Latest news with #ImageandLikeness
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First Team Impact Launches to Champion the "Impact-First" NIL Model
New Organization Creates Personalized Giving Strategies That Grow Impact, Protect Income, and Strengthen Brand Stories Creating Impactful NIL Strategies for Athletes—and Connecting Nonprofits, Brands, and Foundations to the Causes They Champion ORLANDO, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing "impact first" movement is redefining how college athletes approach their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) — and now, a new organization is helping them lead that shift with purpose, professionalism and long-term value in mind. First Team Impact has launched to help athletes use their NIL earnings to support causes they care about, while structuring their giving to provide both personal fulfillment and potential tax advantages. The result is what First Team Impact calls "NIL with a heart" - a model that balances personal purpose, strategic giving, and sustainable brand value, aligning with the rising trend of athletes who want their platform to stand for more. Founded by professionals in philanthropy and brand strategy, First Team Impact offers tailored services that help athletes align with nonprofit initiatives, establish their own foundations, and tell their stories in ways that connect with communities and sponsors alike. "We want athletes to know that giving back doesn't have to wait," said Carol Wick, co-founder of First Team Impact. "You don't need millions of dollars to start making a difference. What you need is a plan — one that honors your values and makes smart use of your resources." A Financially Strategic Approach to PhilanthropyLike any form of income, NIL earnings are taxable—and many athletes are not prepared for just how much of their earnings go to federal and state obligations. First Team Impact helps athletes navigate that reality by showing how strategic charitable giving can serve both personal values and financial strategy. The organization provides support in structuring charitable giving in compliance with federal tax laws and NIL verification processes, including: Advising on how NIL earnings can be directed toward a registered nonprofit, including one the athlete establishes Highlighting potential tax deductions tied to qualified charitable contributions Assisting with fundraising, matching donations and long-term planning Managing the logistics of content, visibility and brand alignment "Taxes are inevitable—but with the right plan, athletes can use charitable giving to create impact and reduce their tax burden," Johnson said. "It's about making generosity work smarter." Individualized Planning and SupportEach athlete receives a customized gameplan that reflects their interests, availability and long-term vision. Some may choose to partner with an existing nonprofit that aligns with their story. Others may elect to launch their own foundation around a particular mission or need in another part of the world. "Our work is rooted in customization," Wick said. "Every athlete is different, and their philanthropic journey should reflect who they are and what matters to them." These strategies are also designed with portability in mind—allowing athletes to continue their philanthropic work even if they transfer to another school or move on to professional opportunities. Purpose-Driven Platforms Attract Purpose-Driven SponsorsAs more athletes lean into purpose, sponsors are taking notice. Brand partners increasingly seek out individuals who not only perform, but stand for something. "Brands are looking for more than talent—they're looking for character, story, and alignment," said Johnson. "When athletes show what they believe in, they attract sponsors who want to stand beside them." First Team Impact also works with companies and foundations to connect values-aligned athletes to mission-driven campaigns—bringing authenticity, energy, and tax-smart structure to their community investments. Fueling the Impact-First MovementThe launch of First Team Impact comes as the broader NIL landscape undergoes rapid transformation. From legal rulings to revenue-sharing debates, stakeholders are looking for stability—and athletes are looking for meaning. Recent examples like Bear McWhorter, a 4-star Michigan commit using his NIL to promote adoption, and Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, who's spotlighting organ donation, are early proof points of this growing impact-first movement. While neither athlete is affiliated with First Team Impact, their stories reflect the kind of athlete-driven purpose this new platform aims to support and scale. "Athletes are already inspiring people on the field," Johnson said. "We want to help them inspire change off the field—in a way that's financially smart and appealing to sponsors who value authenticity and purpose." You Don't Need Millions to Make an ImpactHigh-profile athletes like LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, Patrick Mahomes and Paige Bueckers have all launched foundations that shown how platforms can fuel change—but First Team Impact exists to prove that you don't need a multimillion-dollar contract to get started. With the right plan, even modest NIL income can fund youth programs, sponsor mental health campaigns, or support local education efforts. First Team Impact's turnkey services simplify the process, providing the structure and strategic support to turn good intentions into lasting results. "Athletes are already inspiring people on the field," Johnson said. "We want to help them inspire change off the field — in a way that's financially smart and appealing to sponsors who value authenticity and purpose." 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Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nick Saban: 'I don't think we need a commission' on college sports. Here's why
