• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 14, 2024

NIL Collectives Are Slacking on Supporting Women’s Sports

  • Only 34% of existing collectives offered compensation to women’s sports athletes so far, according to Opendorse.
  • Most compensation for women’s sports athletes — 79% — comes from brand endorsement deals.
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, name, image, and likeness collectives — groups of donors, alumni, and local businesses who pooled resources to provide deals to local athletes — took the college sports landscape by storm.

More than 250 collectives have popped up nationwide, from the richest Power 5 programs to some of the smaller no-football schools, according to an Opendorse white paper.

But they have largely failed women’s sports athletes. 

Only 34% of existing collectives offered compensation to women’s sports athletes so far, the report found. The number is particularly disappointing given that collectives account for almost 50% of total NIL compensation.

To date, a few examples of collectives have galvanized women’s sports athletes. 

Perhaps one of the most prominent examples: Utah women’s gymnastics is one of the few women’s programs with a team-specific collective called “Who Rocks The House.”

But the vast majority of involvement comes from multi-sport collectives that have also funded women’s athletes.

Tulane Rides Wave of Historic Season With NIL Donations

Fans donated hundreds of thousands in donations to a Tulane NIL collective.
January 5, 2023
  • A NIL collective for Michigan State athletes called “This Is Sparta!” organized $5,000 deals for every member of the Spartans women’s gymnastics team.
  • South Carolina’s “Garnet Trust” created a program aiming to earn every women’s basketball player an average of $25,000 — a deal brokered with the help of coach Dawn Staley.
  • Tulane’s “Fear The Wave” offered deals to every women’s basketball player. Co-founder Kelly Comarda recently told Front Office Sports the football team’s success galvanized fans to contribute to more women’s deals.

Women’s sports athletes earn 79% of NIL income from brand endorsement deals.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Raids College Coaching Ranks As Atlanta Dream Hire Karl Smesko

Smesko is regarded as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball.

PLL Launches New Women’s Lacrosse League With 6-on-6 Format

The league will begin with a two-week tournament in February.
Napheesa Collier

Unrivaled Leaning In to TNT Deal With 850-Capacity Arena

The facility will have training, childcare, and content areas.

The Caitlin Clark Show Is Hitting the LPGA Tour in a Big..

The WNBA star is playing in an LPGA pro-am this week.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Will Drew Brees Return to Broadcasting?

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.

Louisiana Gov. Calls Critics of Tiger Stunt ‘Woke’ After LSU Blowout Loss

He called the live cat the “only tiger who showed up Saturday.”
November 11, 2024

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

SMU paid its way into the ACC and is seeing immediate benefits.
November 11, 2024

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

Schools are hunting for money they may be sharing with athletes soon.
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.
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.
November 9, 2024

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

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