New NIL Department Planned

[shadow force]

Determined to make the University of Louisville a more attractive destination for top talent, interim athletic director Josh Heird is planning a standalone Name, Image and Likeness department committed to putting more cash in the pockets of college athletes.

“We have to create a conduit that better connects our student-athletes to our community,” Heird told the university’s athletic association board Friday. “...We have to show student-athletes we can maximize their earning potential during their time at Louisville.”

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Determined to make the University of Louisville a more attractive destination for top talent, interim athletic director Josh Heird is planning a standalone Name, Image and Likeness department committed to putting more cash in the pockets of college athletes.

“We have to create a conduit that better connects our student-athletes to our community,” Heird told the university’s athletic association board Friday. “...We have to show student-athletes we can maximize their earning potential during their time at Louisville.”

A bought time but this is U of L we'll mess it up

 

[zipp]

Jeff Walz said just last week that all of his current players have an NIL deal with someone this year. Granted his is one of the most successful programs, but I think that's pretty impressive.

I asked him what the process was for his players to participate, and he said there was a website that an advertiser or sponsor can visit and get things started. To involve all of the players, I assume Walz and his staff work to spread the wealth across the entire team wherever possible. Credit to them if they're in fact achieving that result.

He mentioned nothing about a departmental initiative, nor did that surprise me.

My takeaway is that NIL was largely managed (or not) at U of L by the individual programs like women's basketball. While operating in a vacuum, successful coaches such as Walz have probably been doing a reasonable job at it. And he obviously could have a big issue with the haves and have-nots considering HVL is in his program. I could see that as THE major potential issue for a coach dealing with team chemistry and performance.

What progress a guy like Heird will do is anyone's guess. U of L's current ability to raise money doesn't make me optimistic. And I don't think he has much demonstrated ability to improve that...

 

[KozmasAgain]

I watched the presser with CJW and the question was asked since HVL received such a large NIL package were the other players jealous? CJW said no one was upset as a matter of fact they were all happy for her.

 

[zipp]

I watched the presser with CJW and the question was asked since HVL received such a large NIL package were the other players jealous? CJW said no one was upset as a matter of fact they were all happy for her.

Some of that is probably coach-speak. But if they’re all participating at some level, that would help. And for sure that takes work on his part to get that result…