The Drake Group Education Fund Webinar Series – Critical Issues in Collegiate Athletics: Hosted by 2aDays

Given that we are closing in on the first two years of college athletes being able to profit off their own names, images, and likenesses (NILs) after 100 plus years of restrictions by the NCAA on outside earnings related to the skill or notoriety of players, it is vital to assess how this dramatic change has affected the college sports industry. A stellar line up of expert panelists will discuss the burgeoning NIL industry and its impact on intercollegiate athletics in America. Topics include the growth of “booster NIL collectives,” protection of college athletes from unethical agents, and whether universities are educating athletes on financial literacy and IRS obligations. Significant Title IX and other gender equity issues have been raised with regard to the relationship between institutions and collectives and institutions engaging in co-licensing and group licensing with their own athletes. With large sums of money now flowing directly from boosters to athletes, will this impact athletic department sponsorships and donor contributions? What are the costs and benefits created by the new industry of NIL-related businesses like Opendorse, Altius Sports Partners, and On3, among others. Panelists will also opine on the prospect of federal intervention, legal entanglements, and whether existing NCAA outside employment rules will ever be enforced given current fears of litigation.