The NCAA has made a significant stride in providing transparency in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with the launch of its new NIL data dashboard. Part of the NCAA's NIL Assist program, this dashboard offers a glimpse into the market for NIL deals, allowing athletes to self-report their agreements and presenting the data anonymously. This initiative aims to give athletes, coaches, and fans a clearer picture of the NIL landscape.

Key Insights from the Dashboard

The dashboard, which went live on August 1, includes data from January 1 to July 31 of this year. While it's not entirely clear what percentage of Division I athletes have reported their NIL deals, the available data provides some interesting insights:

• Football Players: 37.3% of the reported deals.
• Men's Basketball Players: 15.4% of the reported deals.
• Women's Basketball Players: 8.2% of the reported deals.

Potential Impact of Pending Legislation

If the proposed settlement in the House vs. NCAA case is approved, athletes will be required to report NIL deals exceeding $600. This could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the NIL market and further enhance transparency.

Implications for Mid-Major and Group of Five Programs

The data suggests that the disparity in NIL deals between athletes at Autonomous Four conferences (Power Four) and those at Group of Five programs is significant. However, the median figures indicate that the average is skewed by a few substantial deals:

• Power Four Quarterbacks: Average earnings of $151,275, with a median of $2,818.
• Group of Five Quarterbacks: Average earnings of $20,961, with a median of $1,354.
• Overall Football Players: Power conference players reported an average of $75,390 (median $3,180), while Group of Five players reported an average of $4,295 (median $600).

This indicates that while top-tier talent at Power Four schools can secure lucrative deals, the financial benefits for the average Division I football player remain modest, regardless of the school.

Notable Exceptions

Despite the general trends, there are notable exceptions where individual players secure significant deals. For instance:

• Indiana University: With backing from celebrity billionaire Mark Cuban, Indiana has made substantial offers to players, particularly those following former James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti.
• Texas Tech: The Red Raiders have reportedly offered Stanford star NiJaree Canady a $1 million deal after she transferred, significantly above the average for power conference softball players.

The Role of NIL in Men's Basketball

NIL has notably impacted men's basketball, with Power Four players reporting average earnings of $171,272 (median $40,032). In contrast, Group of Five players reported an average of $15,846 (median $1,257). This highlights the considerable financial opportunities available to top basketball talent at Power Four schools.

Conclusion

The launch of the NIL data dashboard is a positive step toward increased transparency in college sports. While it highlights the significant disparities in NIL deals across different levels of competition, it also underscores the importance of continued monitoring and reporting. As NIL continues to evolve, tools like this dashboard will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent marketplace for all college athletes.

Saluja Law is committed to providing updates and insights on developments in college sports regulations, including NIL policies and their implications for athletes and programs. Stay tuned for more analysis and commentary on these important issues.