.png)
We knew back last month, that "Name, Image, Likeness" was going to transform the world of college athletics, and the amount of money that would be circulated would be eye-opening. From the formation of "Barstool Athletes", the creation of custom merchandise and NFT's, and multi-million-dollar deals with popular brands like Cash App and Raising Canes, college athletes are getting PAID. There is one person, in imparticular, who is truly taking full advantage of the opportunities that have arisen.
Miami University quarterback, and Heisman Trophy contender, D'Eriq King has made the most of the NIL agreement. He has landed deals with the former Shark Tank company, College Hunks Moving Company, Murphy Auto Group, The Wharf, and Panini America.
The biggest deal of them all is that King became the first collegiate athlete to sign a NIL deal with a professional sports team. It was announced that he would be an FLA Athlete for the Florida Panthers NHL team. He gets to go to the Panthers games, create a variety of connection items and merch, and get to contribute to social media content collaborations.
It is unknown how much King is making in total, but his deal with College Hunks Moving Company is reported to be $20,000. Not only is he raking in the dough, but he's already capitalizing on the business opportunities. He has launched a company called Dreamfield, with Florida State QB, McKenzie Milton. Dreamfield is an NLI-focused company that intends to book live events for college athletes, including speaking engagements, media appearances, and autograph signings. His plan with the money? Save it. A smart move that will pay dividends in the future.
Per NCAA - Effective July 1st, 2021
NCAA college athletes will have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image, and likeness beginning Thursday. Governance bodies in all three divisions today adopted a uniform interim policy suspending NCAA name, image, and likeness rules for all incoming and current student-athletes in all sports. The policy provides the following guidance to college athletes, recruits, their families, and member schools:
Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities may be a resource for state law questions.
College athletes who attend a school in a state without a NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.
