You’ve heard about the term NIL over the course of the last few years, but things are starting to ramp up when it comes to university installation. On Thursday, Tennessee athletics released their plan for how they would approach the new program and how student athletes will be able to profit.
The university released their strategy, with a working relationship with NIL-focused firm Altius Sports Partners. In regards to helping athletes learn the program and their worth, an anonymous Tennessee Fund donor has been earmarked for continued development of the university’s NIL-centric academic programming as well. The school will offer courses, with the intent on helping athletes understand how to maximize their image.
“Educating our student-athletes is the key to helping them maximize their opportunities relative to NIL,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “As an institution of higher learning, it was important that our NIL program include a comprehensive educational component. This program assures current and future Vols and Lady Vols that the University of Tennessee is prepared to guide them in effectively managing, expanding and enhancing the value of their personal brands.”
Partnering with Atlius Sports will allow Tennessee to have the access that is needed for these athletes to better understand the process, but also rely on the company to help them with any money making opportunities that are presented. This will also serve as a way for the student athletes to run any potential opportunity through the university and Atlius, so that they are approved and don’t risk eligibility.
“We don’t have a plan; we have a product,” Senior Associate AD for Regulatory Affairs Andrew Donovan said. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of more than 15 months of thoughtful, pointed and collaborative work among a variety of industry experts. In addition to building the framework for a new, all-things-NIL entry course, Altius conducted a full review of the Entrepreneurship minor, providing course-by-course feedback to further integrate NIL-specific educational materials within the curriculum”.
The way Tennessee is approaching this new adventure into the future makes complete sense and is a very wise move on their part. These athletes need to understand their worth and how to approach the new way of making money off their likeness.
This is a win for all parties, especially the student athletes.
