NIL Investor: Chris Simms Thinks NIL is Causing ‘Chaos’ in College Sports. Is He Right?, Bill Self Disagrees, Breaking Down Cade Klubnik's NIL Value

In partnership with

We are here to explore the latest trends and insights in NIL. What you need to know today, nothing more. Find more on our site.

Today’s Features:

• Chris Simms Thinks NIL is Causing ‘Chaos’ in College Sports. Is He Right?

• UK Joins the NIL Revolution

• Bill Self: NIL Levels the Court in Men's Hoops

• Now Even Junior Golfers are Attracting NIL Interest

• Cade Klubnik's NIL Value on the Rise

Chris Simms Thinks NIL is Causing ‘Chaos’ in College Sports. Is he Right?

College football is facing turbulence with the NIL era, and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms isn't holding back on sharing his opinions. He believes the system has spiraled out of control, leading to unforeseen consequences. As the debate rages on, stakeholders are grappling with the implications of unrestricted player endorsements.

By the Numbers:

- Over $1 billion was spent on NIL deals in 2022 alone.

- 75% of college athletes say they have benefited financially from NIL opportunities.

- 45% of coaches report challenges in team dynamics due to NIL disparities.

What Simms Said: “College football messed up with this NIL,” Simms told Front Office Sports during an interview at Radio Row in New Orleans before the Super Bowl. “They messed up because nobody’s got more money than Texas. Texas and Notre Dame are going to be like, ‘NIL? Sure. We can print money at these schools.’”

Why It Matters: NIL deals are reshaping the landscape of college sports, creating both opportunities and challenges for athletes and institutions. At this point, however, it’s still the Wild West out there as schools, athletes, and donors work to bring structure to this new market.

What's Next: Expect more discussions on how to regulate NIL deals to maintain fairness and integrity in college sports. Stakeholders will need to collaborate to find a balanced approach that benefits all parties involved. More colleges might start introducing their own guidelines to help navigate this new era. Read More

This tech company grew 32,481%...

No, it's not Nvidia... It's Mode Mobile, 2023’s fastest-growing software company according to Deloitte.

Just as Uber turned vehicles into income-generating assets, Mode is turning smartphones into an easy passive income source, already helping 45M+ users earn $325M+ through simple, everyday use.

They’ve just been granted their stock ticker by the Nasdaq, and you can still invest in their pre-IPO offering at just $0.26/share.

Invest Now

*Mode Mobile recently received their ticker reservation with Nasdaq ($MODE), indicating an intent to IPO in the next 24 months. An intent to IPO is no guarantee that an actual IPO will occur.
*The Deloitte rankings are based on submitted applications and public company database research, with winners selected based on their fiscal-year revenue growth percentage over a three-year period.
*Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com.

UK Joins the NIL Revolution with New Bourbon Partnership

The University of Kentucky is stepping into the NIL arena with a fresh initiative. As college sports embrace the Name, Image, and Likeness era, this move promises to reshape how student-athletes benefit financially.

Step one: Expanding UK’s' “Club Blue” NIL collective with a new partnership with Lexington, KY-based distiller Bespoken Spirits. As part of the arrangement, the company will create two curated bourbons to be sold on the Club Blue website and at retail outlets in Kentucky. Proceeds will go directly to the university’s NIL collective.

- $522 million: Estimated total NIL compensation for college athletes in 2023.

- 72%: Percentage of athletic programs now offering NIL resources.

- 3,000: Number of athletes at UK potentially benefiting.

Why It Matters: UK's move signifies a major shift in collegiate sports, aligning student-athletes' opportunities with modern marketing trends.

What's Next: Expect more schools to follow suit, enhancing their NIL programs with brand partnerships like this in order to stay competitive. Case in point: The University of Kentucky has already announced plans to roll out workshops and partnerships to maximize athlete engagement and earnings. Read More

Bill Self: NIL Levels the Court in Men's Hoops

Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self has an opinion on NIL, saying the new policies have transformed college basketball. In fact, be believes that the new rules have made competition fiercer and more balanced. That’s because the policy shifts have allowed smaller programs to attract talent that traditionally went to powerhouse schools.

By the Numbers:

- $1 billion: Estimated value of the college NIL market in 2023.

- 60%: Increase in NIL deals signed by athletes from non-Power Five schools.

- 25%: Rise in average earnings per athlete since NIL's implementation.

What Self Said: "Absolutely," Self said when asked if there’s parity in college hoops this year. "The reason is in the past when certain programs may get three guys that are all rated in the top 15 in America. Now, you couldn’t afford to get three guys like that, so they’re going to different places."

Why It Matters: NIL is reshaping the landscape of college athletics, breaking traditional power dynamics.

Coaches and programs are adapting to a more competitive recruiting environment. Read More

Now Even Junior Golfers are Attracting NIL Interest

Junior golfer Justin Matthews with the University of Charlotte is making waves at the Gators Invitational, tying for the individual lead and catching the eyes of NIL investors. As college sports increasingly spotlight individual achievements, Matthews' performance underscores the growing opportunities for athletes to capitalize on their personal brands.

- Matthews shot a 66 in the opening round.

- He is tied for first in a field of over 100 competitors.

- The Gators Invitational is a key event in collegiate golf.

Why It Matters: Individual successes like Matthews' at high-profile events can significantly enhance NIL potential, presenting athletes with lucrative opportunities in the form of endorsements and sponsorships.

What's Next: Matthews continues to compete in the final rounds, aiming for the top spot. His consistent performance could draw more attention from brands looking to partner with emerging talents. Read More

Cade Klubnik's NIL Value on the Rise

Clemson's QB Cade Klubnik is making waves not just on the field but also in the NIL market. As college athletes tap into new revenue streams, Klubnik is emerging as a standout in the NIL landscape.

His decision to return next season — thanks in large part to a lucrative NIL deal via the 110 Society — has investors buzzing about the potential growth in his NIL value.

By the Numbers:

- According to estimates, Klubnik’s NIL deal is worth $3.3M annually

- His social media following has surged by 20% since last season

- Klubnik has inked deals with three major brands this year

Klubnik ranks No. 6 among all college quarterbacks and No. 10 among all college athletes nationwide in terms of NIL value heading into the 2025 season.

Why It Matters: Klubnik's rising profile sets a precedent for how college athletes can capitalize on NIL opportunities, influencing recruiting and retention strategies.

What's Next: Expect more high-profile endorsements as Klubnik's star power continues to grow. The upcoming season could further boost his visibility and NIL potential. Read More