NIL IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS

For as many years as college sports have been a thing, the players themselves have never been able to get paid (at least legally). However, with a new change in rules regarding NIL deals (name, image, likeness), players can get paid from their merchandise being sold, signing deals with brands, or anything of that sort.

For years, college athletes have been begging for this and even some went to the extent of getting paid under the table for their performances, which some got caught, but I’m sure some haven’t. It’s just nice to know that now the young athletes get to make some

money while they play and for the companies themselves. They get to be in tune with the youth of the country and get them involved.

With the addition of NIL deals, even high school players have been able to get deals themselves. Our school’s very own Brandin Cummings recently signed a deal with REL ACADEMY, a basketball training academy and consultation in Bridgeville.

I think that this is an amazing idea for young athletes, and it gives them all a chance to make money for their play instead of basically being borderline exploited for it. It gives players more of a reason to behave outside of their sport since they are representing a company with money involved and not just whichever team they play for.