Navigating NIL Opportunities for Division III Athletes

The world of college athletics has undergone a significant transformation since the NCAA began allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) in 2021. While much of the focus has been on high-profile Division I athletes, there are also opportunities for Division III (D3) athletes to capitalize on their NIL.

Division III is the largest of the NCAA's three divisions, with more than 400 colleges and universities across the United States. D3 athletes may not have the same national exposure as their Division I counterparts, but they are often well-known within their local communities and can leverage those connections to secure endorsement deals with local businesses.

One example of a successful D3 athlete in the NIL space is Jack Betts, a wide receiver for Amherst College. Betts has secured dozens of NIL endorsement deals in 2022, many of which came by contacting brands directly. He has earned money through deals ranging from an estimated $50 worth of clothes to $750 in referral rewards. Betts has also launched the Make Your Own Legacy Academy to teach other college athletes in smaller markets how to optimize NIL deals.

Another example is the Bethel University athletics department, which became the first in Minnesota to launch a platform that enables their student-athletes to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness. The platform allows student-athletes to work with organizations or firms right through the platform, while the university stays compliant with NCAA regulations.

While there are still limitations and restrictions on what student-athletes can do with their NIL, such as promoting products or services that conflict with the values of their school or the NCAA, the potential for D3 athletes to earn money through NIL deals is only expected to grow in the coming years.

D3 athletes can take advantage of their NIL by creating content, reaching out to brands daily, and joining marketplaces. They can also partner with local businesses to promote their brand on social media and at games. With the NCAA's interim policy in place until new rules or federal legislation is adopted, D3 athletes have the opportunity to build their personal brand both on and off the field.

In conclusion, while Division III athletes may not reach the same levels of compensation as their Division I counterparts, they can still benefit from the NCAA's loosened guidelines on NIL compensation. By leveraging their local connections and building their personal brand, D3 athletes can capitalize on their name, image, and likeness and secure endorsement deals with local businesses.