By Steven Thayer On October 26, 2022, the NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors unanimously voted to clarify how schools and collectives can be involved with the name, image and likeness (NIL) activities of enrolled student-athletes.  The Board found it necessary to provide additional guidance to schools and booster organizations on a number of key […]

BY STEVEN MCAVOY Julia Roberts once said, “never underestimate the power of dinner.” Steve and Ryan Thayer can attest. In November 2021, Steve, an alumni of the University of Illinois attended a dinner hosted by the university alongside various friends and boosters. The biggest topic of discussion was NIL. “The University put together a dinner […]

Pete Nakos • 10/18/22 Illinois men’s basketball has entered the NFT space. The entire Fighting Illini team has inked NIL deals with NextName, a company that creates digital collectibles. The men’s basketball program is not the first Illinois team to sign with NextName. The Fighting Illini football, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s and women’s […]

Now, fans can support them directly with unique digital collectibles Ann Pitcher, patch.com Naperville residents and University of Illinois volleyball players Sophie Gregus and Caroline Barnes have jumped into the new NIL space by officially signing a ‘name, image, likeness’ (NIL) deal with NextName. NextName offers fans the opportunity to support them through the sale […]

Watch on YouTube by: Scarlett O’Hara CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – A new company wants to connect fans with the world of college sports – digitally. They’re also giving student athletes a way to make money from their name, image and likeness. If it weren’t for scholarships, college athletes would’ve played for free – until last […]