Grace Egan

The New Era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in College Sports and its Impacts on Traditional Models

Started Feb. 5, 2025

Abstract or project description

My research paper, “The New Era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Sports: Shifting the Traditional Model,” explores how the legalization of athlete compensation has reshaped the structure and ethics of amateur athletics. The paper begins by defining NIL and tracing its legal foundation, from early court rulings to the 2021 Supreme Court decision and the landmark House v. NCAA case, while also analyzing how differing state laws and institutional policies have diversified its implementation. It examines how colleges are adapting to this new era, including the emergence of professional-style “General Manager” roles and the growing legal and financial complexities that mirror pro sports management.

The paper expands the discussion to high school athletics, assessing how NIL regulations differ by state and how early monetization may create recruiting disparities. Through interviews and case studies, it highlights how NIL affects every stage of an athlete’s journey, from high school prospects to college transfers—revealing its influence on recruitment, loyalty, and personal development. Drawing on firsthand perspectives, including current athletes like Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, the paper explores how NIL has redefined leadership, team dynamics, and long-term commitment.