College athletes are now able to make money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through social media deals, opening up new career paths beyond going pro in sports. The overturn of the ban by the NCAA has led to significant secondary income opportunities for students.
Key Points
NIL rights have empowered college athletes to monetize their social media presence
Social media influencing has become a viable career path for some athletes
Increased opportunities for brand deals and sponsorships in the social media space
Pros
Opportunity for college athletes to make money through social media deals
Expanded career prospects beyond going pro in sports
Increased personal branding and financial independence for students
Cons
Varied income potential could lead to financial uncertainty for some athletes
Pressure to balance social media work with academic and athletic commitments
Potential for distraction from academic and athletic priorities