The Change in Collegiate Athletics: Name, Image Likeness (NIL)

Collegiate athletics undergoes constant evolution, with seniors graduating, transfers in and out, shaping an ever-shifting landscape. Amidst this dynamic environment, one of the most significant transformations in the last three years is the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. Introduced in 2021 across all three divisions of collegiate athletics, NIL empowers student athletes to capitalize on their personal brand by allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness. This sweeping change within the NCAA has opened doors for student athletes to monetize their identities, enabling them to accept compensation from companies for endorsements and promotions. While some athletes have readily embraced this rule, others remain cautious. To enhance understanding and support athletes in navigating these new regulations, many institutions, including Sewanee, have forged partnerships with companies. 

In 2023, Sewanee Athletics joined forces with Opendorse, a prominent athlete marketplace and NIL company, to guide over 550 student athletes through the intricacies of NIL.

Opendorse assists Sewanee's student athletes in comprehending, constructing, safeguarding, and monetizing their brand value. Each athlete at Sewanee has a personalized profile on Opendorse, showcasing their attributes for potential collaborations with companies and organizations. Beyond mere profiles, athletes can establish prices for various activities such as shoutouts, appearances, posts, autographs, and more. This flexibility empowers student athletes to effectively manage their NIL experience, setting expectations and terms with interested parties.

Through Opendorse, athletes can proactively engage with companies and organizations via features like the discovery page and opportunities page. 

This partnership between Sewanee and Opendorse exemplifies the collaborative effort aimed at assisting student athletes in navigating the complexities of this new regulation. However, NIL has introduced challenges, notably the rise of the "transfer portal." The allure of lucrative deals with major brands has led some athletes to prioritize incentives over the long-term success of their academic and athletic careers. While acknowledging the individual agency of student athletes in making these decisions, concerns arise as some view the trend as a prioritization of short-term gains over sustained success. NIL is undeniably reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics, offering athletes unprecedented opportunities for financial gain. Institutions like Sewanee are actively contributing to the education and support systems necessary for athletes to navigate this transformative change. As NIL continues to influence collegiate athletics, we can anticipate further adjustments and refinements in response to the evolving landscape.