• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Top 2023 MLB Draft Prospect Is Taking A Different Approach to NIL

  • Tennessee pitcher Chase Dollander is signing NIL deals that give him access to products that help his on-field performance.
  • He’s gained access to technology, products and resources he didn’t have before.
Jake Crandall/ Advertiser

As MLB.com’s No. 2 projected prospect and top-rated pitcher in the 2023 Draft, Tennessee’s Chase Dollander could be using name, image, and likeness deals to cash in on his star power. 

But the SEC Pitcher of the Year has taken a different approach: He focused on deals that specifically help improve his on-field performance — specifically partnering with companies that help with physical recovery. 

“I’ve been focused on companies and brands that contribute to my health and performance. Specifically brands that can put me in a financial situation to help me to invest in other products to help me become the best I can be,” Dollander told Front Office Sports. The slate of deals he’s signed have “helped me be able to become the next tier of player — just because I feel like recovery is such an important aspect of the game.”

His experience with NIL illustrates that deals can provide much more than just a weekly or monthly paycheck. Many agents and industry experts have been wary, for example, of deals that offer athletes products as part of their compensation. 

But Dollander’s approach shows that for college athletes, access to company products can be a game-changer. The cash he receives is also going toward improving his performance. With his extra earnings, he said, “I’m able to go out and eat a healthier meal.”

  • Before NIL, he relied on his family and his athletic department to provide all of the resources he needed to be a star, he said. 
  • But after last season, he realized he needed to place an extra emphasis on post-outing recovery. 
  • So he turned to NIL deals — which provide him not just disposable income, but also get access to products he may not be able to afford otherwise. 

Dollander has one partnership with Therabody, for example, which includes monetary compensation as well as access to the company’s recovery products. He received the massage gun — the most basic of which go for $179 — as well as compression boots for leg recovery that start at $699 a pair.

He also has a partnership with Six Star Pro Nutrition, which helps him refuel, particularly with protein-based products. 

Dollander is using NIL to make sure he’s ready for the draft, which will be held July 9-11 in Seattle. But he also acknowledges it could provide career opportunities for athletes in the future who build relationships with brands.

“I thought it could potentially be one of the best things that’s happened to college sports, just so the athletes can No. 1 can get paid for what they’re doing on and off the field, but not only that, but just kind of reinvest in themselves.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

SMU’s Nine-Figure ACC Move Is Paying Off in Year 1

SMU paid its way into the ACC and is seeing immediate benefits.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

Diego Pavia beat Alabama. Can he beat the NCAA’s eligibility rules?

Massive NIL Deal Could Sway Top QB From LSU to Michigan

Five-star recruit Bryce Underwood is at the center of an NIL battle.

CFP’s 12-Team Debut: How NIL, Realignment Shape the Bracket

Miami is ranked No. 4 as aggressive NIL spending has no doubt helped the Hurricanes to their 9–0 start.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Can the NBA Cup Help Revive Lagging Viewership?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

How Schools Are Raising Money to Prep for House v. NCAA Settlement

Schools are hunting for money they may be sharing with athletes soon.
November 8, 2024

NCAA Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Canadian Hockey League Players

A $600 monthly living stipend had kept players out of NCAA hockey.
Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly as the LSU Tigers take on the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.
November 8, 2024

Source of LSU’s New Tiger Has History of Animal Abuse Allegations

LSU isn’t using the tiger that lives on campus for Saturday’s game.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Florida football coach Billy Napier
November 7, 2024

Florida Gives Billy Napier Vote of Confidence With Huge Buyout Looming

Napier’s $26 million buyout would be second largest in college football history.
Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech at his Election Night Watch Party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center after being elected the 47th President of the United States November 5, 2024.
November 6, 2024

Republicans Won Big in the 2024 Election. So Did the NCAA

“It’s a bad day to be a college athlete,” one staffer says.
Mar 24, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Cotie McMahon (32) walks to the bench during the first half of the women’s NCAA Tournament second round against the Duke Blue Devils at Value City Arena.
November 5, 2024

Due to Rule Change, NCAA Sports Will Be in Action on Election..

On Nov. 5 this year, NCAA sports will not go dark.
November 4, 2024

New Era, New Chaos? New CFP Team Rankings Explained

The new College Football Playoff system’s complexities might confuse some college football fans.