Private Jets for NIL? Yes, Please!

Welcome to "The Next Generation" newsletter. This week, we're looking at how student-athletes are making big moves with NIL deals.

From Oregon's new law that helps athletes and schools to Florida letting high school athletes earn money and unique deals like Ole Miss's quarterback flying high with a private jet company and an Akron basketball player helping schools with her partnership. It's all about how athletes are using their fame in new and exciting ways. Let's get into it!

Oregon Paves the Way for NIL Freedom with Bold Legislation

• Oregon's legislative move seeks to redefine NIL rights, proposing a law that shields athletes and schools from NCAA penalties over NIL deals.

• The bill offers unprecedented protection, ensuring that neither athletes nor schools face consequences for engaging in NIL activities, bolstering the spirit of fair play and autonomy.

Oregon is setting a new standard in the protection of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes with a legislative bill that aims to block the NCAA from penalizing athletes or schools over NIL endorsements. 

By removing the NCAA's ability to impose sanctions for NIL engagements, Oregon is championing a free-market approach that recognizes the true value of athletes' contributions to their sports and institutions. This legislative effort underscores Oregon's commitment to leading the charge in the evolution of college sports, heralding a new era of equity and opportunity in the NIL landscape.

Florida High School Athletes Poised to Cash In on Their Fame

• Florida's new proposal could turn high school sports on its head, allowing young athletes to earn from their own name, image, and likeness.

• From social media to endorsements, the doors are opening for teen sports stars to make money, with safeguards to keep the focus on education and integrity.

In a groundbreaking move, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has put forth a proposal that could change the game for high school athletes, allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Under this proposal, athletes are free to engage in endorsements and advertisements, provided they don't leverage their school's branding. 

It introduces a layer of protection for young athletes, ensuring deals are made ethically and without compromising educational values. The proposal also outlines specific prohibitions, including deals related to alcohol, vaping, and gambling, to maintain the integrity of student sports.

Critics express concerns about the potential for NIL to disrupt the purity of high school sports, fearing it might encourage athletes to switch schools for financial gain. However, the FHSAA is considering measures, including a Good Cause Exemption, to mitigate such risks and ensure that the focus remains on the athletes' development and education.

Jaxson Dart Inks a High-Flying NIL Deal: A First in College Sports

• Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart secures a groundbreaking NIL deal, granting him access to Nicholas Air’s luxury fleet for travel and charity work.

• Dart's partnership highlights his commitment to community service, including a special "Stuff-the-Plane" charity event for children.

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is flying high into the NIL space with a pioneering partnership with Nicholas Air, marking the first NIL deal to include private jet usage. This collaboration not only showcases Dart's influence as a top athlete but also his commitment to leveraging his platform for good.

The deal, facilitated by Everett Sports Marketing, represents a new frontier in NIL agreements, combining luxury and altruism. Nicholas Air's decision to partner with Dart reflects a shared emphasis on excellence and community service, setting a precedent for how companies and athletes can collaborate meaningfully in the NIL era.

Basketball Star Lanae Riley Scores Big with Unique Health Clinic NIL Deal

• Akron Zips' Lanae Riley nets a groundbreaking NIL partnership with PSI Solutions.

• Every three-pointer by Riley now benefits local schools, thanks to PSI's commitment to donate health supplies.

In an innovative twist to NIL deals, Lanae Riley, a standout forward for the University of Akron Women’s Basketball team, has teamed up with PSI Solutions for a partnership that's as impactful on the court as it is in the community. This collaboration not only highlights Riley's prowess as a nursing major but also her dedication to making a difference beyond the basketball court.

Riley, known for her sharpshooting skills, has PSI pledging to donate health supplies to local schools with every three-pointer she nails. It's a win-win, where her athletic success directly translates to community support, showcasing a new way for student-athletes to leverage their talents for good.

This partnership doesn't just stop at donations, though, as Riley and the PSI team plan to visit schools to promote careers in nursing, offering a glimpse into the rewarding world of healthcare in educational settings.

That’s a Wrap!

That's the Final Whistle on this week's edition of "The Next Generation." We've seen how the playing field is expanding for student-athletes, with groundbreaking moves that redefine what it means to be a collegiate and high school sports star. Stay tuned for next week's highlights, where we'll continue to track the rising stars of the NIL era, breaking barriers and setting new records in both their sports and personal brands.