long-overdue acknowledgment of the time, effort, and value athletes bring to their schools and the sports industry.
NIL Pro: Professional Development and the Incentive for Academic Success
Engaging in NIL deals provides athletes with valuable real-world experience in marketing, branding, and financial management. In the past, this was not part of athletes’ lives until they reached the professional level. While most professional athletes have agents, financial advisors, and other representatives to manage brand deals and speak to companies on their behalf, many young athletes have to learn to represent and sell themselves to secure brand deals or negotiate larger pay from companies seeking their business. They also face very difficult money-management decisions. By navigating endorsement contracts and sponsorships, athletes gain insight into the business side of sports, equipping them with skills that can prove invaluable beyond their athletic careers, whether they become professionals or not.
The potential for lucrative NIL deals may motivate athletes to excel both athletically and academically. By maintaining high performance on and off the field, athletes can enhance their marketability and attract more lucrative endorsement opportunities from potential sponsors. No matter how talented a player is, many companies will care more about how good a person they are. They would not want to attach their brand and image to someone who doesn’t fit their culture, especially in today’s era of social media, where people will find any mistake someone has made and use it against them.
Takeaway: NIL gives athletes an early start on building their personal brand and handling real business decisions—skills that matter whether or not they go pro. It also pushes them to stay sharp academically and personally, since character now affects earning potential.
For the full argument that the upside outweighs the problems, read NIL Is Good.
NIL Con: Inequities and Distractions
While NIL deals promise newfound opportunities for athletes, they also risk exacerbating disparities and distractions within collegiate athletics.
Of the top 100 athletes in NIL rankings in 2o24, 98 were either football or basketball players. There is also a clear imbalance between men’s and women’s sports. For example, Caitlin Clark became the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball history. And then she broke the all-time NCAA record for men or women—Pete Maravich’s record of 3,667 points scored. However, Clark ranked 38th in NIL rankings. Another kind of disparity involves players on the same team who are similar in skill but differ in social media flare. For example, the two leading scorers on the USC basketball team that year were Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier, both of whom averaged just over 16 points per game. Ellis was not even in the NIL top 100, while Collier ranked 94th. There’s no denying there are clear discrepancies in NIL so far.
And when a freshman in college is given millions of dollars, there’s a high probability that it can become quite the distraction, whether it is a direct distraction, as some have claimed about Shedeur Sanders, or a result of applying more pressure to perform and maintain this level of popularity online. Many of these players now have obligations to fulfill as a part of their NIL deals, which can take time away from their academic and athletic obligations, which should be priorities one and two.
Takeaway: NIL has opened doors, but it’s also raised questions about fairness—between sports, genders, teammates, and personalities—and added new pressures and distractions for young athletes still trying to grow on and off the field.
NIL Con: Impact on Amateurism and Competitiveness in the NCAA
The introduction of NIL deals raises fundamental questions about the traditional principles of amateurism and collegiate athletics. NIL has shifted the environment between college and professional sports, as college sports are now viewed more as a business for athletes than as a school. Some argue that college sports will lose their unique feeling as we move into the NIL era.
College rosters change every year, creating an exciting situation where any given year could see new rankings in the top 25, new Heisman Trophy winners, and a new National Champion. This is in contrast to professional sports, where often there are just a few teams that are contenders, and it’s much easier to predict who will win the MVP and the championship. So, the argument is that if NIL continues to dominate as it already has, we will see something similar: a handful of schools that generate the most revenue will also have the most to offer and spend on NIL deals, leading to predictable seasons and repeat champions.
Takeaway: NIL may blur the line between college and pro sports—potentially hurting the spirit of amateurism and creating an uneven playing field where only the biggest programs consistently dominate.
NIL Con: Less Incentive to Compete and Progress
The last major issue that comes to mind is that NIL deals can reduce the incentive to compete and grow as a player. The argument is that if athletes are given money to take care of themselves and their families right out of high school, they will lose that drive and competitive edge that got them there in the first place, decreasing the incentive or even the need to aim for the pros. If a player receives millions of dollars while in college, why would he or she not stay as long as possible before progressing? We’ve witnessed, for decades, some of the best players in college sports never being able to replicate that success when they get drafted, whether due to poor performance or injuries. Players like Tim Tebow, Johnny Manziel, Greg Oden, and Anthony Bennett are among the most memorable in recent years, having won Heisman Trophies or been drafted first overall, only to never make it in the NFL and NBA. Could you imagine the NIL deals that Manziel or Tebow would have been offered had it been around in their time?
