The MedalistGlobal Sport Intelligence

Money & Media

How NIL changed college sports

Name, image, and likeness didn't just create athlete income — it restructured recruiting, roster management, and school strategy.

NIL collectives operate as parallel payroll systems. Transfer portal timing now intersects with deal structures. Women's sports saw faster market development than many projected.

The schools winning the NIL era combine compliance infrastructure, donor networks, and clear athlete-brand positioning.