🏅The NIL numbers behind the Softball World Series

Hey there,

We’re in the thick of the College World Series right now, but there’s more than enough time to lock in to the NIL world.

We’re talking about dollar signs in this edition: First, we’re looking at the NIL numbers behind last night’s WCWS matchup. Then we’re digging into UNC’s funding increase for basketball… and how that might affect non-revenue sports. Lastly, a new bill in Texas allows high school athletes to get paid NIL… but not all of them. It’s all coming up now – let’s dive in!

— Cole and Collin

The Big 3

College Softball is NIL-Driven in 2025

The Women’s College World Series matchup from last night tells us a lot about how NIL is reshaping the landscape for all sports – not just basketball and football. Neither Texas nor Texas Tech had won a softball title before, but in the NIL era, they’ve each turned into juggernauts.

Tech spent about $3.6 million on their softball program last year, which was nearly double what they’d spent the year prior. One can only guess they’re spending even more for this fiscal year, as they ponied up $1 million for superstar pitcher NiJaree Canady. Texas, meanwhile, has taken their program to the WCWS three of the last four years – all because of NIL investment. 

While there’s not tons of NIL money in softball compared to some other sports, getting to the WCWS can be super lucrative for brand partnerships too. The WCWS reveals an interesting truth: spending just a fraction more NIL money on a sport like softball can turn a non-revenue sports program around much quicker than, say football. (More)

UNC Hoops has a Massive NIL Budget for 2025

After a disappointing basketball season in 2024-25, it seems like North Carolina has decided to go all-in on restoring the program to greatness. Recent reports place their roster-building war chest around $14 million for next season, one of the highest numbers in the country. 

It gets even crazier, too. In addition to the $14 million they’re spending on players, the program is also spending upwards of $7 million on coaching and player personnel evaluators. That’s over $21 million – including an $850K general manager!

For me, the most interesting angle here is how the Tar Heels are going to balance basketball success with football success. They hired Bill Belichick with certain financial promises on the table, so smaller, non-revenue generating sports may take the biggest funding losses. (More)

Texas Passes New NIL Bill

Texas Governor Greg Abott just signed a House bill to keep the state nationally competitive on NIL issues. The first piece of the bill allows colleges to share revenue directly with their athletes, while the second portion allows high school Texans over the age of 17 to receive NIL compensation.

Let’s talk about that second piece. This is one of the only bills in the country to put this sort of age restriction on NIL earning – effectively allowing upperclassmen to profit, while underclassmen can’t. Most other bills simply denote “high school,” not an actual age. That could have interesting consequences if upperclassmen transfer schools based on NIL opportunities.

“This was one of the toughest bills I’ve carried yet onto the House floor,” said Rep. Carl Tepper, the bill’s author, “I wasn’t expecting the challenges I had in committee…A lot of concerns about the future of NCAA football – that’s not what this bill is about but it seems that a lot of the members wanted to vent their frustration with their concerns about college football, and where this is going.” (More)

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NIL BLITZ

♦️ UTSA’s college baseball run has been proof that Moneyball can work in the NIL era

♦️ Mississippi State is giving new head coach Brian O’Connor around $3.5 million to play with for his baseball roster

♦️ If NIL is left up to states, tax rates could decide the future of college sports

♦️ Indiana State is holding an NIL putt-putt fundraiser

♦️ Sometimes small towns can be better for making money as an athlete because of NIL

♦️ Michigan State NIL director takes a job with the New York Giants

♦️ UConn’s first NIL executive director steps down from his position with the collective

♦️ Coaches and ADs want to see more NIL agent regulation in the near future

♦️ A new lawsuit in California could reshape NIL at the national high school level

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BATTER UP

Today’s Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Which plan do you prefer for the 16-Team College Football Playoff?

• The SEC/Big Ten model, with more auto-bids - 46%

• The 5 plus 11 model supported by the Big 12 and others - 54%