Takeaway: Big NIL payouts may reduce hunger and long-term development—some athletes might peak early, losing motivation to improve or push toward pro careers.
For the full argument that these problems are breaking the system, read NIL Is Bad.
The College Game Is Changed Forever
At its core, NIL isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. It’s the quarterback who can now help his family financially. It’s the volleyball player who turns her social media following into a career springboard. It’s also the international soccer star watching teammates cash in while she’s shut out by visa rules.
For some athletes, NIL means freedom and opportunity. For others, it means new pressure, jealousy, or being left behind. For fans and schools, it’s reshaping traditions, rivalries, and even what it means to call college sports “amateur.”
What happens next will define a generation: Will NIL strengthen college athletics by empowering athletes responsibly, or will it push the game further into chaos? One thing’s certain—the college game has changed forever, and the story is only beginning.
FAQs: NIL Pros and Cons (2026 Update)
What does NIL mean in college sports?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It allows student-athletes to profit from endorsements, sponsorships, merchandise, social media, and appearances while maintaining eligibility.
How much can schools now pay athletes directly?
Through revenue sharing (House v. NCAA settlement), schools can distribute up to $20.5 million per year (2025–26) to athletes. This is separate from outside NIL deals.
How big is the NIL market in 2026?
The NIL economy is worth about $2.6 billion in 2026, with nearly $1.8 billion going directly to athletes through school payments, collectives, and brand deals.
Who gets the majority of NIL and revenue-sharing money?
Roughly 84% goes to football and men’s basketball players, with other sports—especially Olympic and non-revenue sports—receiving far less.
Are women’s sports benefiting from NIL?
Yes. Women’s volleyball and softball have seen triple-digit NIL growth, and engagement on women’s athlete social accounts is almost 3x higher than the average influencer.
What is NIL Go and why does it matter?
NIL Go is a national portal launched in 2025 where athletes must report all deals over $600. It ensures compliance, verifies that deals have a valid business purpose, and prevents pay-for-play violations.
Why was there a spending frenzy in June 2025?
Collectives increased spending by +824% year-over-year in June, rushing to push money to athletes before new revenue-sharing caps and oversight took effect in July.
What about international student-athletes?
Most international athletes on F-1 visas cannot earn U.S. NIL income due to work restrictions. Despite starring in sports like soccer and tennis, they remain largely excluded unless they secure special work authorization.
Do video game deals count as NIL?
Yes. For EA Sports’ College Football 26, every FBS player is being paid at least $1,500, more than double the previous cycle’s base rate.
The NIL era is just beginning. If you’re building in this space and want your story told, SportsEpreneur collaborates with leaders across the NIL ecosystem. Reach out to connect.
Related content to “NIL Pros and Cons”:
NIL Pros and Cons / Con: Suicide Prevention, Pressure, and the Future of Athlete Mental Health | Dr. Kweku Amoasi
NIL Pros and Cons / Con: A Glaring Controversy With Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): International Student-Athletes Can’t Cash In
NIL Pros and Cons / Pro: Jaiden Fields | Growing Up With Justin Fields, UGA Softball, and WWE NIL Next
NIL Pros and Cons / Pro: How Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Are Improving College Athletics
Read more on Pros and Cons of NIL:
An FAQ about what NIL is and what the public, athletes, and parents need to know in 2025+ | FAQs: What Every Fan, Athlete, and Parent Should Know About Name, Image, Likeness (2025 Edition)
A positive take on the new world of college sports | How Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Are Improving College Athletics
A Glaring Controversy With Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): International Student-Athletes Can’t Cash In
What the Protect College Sports Act Reveals About Athlete Representation
Sports Has Turned Into a Money Game with Rachel Maeng
More 2026 updates on NIL:
The Post & Courier: South Carolina colleges are paying athletes. The Statehouse wants to know if these deals include public money.
The Athletic: Jaden Rashada saga shows NIL chaos in college football is at least better than it once was
SportsEpreneur: Roster Management in the Elite Brands College Football
First published March 2024. Updated February 2026 with current NIL policy shifts, revenue-sharing changes, and evolving athlete outcomes.