I wrote this back in September. Back then, I estimated UConn needed $1.5 million of NIL:
Not making fun of you but our UConn writers barely write about current events. More likely a UConn on campus student publication
I think you identified the problem. What group/person leads NIL efforts at UConn and can communicate what we are doing and what needs to be done?
Agree with Pal's perspective. I believe Donyell once donated $100,000 publicly but cannot remember any others. Some may have done so without releasing the info.
The university can have an oversight strategy for NIL, but they can not raise money for NIL or provide direct NIL support to athletes. Bleeding Blue for Good was set up to provide NIL to athletes for charitable opportunities, but the collective is not managed by UConn. I think Bleeding Blue for Good is a great idea, but I think the collective has limited scope and UConn needs something bigger. UConn needs a booster group unaffiliated to the university that raises funds for both the athletic department and for NIL. And, the booster club needs a high profile hard charging leader who can promote UConn athletics, rally the fan base, and raise money. Mora, Hurley, Geno, ... have enough on their plate, but they can be guest speakers at events, etc.Jason Butikofer serves as Chief Operating Officer after arriving at UConn during in the summer of 2022. In this role, Butikofer provides day to day leadership of external relations, inclusive of development, National C Club, ticket operations/sales, marketing, creative/social media, strategic communications, and video services. In addition, Butikofer provides oversight of human resources, strategic initiatives, and the relationship with Nike, Learfield {corporate sponsorships}, and Taymar {ticket sales}; in addition to leading all department strategy related to NIL while at the same time providing sport oversight of the men’s basketball program and supervision of the staff responsible for the sport oversight football, women’s basketball, field hockey, women’s hockey & women’s tennis.
Jason Butikofer - Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer - Staff Directory - University of Connecticut Athletics
Jason Butikofer serves as Chief Operating Officer after arriving at UConn during in the summer of 2022. In this role, Butikofer provides day to day leadershi...uconnhuskies.com
I hear ya and there is a huge case in Congress that's likely going to shake college sports to it's core and create the separation we've all been waiting for. It's about revenue sharing for student athletes. It's going to be a game changer and it will not be pleasant for us.
It won't be pleasant for anyone, that will signify the end of college sports if they go down that path.
Agreed. Look at Texas football’s NIL. It makes David and Goliath look like a fair fight.
Calhoun told them not to out of spite.
It’s already over… there is no turning back. The implosion needs to happen so it can be rebuilt.
Pretty much, absent some window dressing. Everything the NCAA ever penalized programs for doing in the past is now effectively legal. Players can get NIL money from national shoe and apparrel companies, local car dealerships, personal appearances, or simply no-show or thinly veiled pass through opportunities. There isn't supposed to be direct coach or program involvment depending on individual state laws, but in reality, it is the wild west, gold rush, beanie babies, bitcoin craze all in one. Cutouts and runners already existed, they are the only thing that hasn't changed.
I’m working on it. Don’t think it’s gonna happen sadly.