The issue and opportunity for Name Image and Likeness is still in the fits and starts stage, with a rush for Buzz and sizzle but not a whole lot of execution unless you are in the social space, just yet. However one of the areas that NIL can clear up is for student-athletes who have talents OFF a particular field (not just social media prowess) who can now maximize their dreams, and the dollars that go with it, without compromising their eligibility.
That was the argument that Jeremy Bloom made for years. A talented football player and world class skier, Bloom lost eligibility when he took endorsement money for his skiing prowess and his world class ability, which the NCAA considered an unfair practice. Now if Jeremy was an esports athlete, or a musician on full scholarship, getting sponsors to come on board would not have been a problem.
This will probably arise post-Olympics, when athletes, especially in sports like fencing, swimming or rugby or others, return to campus. They can make dollars off their success as Olympians now, something which was missing in the past. Lydia Jacoby, an unexpected gold medalist from Alaska now heading to the University of Texas, is a great example of someone who can use her success for NIL in a niche.
Another unique opportunity on the NIL side is USC freshman defensive back Ceyair Wright. Wright, one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, is also an accomplished model and actor, having just appeared as LeBron James’ oldest son “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” In past years, Wright could not benefit off his NIL and continue an acting career or a modeling career, while playing for the Trojans. Now he can pivot, if he chooses, between both careers as an undergrad, benefitting off of his movie role while playing at the highest level of college football. How someone like Wright spins both worlds to work for him will be an interesting one. He had more than a brush with fame in the new release, with probable more on the horizon. Now he can do things like commercials, work with causes to raise money and find time for other pursuits while staying on campus and eligible. It is something many young people with talent in the arts, or music, would have loved to have in the past, and it goes way beyond posting a few Instagram spots.
It’s something Jeremy Bloom argued for for a long time, and something a group like Wright can now benefit from in a way many may be missing, but one that makes great sense for the multi engaged and super talented.
Ceyair, the door is open, enjoy walking through it.
