The Quiet Debate about the Value of NIL Education
This content first appeared in NIL Corner, my monthly column in Sports Business Journal.
In the evolving landscape of NIL, there is a quiet debate that has emerged at universities and within athletic departments. On one side of the spectrum are advocates who champion comprehensive - even mandatory - NIL education, viewing it as a means to empower student-athletes. A contrasting and reasoned perspective exists among those who harbor reservations. In this column, I delve into the contrasting opinions that will shape the future of NIL education.
5 Reasons to support NIL education…
#1 Compliance and NCAA Regulations: At the heart of NIL education lies a commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations. These guidelines mandate that student-athletes navigate the landscape of NIL activities within defined parameters. Universities who understand the legal and regulatory complexities are prioritizing education to ensure athletes adhere to these rules. This proactive approach reduces the risk of non-compliance issues, safeguarding both the athletes and the reputation of the university.
#2 Protecting Student-Athlete Well-being: Universities bear a fundamental duty to prioritize the well-being of student-athletes. NIL education empowers student-athletes to make informed decisions. By arming them with knowledge about potential legal and financial pitfalls associated with NIL activities, universities contribute to the overall welfare of their athletes.
#3 Enhancing Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention: Providing NIL education serves as a tangible demonstration of a university's support for its athletes in navigating the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. This support becomes a key factor in attracting student-athletes who seek an environment where their NIL interests are supported.
#4 Promoting Career Success: Education on NIL matters extends beyond the playing field, equipping student-athletes with skills that transcend their athletic careers. By providing insights into business aspects, universities contribute to the academic and career success of their athletes, preparing them for a transition into professional fields post-graduation.
#5 Alumni and Donor Relations: Engaging in NIL education strengthens the university's relationship with alumni and donors. Demonstrating a commitment to the success and well-being of student-athletes can lead to increased support, both in terms of financial contributions and advocacy for the university's programs.
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6 Reasons NOT to…
#1 Resource Constraints: One of the primary challenges universities face is the limitation of financial resources and staff dedicated to implementing comprehensive NIL education programs. In a landscape of competing demands, some universities find it challenging to allocate resources for initiatives beyond immediate academic or student-athlete needs.
#2 Focus on Core Academic Mission: Many universities prioritize other academic programs rather than additional initiatives like NIL education. This perspective emphasizes the belief that student-athletes should primarily focus on their studies, potentially placing NIL education on a lower priority tier.
#3 Perceived Lack of Interest: A potential hurdle in the implementation of NIL education programs is the perception that student-athletes may not be interested in NIL. (I hear this frequently at non-Power Five schools and on DII and DIII campuses; while I’m not going to rebut the argument here, I do think that “lack of interest” is at least in part a result of absence of NIL education and support shown by the university.)
#4 Complexity and Evolving Landscape: The dynamic and evolving nature of NIL regulations poses a significant challenge for universities. Some institutions may hesitate to invest in education programs due to concerns about keeping up with rapidly changing laws and ensuring that the information provided remains accurate and relevant.
#5 Legal Concerns: Worries about potential legal liabilities associated with providing NIL education may deter some universities from fully embracing such programs. The fear of inadvertently offering inaccurate information or advice that could lead to legal issues for the university adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
#6 Existing Support Structures: Some universities argue that existing support structures, such as career services, are sufficient to address the needs of student-athletes. The perceived adequacy of these structures may lead to questions about the necessity of specialized NIL education programs.
The NIL ecosystem finds itself at a crossroads, weighing the benefits of NIL education against the perceived challenges. It’s just another element to navigate in the delicate balance between the academic and business dimensions of collegiate sports.
Bill Carter is an NIL Consultant, Educator, and Speaker. He is a NIL Columnist for Sports Business Journal and teaches NIL in College Sports at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business. Click here to read about Bill’s NIL Consulting and NIL Education for sports organizations, universities, and brands.