NIL Investor: Players are Pushing Back on EA Sports' NIL Deals, Florida QB DJ Lagway Emerging as an NIL Star, a Deep Dive into Penn State's New NIL Plans

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.

• Villanova Announces Plans to Go Big on NIL

• Players are Pushing Back on EA Sports' NIL Deals

• How Georgia is Flipping the Script, and Using NIL as a On-Field Tool

• Florida QB DJ Lagway Emerging as an NIL Star

• Pat Kraft's Deep Dive into NIL, Penn State Sports, and the Plans for Beaver Stadium

Villanova Announces Plans to Go Big on NIL

Villanova University is making waves with its latest NIL initiative, aiming to empower student-athletes and boost their marketability and building on the digital NIL exchange, The Wildcat Exchange, launched last year. The exchange is free to use and is designed to streamline sponsorship deals between athletes and local NIL sponsors.

This move aligns with their strategic focus on enhancing the student experience and opening new revenue streams.

- Villanova ranks among the top universities embracing NIL with comprehensive support frameworks.

- The program includes mentorship opportunities from industry leaders.

- Villanova athletes have seen a 30% increase in brand collaborations since the NIL policy change.

Why It Matters: NIL is transforming the landscape of college sports, and Villanova's proactive approach sets a precedent for other institutions.

What's Next: Villanova plans to expand its NIL resources, offering workshops and networking events. Athletes can anticipate more personalized opportunities to enhance their personal brands. Expect increased athlete engagement with local and national brands. 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.

Players are Pushing Back on EA Sports' NIL Deals

Uh oh, more than a few college football players are voicing concerns over their NIL deals with EA Sports, catching the attention of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The crux of the issue is the compensation being offered for the use of players' likenesses in video games. The NFLPA has stepped in to scrutinize these agreements and ensure fairness.

- EA Sports allegedly offered $500 to college players for the use of their Name, Image and Likeness in games

- NFL players earn thousands annually from similar deals.

- The NCAA brings in billions in revenue each year.

Why It Matters: This pushback could reshape how NIL deals are structured, potentially leading to better compensation for college athletes and setting a precedent for future agreements.

What’s Next: Negotiations are expected to continue as players, and their representatives seek fairer terms. The involvement of the NFLPA could bring significant changes to the NIL landscape. Observers anticipate that this will influence other sports video game deals. Read More

How Georgia is Flipping the Script, and Using NIL as a On-Field Tool

Georgia's football program is not only different from the competition when it comes to Xs and Os, but the university is setting itself apart through its NIL policies as well. Case in point: Players aren’t being handed large checks just to show up on campus. Increasingly, those payments are being tied to performance on the field too, not unlike the incentive laden contracts that are so common in the NFL. Coach Kirby Smart’s reasoning? Ensuring players not only win games but also maximize their earning potential.

Why It Matters: Georgia's approach to NIL is a blueprint for other programs looking to enhance their appeal and support their athletes financially. It remains to be seen how this all pays off for the program and its players.

What's Next: Georgia plans to expand its NIL education program, ensuring more athletes understand and leverage their opportunities. The Bulldogs are also working on partnerships with local and national brands to further boost their players' visibility and earnings. Read More

Florida QB DJ Lagway Emerging as an NIL Star

Florida's rising star quarterback, DJ Lagway, is making waves not just on the field but also in the NIL market. As the college football landscape shifts with players monetizing their name, image, and likeness, Lagway stands out with impressive endorsements, totaling more than $3.7 million in NIL value.

Now, you can add NIL deals with Nintendo and Epic Games to the list, where Lagway will promote Fortnite.

By the Numbers:

- Lagway completed 59.9% of his passes for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2024

- Deals with Gatorade, Leaf Trading Cards and a number of local Florida charities - plus now Nintendo and Epic Games - peg his NIL value at north of $3.7 millio

- Lagway has the seventh-highest NIL value among all college athletes, fourth among college football players and third among quarterbacks

Why It Matters: Lagway's success story is a testament to the growing influence of NIL in shaping college athletes' careers and the sports marketing landscape. As his production on the field has grown, so has his NIL valuation.

What's Next: Lagway’s performance on the field could unlock even more significant deals. Investors and brands will be watching closely to see how this young quarterback capitalizes on his NIL success. Read More

Pat Kraft's Deep Dive into NIL, Penn State Sports, and Beaver Stadium Plans

Pat Kraft, Penn State's Athletic Director, recently opened up about the future of Beaver Stadium and NIL initiatives in a comprehensive talk. Of particular interest was his take on the school’s Name, Image, and Likeness deals and how they’re reshaping college sports. Kraft emphasized the importance of adapting to this new era and hinted at strategic changes in the pipeline.

Penn State hasn’t been a major player in the NIL market to date, but that could be changing.

- Penn State brought in $13.8 million in NIL this year through its collective

- That ranks PSU at 13th nationally as of the end of 2024

- $48 million: Estimated annual economic impact of Beaver Stadium events.

What Kraft Said: “We’re where we want to be. I feel really good where we're at. We can always be better. I'm a competitor, I want to be the best in the country, but I think the new landscape is changing the way that that's going to look. Trust your evaluation, recruit the kids you want to recruit, and hold on to them. Your kids are your culture.”

Why It Matters: Kraft’s plans could reshape the landscape of college sports in Pennsylvania, impacting both the athletic program and the community.

What's Next: Kraft plans to engage more with community stakeholders to discuss the potential renovations and updates. His initiatives on NIL are expected to roll out in the coming months, offering new opportunities for student-athletes. Read More