The Hustle Daily Show How college athletes are making more than you
Apr 15, 2025
A landmark Supreme Court ruling has unleashed a financial revolution for college athletes, allowing them to profit from their name and image. The NIL industry is booming, potentially worth $1.6 billion, with platforms like Open Doors helping athletes secure lucrative brand deals. Some athletes are raking in millions, such as a gymnast who earned almost $10 million. Meanwhile, significant shifts in the sports landscape are prompting discussions on future legal cases that could further reshape college athletics.
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The Rise of NIL
- College athletes can now profit from brand deals and sponsorships, thanks to a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
- This has created a new industry with startups aiming to capitalize on this change.
Legal Battles and NIL
- The Supreme Court ruling in 2021 allowed college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
- A current case could award $2.8 billion in damages to D1 athletes and change how NIL income is handled.
OpenDoors: Facilitating NIL Deals
- OpenDoors, a startup, connects student athletes with brands for NIL deals, charging brands 10% of the deal value.
- The platform simplifies NIL deals for athletes who lack agents, offering deal applications and payment processing.