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. — Nick Saban continues to be at the center of conversation about a recently announced federal commission on the future of college athletics, one that will tackle NCAA sports in the age of Name, Image and Likeness. But the former Alabama football coach reiterated a message that he's continued to push since he was announced a co-chairman of the commission along with Cody Campbell, a former Texas Tech football player and chairman of the university's Board of Regents. Advertisement "I know there has been a lot of stuff out there about some commission or whatever. I don't think we need a commission. I've said that before," Saban said before the Nick's Kids Golf Tournament at the Old Overton Club in Vestavia Hills. "I think we need to know what the issues are. I think we just need to have people who are willing to move those and solve those and create some solutions for some of those issues. I'm all for being a consultant to anybody who would think that my experience would be beneficial to helping create some of those solutions." To Saban, that doesn't mean that all the issues regarding the NCAA and NIL are solved. "I'm not anti-NIL. I'm all for the players for making money," Saban said. "I don't think we have a sustainable system right now. I think a lot of people agree with that in terms of the future of college athletics period, not just football. How do we sustain 20 other non-revenue sports that create lots of opportunities for people and the future?" Saban said he knows President Donald Trump is "very interested in athletics" and the changing college football landscape that includes NIL and "having a balanced competitive playing field." Advertisement "If I could be a consultant to anyone who might be able to help the future of college athletics, I would be more than willing to do that," Saban said. Ahead of the Regions Tradition Golf Tournament in Hoover May 14, Saban said he didn't "really know much about this commission." "I think we know what needs to be done, I just think we've got to figure out who's got the will to do it," Saban said. "I learned one thing about coaching for all these years that when you get into a subject like this that's very complex, it's probably good not to talk about it off the cuff." Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban reiterates lack of need for federal commission on college sports
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NCAA President Addresses Trump's Potential Role in College Sports Reform
NCAA President Charlie Baker didn't dismiss the idea of federal intervention on Monday—he practically invited it. Meeting with reporters after addressing ACC coaches and administrators at spring meetings in Amelia Island, Florida, Baker addressed growing concerns surrounding the future of college athletics. Amid the mounting pressure of NIL lawsuits, inconsistent state laws, and eligibility disputes, a new wrinkle emerged: Donald Trump might be stepping in. Advertisement According to a Wall Street Journal report, the former president is considering launching a federal commission on college sports, with an executive order possibly targeting the murky world of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) payments. The potential move follows Trump's recent meeting with coaching legend Nick Saban. While Baker didn't directly weigh in on Trump's plans, he acknowledged the broader climate of uncertainty—and the desperate need for streamlined governance. President of the NCAA, Charlie Baker speaks during a press conference celebrating the 25 year anniversary of the NCAA moving its national office to Indianapolis© Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK 'We've spent a bunch of time in Washington trying to sort this out,' Baker said. 'Between more than 40 states having different laws, ongoing lawsuits, and employment discussions, it's hard to create a level playing field.' Advertisement Monday's comments came just hours after the NCAA secured a legal win in South Carolina involving athlete Rahsul Faison's eligibility case. But Baker was quick to point out that legal victories offer little long-term stability. 'This patchwork approach—winning clarity one lawsuit at a time—isn't sustainable,' he said. 'We need federal help at some point.' Whether or not Trump's commission materializes, the conversation signals that college sports are firmly on the national radar—and both political parties may soon find themselves battling for control over its future. Related: 2027 4-Star QB Trent Seaborn Turns Down seven-Figure NIL Deal, Focused on One Team Related: Former Clemson Star's 56-Yard Bomb Has Fans Asking Why He's Not in the NFL Related: Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Etienne Comparisons Fuel Hype Around Clemson RB Gideon Davidson
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Column: Donald Trump has spent life desperately wanting to become part of sports ecosystem
Column: Donald Trump has spent life desperately wanting to become part of sports ecosystem Show Caption Hide Caption WATCH: President Trump arrives via helicopter at Trump National Doral President Trump arrived at his golf course in Doral, Florida in a helicopter before being guided to his place of stay by secret service. Trump's efforts to mediate between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have reportedly been unsuccessful, despite two meetings at the White House. Trump announced the 2027 NFL draft will be held in Washington D.C., despite previously criticizing the league and its players. The man who single-handedly killed the United States Football League is attempting to fix some of sports biggest issues. Since starting his second term as president, Donald Trump has: Met twice with leaders of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf attempting to bring the rival tours together. Trump said in November it would take him "the better part of 15 minutes" to get the two sides to unite. Now, after two meetings in the White House with Trump, the sides are as far apart as they have been since that framework agreement was announced two years ago. Met with former football coach Nick Saban during Trump's trip to Tuscaloosa to speak at the University of Alabama's commencement ceremonies. Trump listened to Saban's complaints about mishandling of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), and emerged from the meeting considering an executive order to fix the biggest issue impacting collegiate sports. Met with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and discussed his desire to posthumously pardon Pete Rose, who served five months in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion charges in 1990, believing it could lead to Rose entering the Hall of Fame. It could not. Manfred is considering removing Rose from baseball's permanently ineligible list, which is the only way baseball's all-time hits leader could then be recognized in Cooperstown. Stood with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and other officials in the Oval Office to announce the 2027 NFL draft would be held in Washington D.C., on the National Mall. 