NIL Investor: How Rutgers is Rewriting the NIL Playbook, SEC’s Sankey Takes on NIL and Transfer Portal Shake-Up, Derik Queen Scores Sweet NIL Deal with Dairy Queen

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We’re exploring the latest trends and insights in NIL, from the investor’s point of view. What you need to know today, nothing more. Find more on our site.

• UT Diver Scores NIL Deal with Sprouts

• Derik Queen Scores Sweet NIL Deal with Dairy Queen

• How Rutgers is Rewriting the NIL Playbook

• Wally Szczerbiak Weighs In: NIL and Transfer Portal Shakeup

• SEC’s Sankey Takes on NIL and Transfer Portal Shake-Up

UT Diver Scores NIL Deal with Sprouts

The NIL landscape just got a little greener at the University of Texas. Sprouts Farmers Market has signed a pioneering NIL deal with Hailey Hernandez, a standout diver for the Longhorns. This partnership marks another step in increasing opportunities for female athletes in collegiate sports.

By the Numbers:

- Hernandez is a three-time NCAA national runner-up.

- University of Texas athletes have over 500,000 combined social media followers.

- Sprouts operates over 340 stores in 23 states.

Why It Matters: This deal highlights the growing trend of female athletes capitalizing on their NIL rights, setting a precedent for others.

What's Next: Expect more brands to jump into the NIL arena beyond traditional revenue-generating sports as they seek to leverage the influence of college athletes. The partnership between Sprouts and Hernandez could pave the way for similar deals, especially as brands look to associate themselves with health-conscious and sustainable lifestyles. Read More

Apple's New Smart Display Confirms What This Startup Knew All Along

Apple has entered the smart home race with its new Smart Display, firing a $158B signal that connected homes are the future.

When Apple moves in, it doesn’t just join the market — it transforms it.

One company has been quietly preparing for this moment.

Their smart shade technology already works across every major platform, perfectly positioned to capture the wave of new consumers Apple will bring.

While others scramble to catch up, this startup is already shifting production from China to its new facility in the Philippines — built for speed and ready to meet surging demand as Apple’s marketing machine drives mass adoption.

With 200% year-over-year growth and distribution in over 120 Best Buy locations, this company isn’t just ready for Apple’s push — they’re set to thrive from it.

Shares in this tech company are open at just $1.90.

Apple’s move is accelerating the entire sector. Don’t miss this window.

Act Fast- Apple’s Halo effect is coming

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Derik Queen Scores Sweet NIL Deal with Dairy Queen

Sometimes all it takes is the right name at the right time. Maryland's Derik Queen has nabbed a tasty new NIL partnership with Dairy Queen. As the Terrapins make waves in March Madness, Queen is capitalizing on his on-court success and popularity. This deal marks another significant NIL milestone as athletes continue to leverage their brand power.

- $50,000: Estimated value of Queen’s Dairy Queen deal.

- 3 million: Followers across Queen's social media platforms.

- 2nd: NIL deal for Queen during his college career.

What's Next: Thank’s to Maryland recent run to the second weekend in the NCAA tournament, Queen's profile—and potentially his NIL opportunities—are set to rise. Read More

How Rutgers is Rewriting the NIL Playbook

Rutgers basketball is weaving NIL opportunities into its roster-building strategy. Coach Steve Pikiell is focused on leveraging NIL to enhance the team's competitive edge. With recent changes in NCAA rules, Rutgers is adjusting its approach to recruiting and player development.

- Rutgers aims to boost its NIL opportunities for players.

- NCAA's revenue-sharing settlement could enhance funding.

- The team has seen a 20% increase in recruitment interest since NIL changes.

Why It Matters: The integration of NIL opportunities can elevate Rutgers' status and provide players with financial benefits previously unavailable.

What's Next: Rutgers plans to increase collaborations with local businesses to expand NIL opportunities. Pikiell and his team are also eyeing upcoming recruits with strong personal brands. Read More

Wally Szczerbiak Weighs In: NIL and Transfer Portal Shakeup

The landscape of college basketball is evolving, and former NBA player Wally Szczerbiak is weighing in. On the Dan Patrick Show, Szczerbiak discussed the dual forces of Name, Image, and Likeness deals and the transfer portal reshaping how athletes navigate their college careers. His insights highlight the rapidly changing dynamics within college sports.

- Over 1,000 college basketball players entered the transfer portal in 2024.

- NIL deals are projected to reach a market value of $1.14 billion by 2025.

- 57% of college athletes reported that NIL opportunities influenced their transfer decisions.

What's Next: Expect more athletes to leverage NIL opportunities as they weigh their options in the transfer portal. Universities will need to adapt quickly to these changes to remain competitive. The coming seasons promise to bring even more surprises as these trends evolve. Watch Now

Sankey's Take on NIL and Transfer Portal Shake-Up

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey recently shared his insights on two hot topics in college sports: NIL and the transfer portal. Sankey believes there's room for refinement in how these systems operate and impact college athletes and institutions. While acknowledging their benefits, he suggests tweaks could help maintain balance and fairness.

- Over 2,000 athletes entered the transfer portal in the last year.

- NIL deals surged to over $900 million in 2024.

- SEC schools reported a 20% increase in athlete transfers.

Why It Matters: Beyond just the SEC, the evolution of NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping the landscape of college sports, influencing decisions from recruitment to team dynamics.

Expect further discussions and possible regulatory updates as Sankey and other leaders work to refine these systems. The aim is to create a fair playing field that benefits all stakeholders. Read More