The NIL Edge – May 1, 2025

Here’s the latest edition of The NIL Edge as of May 1, 2025, highlighting the most significant developments in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) across college athletics.

🏈 Texas Longhorns Lead in NIL Spending

The University of Texas is making headlines with a projected $35–$40 million investment in its 2025 football roster. This includes a $20.5 million revenue-sharing allocation in line with the proposed House v. NCAA settlement and additional funding from the Texas One Fund, the university’s official NIL collective. Star quarterback Arch Manning’s NIL valuation stands at $6.6 million, primarily from external sponsorships. Despite these investments, the university faces a $10.7 million shortfall, leading to an $80 increase in season ticket prices.
https://nypost.com/2025/05/01/sports/texas-spending-astronomical-and-unsustainable-amount-for-2025-football-team/

🏛️ State-Level NIL Legislation Updates

• Arkansas: The state has enacted the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act, exempting student-athletes’ NIL income from state income tax, effective retroactively from January 1, 2025. This move aims to enhance recruitment competitiveness.
  https://www.marketwatch.com/story/tax-free-nil-payments-to-college-athletes-one-state-hopes-it-will-give-its-schools-an-edge-7ad7ebe9

• Oklahoma: The legislature has passed SB 490, permitting universities to enter NIL revenue-sharing agreements with student-athletes, capped at $20.5 million annually using non-state funds. The bill awaits the governor’s signature.
  https://journalrecord.com/2025/04/30/oklahoma-nil-revenue-sharing-bill/

🏀 Women's Basketball Sees Significant Transfer Activity

The 2025 NCAA women’s basketball offseason has experienced a surge in player movement, with nearly 30% of Division I players exploring new opportunities. Notable transfers include Serah Williams to UConn, Ta’Niya Latson to South Carolina, and MiLaysia Fulwiley to LSU. Maryland and Ole Miss have emerged as transfer portal winners, each securing multiple high-impact players.
https://www.swishappeal.com/ncaa/2025/3/28/24395015/ncaa-wbb-transfer-portal-players-south-carolina-milaysia-fulwiley-uconn-serah-williams-staley-mulkey

And let’s not forget Sa’myah Smith to Virginia. Go Hoos!

https://virginiasports.com/news/2025/04/14/virginia-adds-lsu-transfer-samyah-smith/#:~:text=CHARLOTTESVILLE%2C%20Va.,for%20the%202025-26%20season

💰 University of Kentucky Restructures Athletic Department

The University of Kentucky has transformed its athletic department into Champions Blue LLC, the first known instance of a collegiate program adopting a limited-liability structure. This strategic move aims to provide greater flexibility and agility in generating revenue amidst significant changes in college athletics. The LLC will explore diverse revenue streams, including public-private partnerships and real estate ventures.
https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-athletic-department-llc-ncaa-1511ccf2b47bf669faba159174cb8cc8

🍫 University of Houston Launches NIL-Themed Snack Line

The University of Houston has introduced “HoustonTX Snacks,” a line of UH-themed snacks developed in collaboration with its athletics department, the NIL platform LinkingCoogs, and Victory Snacks. Products like Shasta’s Peanut Butter Crunch and Space City Sour Rings are part of this initiative, with a portion of proceeds supporting UH’s NIL fund. Other universities, including Alabama, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Fresno State, are in talks to join the program. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/college/article/houston-nil-cougar-snacks-20302565.php

🏀 College Basketball Crown Offers NIL Incentives

The 2025 College Basketball Crown (CBC), a postseason tournament for teams not selected for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, featured a total NIL prize pool of $500,000. The University of Nebraska won the championship, defeating the University of Central Florida 77–66. Nebraska’s Juwan Gary was named Most Valuable Player.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_College_Basketball_Crown

As NIL continues to reshape the landscape of college athletics, we’re witnessing unprecedented innovation, legal shifts, and strategic repositioning across universities, collectives, and athletes. Whether you’re advising, investing, or participating in this space, staying informed is essential to seizing the opportunities and navigating the challenges ahead. Stay sharp, and keep your NIL Edge!