NIL4U

An episode about the future of NIL collectives with Brendan Shaw of Rivals Media. This is all about game-changing insights on athlete endorsements, social impact, and the evolving landscape of college sports.

Connect with the hosts and producer of NIL4U
Rob Finkelstein: Linkedin | Website
Trent Clark: Linkedin | Website
SportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IG
Rivals Media and Brendan Shaw: Rivals Media website | Brendan's LinkedIn

About this NIL4U episode: The Future of NIL Collectives with Rivals Media

In this episode of NIL4U, hosts Rob Finkelstein and Trent Clark engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Brendan Shaw from Rivals Media, shedding light on the intricate world of collectives for college athletes. Rivals Media, a groundbreaking social impact gamification platform, aims to establish meaningful connections with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives. The conversation explores the process of partnering with these collectives, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining an arm's length distance from the school. Exploring the fundamentals of NIL, the hosts and Shaw unravel the distinctions between individual athlete names and school-associated collectives, addressing the nuanced challenges surrounding funding allocation and inconsistent regulations that vary across schools.

As the conversation unfolds, the hosts and Brendan Shaw explore the evolving landscape of NIL, emphasizing the rapid pace at which the industry is changing. They navigate the complexities of the American-centric nature of NIL benefits due to student visa employment status, unveiling the layers of red tape that hinder broader international participation. The hosts also discuss current headlines and events, highlighting the positive impact of utilizing NIL for community benefit through nonprofit initiatives. Notably, Rivals Media requires 20% of funds from collective deals to be directed towards charitable causes, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility.

The podcast further explores the concept of gamification in the NIL space through Rival Media, providing insights into creating future users by understanding user needs and desires. This episode also discusses the intricacies of 501(c)(3) tax status in the context of NIL collectives, offering valuable information for athletes navigating the intersection of sports, endorsements, and philanthropy. Throughout the episode, the conversation emphasizes the importance of an individual athlete's role, social media's value, and personal networks' power in maximizing reach and overall value in the dynamic world of college athlete endorsements.

Connect:
Listen to the NIL4U Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SportsE
Rob Finkelstein: Linkedin | Website
Trent Clark: Linkedin | Website
SportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IG

Get all the NIL Podcast episodes:
NIL Software: Streamlining Name, Image, Likeness with Basepath
NIL Education and Opportunities: How Athletes at All Levels Can Benefit
Parent of a College Athlete? This One Is For You! – Sports Mom University
What If Johnny Football Had NIL Deals, Louisville NIL Collective, and Integrity in College Sports
The NIL Landscape with Brian Rammel

Creators & Guests

Host
Alumni Direct
Alumni Direct offers you a new way to connect. We have created a platform where alumni and athletes from all walks of life can network and collaborate.
Host
Trent Clark
3-time Major League Baseball World Series CoachCEO of Leadershipity - We Help Leaders Create Teams of Coachable Champions
Producer
SportsE Media
SE is a digital sports media brand & production co for executives & entrepreneurs engaged in sports

What is NIL4U?

Hosted by two renowned figures in the NIL space, Rob Finklestein and Trent M. Clark, this podcast dives deep into the dynamic intersection of sports, business, and personal branding. Rob Finklestein, the founder and CEO of Alumni Direct, brings his expertise from leading “Athletes Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey,” a podcast that sheds light on athletes transitioning from sports to the business realm. Trent M. Clark, a 3x World Series champion and CEO of AIM NIL Academy, complements the discussion with his profound insights from educating athletes about NIL systems and entrepreneurial strategies. He is also the voice behind the “Winners Find A Way” podcast, featuring interviews with notable athletes and business personalities.