ToplineBrigham Young University announced that Built Brands, LLC had entered into a multiyear name, image, und likeness (NIL), agreement with certain football players. This includes compensation for the tuition costs of all 36 walk-ons.After their win over the USC Trojans in overtime at LaVell Edwards Stadium, BYU Cougars celebrated... [+] September 14, 2019, Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images). Getty ImagesThe Key FactsBuilt, a Utah-based producer of protein and energy products, expects that each of the 123 BYU football players will enter into an agreement. Players will be able to wear Built branding on practice helmets, and they can also "participate" in Built's experiential events. Each team member will be paid some compensation, with the highest amount going towards the team's walk ons (those who are not eligible for a scholarship). Each walk-on will be paid a payment "comparable the cost of tuition for an academic year." Walk-on players will have to contribute "additional social media, experience promotions" for Built as part of their agreements.Big Number:$6,120 According to the school's website, that's the price per semester for any student not belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Built Brands could end up paying nearly $440,000 for tuition to cover the cost of all 36 walk-ons.Important QuoteKalani Sitake, head coach at BYU, stated that "from the beginning of NIL discussions, my hope was for changes to NCAA rules to provide a pathway forward so that all players can benefit more fully from name, image and likeness, particularly walk-ons who have sacrificed so much to make this program great,"The Key BackgroundThe Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the NCAA in a dispute about the compensation that schools could offer student-athletes. The NCAA approved an interim policy that allowed athletes to enjoy their fame and not risk their college eligibility less than a week later. Numerous college athletes have cashed in over the six weeks following the massive rule change. Dr. Pepper reportedly made a deal to sign a contract with Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei will feature him in an ad campaign. D'Eriq King, University of Miami's standout, and Bubba Bolden, a Florida-based moving company College Hunks's social media ambassadors have signed contracts totaling $20,000. Boost Mobile has signed a marketing agreement with Fresno State basketball stars Hanna and Haley Cavinder. Their TikTok account boasts more than 3.3million followers. Nike and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon's defensive end, agreed to a memorabilia agreement. The deal is reportedly worth six-figures. Alabama's head coach Nick Saban stated last month that Bryce Young, the sophomore quarterback, has not yet started a Crimson Tide game. Saban stated, "Our quarterback has already approached ungodly amounts I'm not going in to say what they're and he hasn’t even played yet." It's nearly seven figures. It's almost seven figures. It's all because of our brand.Tangent:Because Cougar student-athletes have fewer NIL partners at BYU, the deal with BYU is noteworthy. BYU athletics director Tom Holmoe said last month that players would be prohibited from signing agreements with companies that do not conform to the school’s honor code. Holmoe said that alcohol, tobacco and gambling are just a few examples of prohibited areas. When participating in NIL activities, student-athletes must adhere to the BYU Honor Code Standards.Additional Reading:First High School Mega-Deal: Three years before he can join the NBA (Forbes).These NCAA Athletes have already signed endorsement deals (Forbes).