'It's going to be beautiful, it's going to be something that nobody else will ever be able to duplicate,' Trump said. He said this about a draft for a league he labeled "officially dead" five years ago after some of its players protested to show support of the Black Lives Matter movement and Americans who have been oppressed and discriminated against. Trump called NFL players "sons of bitches" and said they "maybe shouldn't be in the country." Now ... everything is "beautiful." Discussed the possibility of a hockey game between the U.S. and Russia on a call with Vladimir Putin. The conversation, of which the NHL was not aware, came as the International Ice Hockey Federation continues its sanctions on Russia since the country invaded Ukraine. The IIHF extended the ban through 2026 and Russia is not allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympics under the Russian flag. Apparently, Trump did not listen to the PGA Tour's Adam Scott who "encouraged" the Palm Beach resident to focus on more important issues facing a president than golf (and sports in general). Scott, a player director, was part of the February meetings between Trump; PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan; and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who heads Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV Golf. And if you can't meet with them, join them. Which Trump has done several times since January, appearing at the college football national championship game, Super Bowl 59, Daytona 500, a UCF event in Miami and hosting LIV golfers for dinner in Doral. Trump's biggest foray into sports ended in humiliation Trump loves to act like he's fixing everything when, at least when it comes to sports, he has fixed nothing. In fact, you can go back four decades when his arrogance and ego were responsible for killing the USFL, which at the time included stars such as Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Reggie White and future Trump worshiper Herschel Walker. The NFL's lead attorney, Frank Rothman, and then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle crushed Trump during the trial. Rothman called Trump "such a lousy witness for them, and a great one for us.' Rozelle famously exposed Trump as a liar. "He was not believable in anything he said," one juror said. "He came off as arrogant and unlikeable." Trump was volatile and unhinged in the courtroom, according to reports. His attempt to use the USFL as a way toward owning an NFL franchise, which Rozelle made clear never would happen, was so obvious he was not taken seriously. Trump was so close to realizing his desire to host a men's golf major championship before his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen killed that. The PGA of America moved the 2022 PGA Championship out of Trump's property in Bedminster, N.J., after his actions and words incited his followers to storm the United States Capitol, leading to one of the ugliest days in our country's history. Trump's fascination and desperate attempt to be part of the sports ecosystem started with a disaster 40 years ago, and it has not gotten much better since. Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. He can be reached at tdangelo@
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What's in South Dakota's settlement with the NCAA
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit between South Dakota and the NCAA that reduces the amount of money Division 1 schools will have to pay towards a different proposed settlement — but that's not all it ensures. We've been following this case since September, when Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Board of Regents filed the lawsuit on behalf of SDSU and USD. Their filing came after the NCAA reached a proposed settlement with the 'Power Four' conferences that contemplated a $2.8 billion payment to past and present athletes. EMS to expand to Davison and Hanson counties $1.6 billion of that amount would be withheld from NCAA disbursements to the schools over the next 10 years, 60% of which would come from non-power 4 conferences like the Summit League. Jackley believes that it would've been an unfair burden on the smaller schools such as USD and SDSU. But now, because of South Dakota's settlement with the NCAA, that burden has been reduced by 33%. For Jackley, the lawsuit against the NCAA wasn't just about reducing the financial burden on smaller Division 1 schools, though. It was also about bringing more recognition to women in sports. That's why a Women's Basketball Performance Fund will be created through this settlement. 'We've seen here in South Dakota the success of our women's basketball programs. We've seen the crowds that come to the Summit League in Sioux Falls,' Jackley said. 'So we felt that there needed to be added recognition and dollars to those female athletes. The performance fund is going to allow, at entry-level, those schools that are in the tournament to receive something and as they progress through the tournament, they will receive additional funding for those athletes.' Another aspect of this settlement is that the NCAA has committed to discussing hosting future events in South Dakota. Jackley says last year's Summit League tournament brought in roughly $10 million to the state. 'We're a great host. Obviously, we have a welcoming city,' Jackley said. 'We have strong teams in SDSU and USD. We make sense.' Jackley thanks the NCAA for the recognition it's now given to athletes. 'They gave credit to our smaller schools financially as well as with the hosting of the Summit League,' Jackley said. 'These are important things and, in my mind, made sense for South Dakota and, most importantly our student athletes in South Dakota.' The original $2.8 billion proposed settlement is related to Name, Image and Likeness, or NIL, money that can be earned by college student athletes. The NCAA and it's largest conferences approved that settlement in May but a federal judge is still considering it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
