Tuesday, July 14, 2026

NIL Deals Affecting More Than Superstars

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

It’s been more than a month since college athletes were first able to profit from their name, image, and likeness — and some significant money has been earned.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has made close to $1 million, while Hercy Miller — an incoming Tennessee State University basketball player and Master P’s son — signed a $2 million endorsement with Web Apps America.

Athlete marketing platform Opendorse shared its numbers from the first month, revealing how much the average student athlete is earning in this new era for college sports. 

  • Division I: $471 average ($210,000 peak)
  • Division II: $81 average ($750 peak)
  • Division III: $47 average ($50 peak)

Football captured 79% of the NIL market share, with men’s basketball following at 9.6% and women’s volleyball at 5.5%. 

Nearly half (46%) of the 2,500 athletes included in Opendorse’s data earned income from social media promotions, and 29% earned money from licensing their NIL rights. The rest came from signing autographs, making appearances, content creation, hosting camps, and selling products.

Last week, Utah-based Built Bar introduced an innovative twist on NIL deals when it told all 36 BYU football walk-ons that the company would pay for their tuition.

Editor’s Note: Opendorse is an FOS partner.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

College Sports Roster Spending Soars Beyond $20.5M Rev-Share Cap

The $20.5 million rev-share cap was a new floor for roster costs.
Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium.

Court Hands NCAA, Conferences Win in Fight Over NIL Enforcement

Schools are still going above the revenue-sharing cap.

NBC’s John Fanta: College Hoops ‘Has Never Been Stronger’

The NBC broadcaster said the college basketball product has never been better.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Draft Highlights College Basketball’s NIL Boom

The first 20 players selected on Tuesday all played in college.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/13/26 – Seahawks Sell for $9.6B, FIFA Looks to Expand WC to 64 Teams, McGregor’s 69-Second Return, Sinner Wins Wimbledon

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Why Stephen F. Austin Volleyball Players Are Suing Their School

Both players were cut from the team following the 2025–26 season.
Mar 16, 2026; Dayton, OH, USA; Detailed view of the “NCAA” logo during the Howard Bison a practice session ahead of the first four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at University of Dayton Arena.
July 9, 2026

Judge Orders NCAA to Grandfather Athletes Into Eligibility Model

The ruling could grant another year of eligibility to thousands of athletes.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, left, sits and laughs alongside head coach Dusty May and Yaxel Lendeborg during a celebration honoring the team’s NCAA men’s basketball national championship at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
July 13, 2026

Michigan AD’s Position in Question As Investigation Findings Loom

The program has been marred by multiple scandals.
Sponsored

Europe Hits Highs and Lows in Thrilling World Cup

Europe has dominated the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but shocking upsets have reshaped the tournament. See the key trends, odds, and semifinal storylines.
July 8, 2026

Is Big 12’s $20M Monster Jersey Patch Deal Too Cheap?

The deal, heralded as the first of its kind, drew criticism.
Aug 30, 2025; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Bucknell Bison tight end Charlie Kreinbucher (82) runs the ball against Air Force Falcons defensive back Roger Jones Jr. (5) in the first quarter at Falcon Stadium.
July 8, 2026

Criminal Case Against Former Bucknell Coach Could Set Precedent

A Bucknell football player died in 2024 after collapsing at practice.
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; General view of the Pac-12 logo on the field before the game between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
July 6, 2026

New Pac-12 Only FBS Conference Not Hosting Media Days

The Pac-12 is expanding from two to eight teams this season.
July 5, 2026

FBI Arrests Ex-College Hoops Player in Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Case

Kerr Kriisa played for Kentucky, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Arizona between 2020 and 2026.