Aviation NIL Deals Take Flight
(March, 3rd 2025) - The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has given college athletes opportunities to partner with brands across various industries, including aviation. Private jet companies and major airlines are recognizing the value of partnering with high-profile student-athletes. From football stars to basketball phenoms, several top college athletes have landed aviation-related NIL deals, expanding the scope of endorsements in college sports.
Athlete: Jaxon Dart
School(s): Ole Miss/USC
Participating Brand: Nicholas Air
Sport: Football
Athlete: Quinn Ewers
School(s): Texas/Ohio State
Participating Brand: Nicholas Air
Sport: Football
Athlete: Travis Hunter
School(s): Colorado/Jackson State
Participating Brand: United Airlines
Sport: Football
Athlete: JuJu Watkins
School(s): USC
Participating Brand: United Airlines
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Athlete: Caleb Williams
School(s): USC/Oklahoma
Participating Brand: United Airlines
Sport: Football
Aviation NIL deals showcase how college athletes are partnering with brands beyond the typical sportswear and energy drink endorsements. By aligning with private aviation companies and major airlines, these athletes are helping brands expand their reach to a broader audience. As the NIL era continues to evolve, collaborations like these highlight the creative ways brands and athletes are working together in the modern sports business landscape.