What to Learn from Adidas' New NIL Network

If you’ve been following the NCAA, you likely know about the recent NIL policy that allows college athletes to profit off of their names, images, and likenesses. Now several months later, there are even more opportunities for college athletes.

Last week, Adidas announced that they are launching a NIL network open to over 50,000 student-athletes at an Adidas-partnered NCAA Division I school.

This program will give eligible student-athletes the opportunity to become paid brand ambassadors for Adidas. This new initiative is part of Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign, which celebrates inclusivity and works toward creating a more equitable future for sports.

This blog will summarize the details of Adidas’ new NIL network and what this news means for small businesses.

New Opportunities in College Sports

Thanks to the NIL policy, college athletes have received all kinds of opportunities over the last few months. Everybody has been scrambling to grab a deal, whether it’s a local restaurant or a larger known brand. Now the landscape is expanding.

Adidas is the first major sports brand to create a NIL network, and other brands are sure to follow. Adidas is motivated by its “commitment to accelerate inclusivity and equality in the world of sports”. Their plan will launch in four phases over the next year. We’ll see the first start at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Power-5 conference partners.

Thanks to Adidas, student-athletes have the ability to experience an entrepreneurial path that will pay off in the future. Joining this network will also unlock new business and life opportunities for these athletes.

Small Businesses – Pay Attention To The Changing Landscape

What’s important to note with this news is the opportunity presented by digital marketing and brand ambassadors. The rising popularity of influencer marketing has radically changed the nature of advertising. Social media is filled with people posting about a product or place — whether they are celebrities or not.

While your business may not be on the same level as Adidas, there are still lessons to take away from this.

Creating Your Own NIL Network

If you haven’t already, now is the time to think about how you can amplify the voices of your community while also showcasing your brand/products. Connecting with a local high school or college may lead to an exciting partnership.

Our previous blogs provide many tips on how to choose the right athlete and everything else you need to know about the process. Don’t wait to take advantage of these opportunities, it could be just what your business needs.