Wisconsin Schools Reject NIL 🚨

Welcome to the latest edition of "The Next Generation." This week, we're covering big changes, from new state laws to exciting NIL deals. Join us as we dive into how these changes are making a big difference for student-athletes everywhere. Let’s dive in!

Wisconsin High Schools Reject NIL for Student Athletes Amid Nationwide Trend

• Wisconsin high schools vote against NIL rights for student-athletes.

• The decision leaves Wisconsin behind 31 states that have embraced NIL benefits.

In a closely watched decision, Wisconsin high schools have chosen to keep the status quo, voting against the implementation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for their athletes. During the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) annual meeting, the proposal was rejected with a tally of 219 to 170, signaling a hesitation to follow the footsteps of 31 other states that have already adopted such measures.

The debate prior to the vote revealed a spectrum of opinions among athletic directors, highlighting the need for more information and preparation to potentially embrace NIL in the future. Scott Eggart, the Athletic Director at West De Pere, expressed surprise at the decision, emphasizing the potential benefits and protections that NIL could offer student-athletes and their institutions.

High School Sensation Addy Ritzenhein Sprints into NIL Deal with On

• Niwot High’s Addy Ritzenhein becomes the first high school athlete to ink a deal with On.

• The sophomore star's impressive track record includes a national cross-country title and top national times.

Addy Ritzenhein, a sophomore track phenom from Niwot High School, has officially signed a NIL deal with On, the renowned athletic wear company.

The young athlete has already made a name for herself on the national stage. She clinched a national cross-country title at the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals last December, capping off a stellar season that included seven major wins. One of her standout performances was at the Desert Twilight Invitational, where she recorded the eighth-fastest 5K time nationally, clocking in at 16:44.90.

Moreover, at the New Balance Nationals Indoor, she secured a third-place finish in the two-mile run with a time of 9:52.64, ranking her 11th all-time among high school girls and third in the sophomore class historically. Following this, Ritzenhein set a personal best in the mile at the Arcadia Invitational, posting a time of 4:42.56, the second-fastest in the U.S. this year.

Virginia’s Gary Martin Races into Elite Company with Brooks Running NIL Deal

• University of Virginia star Gary Martin signs an influential NIL deal with Brooks Running.

• Martin’s outstanding performances include school records and top national rankings in distance events.

Gary Martin, a standout distance runner from the University of Virginia, has just accelerated his career with a NIL deal with Brooks Running. This partnership marks the brand's second collegiate athlete signing, following their initial venture into the NIL landscape with sprinter Shawnti Jackson.

In his brief yet illustrious collegiate tenure, Martin has rewritten the Cavaliers' record books. His recent achievements include setting school records in the mile and 3K during the indoor season and continuing his dominance outdoors with exceptional times in the 1,500m and 5K. His 1,500m run, clocked at 3:37.66, ranks him seventh in the NCAA this season, underscoring his potential and making him a prime candidate for Brooks Running’s endorsement.

Oklahoma Enacts Progressive NIL Legislation for Student-Athletes

• Governor Kevin Stitt approved a pivotal bill enabling universities to provide direct NIL compensation.

• The new law includes comprehensive protections for athletes and educational institutions.

On Tuesday, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1786, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of NIL regulations in Oklahoma. Authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson and Rep. Chris Kannady, this law permits universities to directly pay student-athletes for NIL, contingent on future NCAA or federal regulatory changes. 

Key aspects of Senate Bill 1786 include prohibitions against penalizing athletes for accepting NIL deals and safeguards ensuring these agreements do not conflict with existing educational benefits like scholarships. It clarifies that while student-athletes can profit from NIL, they are not considered university employees, maintaining a clear line between academic pursuits and commercial endorsements.

The bill also allows universities to implement "reasonable" restrictions on the timing and nature of NIL activities to prevent conflicts with team commitments. This flexibility ensures that while athletes can engage with brands and receive compensation, their primary focus remains on their educational and athletic responsibilities.

Rising Star Dominick McKinley Scores Big with Gordon McKernan in New NIL Deal

• LSU football signee Dominick McKinley partners with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for NIL deal.

• The partnership emphasizes community involvement and educational outreach in Louisiana.

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys has just announced a significant NIL agreement with incoming LSU football player Dominick McKinley. This new partnership marks an exciting chapter for McKinley as he dons the Tigers' purple and gold for the upcoming season, bringing together one of Louisiana's most promising young talents with a stalwart supporter of local athletics.

Dominick McKinley, a Lafayette native and a top-ranked national defensive lineman, is celebrated not only for his on-field prowess but also for his dedication to his community. As part of the NIL deal, McKinley will engage in various promotional activities that aim to inspire and educate young people throughout Louisiana. 

University of Hawaii Men’s Volleyball Team Nets a NIL Trading Card Deal

• The University of Hawaii Men’s Volleyball team is collaborating with ONIT for a unique NIL trading card venture.

• These exclusive trading card packs will hit Texaco stores across Hawaii, featuring autograph sessions and fan interactions.

The University of Hawaii Men’s Volleyball team is setting the pace off the court with a pioneering NIL deal. In partnership with ONIT, a leader in NIL trading card production, the Rainbow Warriors have launched their very own trading card series, becoming the first collegiate men’s volleyball team to do so. 

The exclusive trading cards are available at the University of Hawaii Manoa Bookstore, H-Zone at the Simplifi Arena, and 19 Texaco stations managed by Island Energy Services. Fans can also meet their volleyball heroes post-National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship, as team members will make personal appearances to promote the card launch and sign autographs.

Lady Vols Softball Strikes Big with Team-Wide NIL Deal Ahead of Top-10 Clash

• Tennessee's Lady Vols secure a landmark team-wide NIL deal through the Lady Vol Boost Her Club.

• The collective agreement boosts support for female athletes, highlighting a growing investment in women's sports.

The Lady Vol Boost Her Club has inked a groundbreaking NIL deal with the entire Tennessee softball team. This deal, announced just before their crucial top-10 matchup against LSU, not only supports the players financially but also underscores the increasing value placed on women's sports.

The Lady Vols, currently leading the SEC and holding a formidable 32-7 record, are set to face LSU in what promises to be a pivotal series. This NIL agreement comes at a perfect time, bolstering team morale and showcasing the robust backing from fans and corporate sponsors. 

Fielding stars like All-American outfielder Kiki Milloy and top pitchers Karlyn Pickens and Payton Gottshall, the team is well-poised for success. With eight trips to the Women’s College World Series under their belt, the Lady Vols exemplify excellence in college softball.

Wrap up

In this week's edition of "The Next Generation," we highlighted the ever-changing landscape of NIL and its growing impact across all levels of sports. From high-profile collegiate deals to significant legislative moves, the world of student-athletes is evolving rapidly. So, keep watching how these developments shape the future of sports, and join us next week for more insights.

Cheers,

GS