In collegiate sports, the Oregon Ducks have established a name, image, and likeness powerhouse that no other team has been able to match. The salaries of wide receiver Evan Stewart and quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the NIL space provide as concrete evidence of this.
Stewart and Gabriel, who rank eighth and tenth, respectively, are among the football players with the highest NIL earnings. Considering that neither of the two well-known transfers has played a snap for Oregon, this is quite an accomplishment for them both.
By wearing the “I’m Inspired” uniform reveal at Mililani High School in his hometown of Mililani, Hawaii, Gabriel has used his money to improve his hometown. Along with collaborations with Vicis, Riddell, Nike, and other companies, Gabriel’s NIL revenues also played a role in financing the new jerseys.
The Division Street NIL collective in Oregon, often regarded as the most inventive and successful in the nation, has played a significant role in this accomplishment.
Oregon has had success in the NIL arena outside of football as well; heading into her senior season, North Carolina women’s basketball transfer Deja Kelly is ranked No. 12 among women’s collegiate athletes in terms of NIL values.
Universities will soon be allowed to deal directly with new and returning student-athletes, signaling change in the NIL market.
Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens stated, “It’s rapidly evolving. Coming in the fall, we can facilitate deals for student-athletes and our multimedia rights partner can facilitate deals.” “We will have greater opportunities to directly connect with and facilitate deals.”
There is still work to be done, even if it is encouraging that Oregon has led the NIL revolution thus far. Mullens seems prepared to face the difficulties that lie ahead of him in the subsequent stage of NIL implementation. New regulations call for new tactics.
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