• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

College Athletes Can Finally Get Paid for Jersey Sales

  • Through a group licensing program with OneTeam Partners, Fanatics has launched a customized college football jersey shop.
  • It’s a major milestone in the NIL era, where athletes can finally get paid for jersey sales.
Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports

Before NIL rules were passed, schools could only sell generic jerseys that didn’t represent actual players. Customizable jerseys have been one of the most highly anticipated products of the new NIL era.

On Thursday, Fanatics launched what is likely the largest customizable jersey program in the country. 

  • The company now has an online college football store selling jerseys for more than 4,300 players across the country from 40-plus schools.
  • The shop was facilitated by the OneTeam Partners group licensing program — athletes can opt in to have their NILs featured on official school merchandise. 
  • Players will receive a cut of sales, though the specific percentage wasn’t disclosed.

Some college sports officials previously questioned whether group licensing deals would be possible. In professional leagues, group licensing is negotiated by players’ unions — and there’s no official union at the intercollegiate level to bargain on behalf of athletes. 

But the Fanatics program proves group licensing can be done at scale without a union, as companies like OneTeam Partners can simply set terms and allow athletes to opt in if interested. 

Easy Money

There’s a benefit for athletes, too, as opting into group licensing deals allows for “passive” NIL income

While some deals require major time and effort on the part of athletes — attending events or creating social media content — group licensing deals often require none at all.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Belichick Bump Creating Record UNC Ticket Prices

The cost of seeing the NFL legend’s college coaching debut is soaring.
Stanford

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
Troy Taylor

Ex-Stanford Coach Troy Taylor Sues ESPN for Defamation

Taylor was fired after a pair of 3–9 seasons.
NCAA Track

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
Rutgers

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.
July 24, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order on College Sports Pay

The order marks Trump’s first foray into legislating college sports compensation.
July 24, 2025

ACC’s Phillips on FSU, Clemson: ‘It Can Never Be About a School..

The commissioner isn’t worried about more conference realignment.
Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort.
exclusive
July 23, 2025

As Other Power Leagues Shy Away From PE, the Big Ten Continues..

Tony Petitti told FOS conversations were ongoing.
Bill Belichick
July 23, 2025

UNC Sells Out All Football Tickets for Belichick Debut Season

Consistent drama around Belichick’s first college season has only helped ticket sales.