In recent discussions about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals within college sports, a report claiming Marvin Harrison Jr. received a $20 million NIL offer has been dismissed by experts as “Absolute bullshit.” and “Completely made up.” Front Office Sports (FOS) consulted four NIL industry insiders, all of whom doubted the accuracy of the figure. These insiders, some of whom work with athletes in the transfer portal, suggest that the NIL rumor mill often distorts the reality of these deals, with many being fabricated or exaggerated. The deals, which serve as a proxy payroll through a collective, are reported with inflated public numbers, but their true market value is usually lower. As athlete pay skyrockets, team owners are seeking big money-makers both on and off the field, leading to a reevaluation of stadium strategies. In a satirical take on the current state of NIL, a rumor about an infant in Bethlehem being offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh for a commitment was shared, highlighting the out-of-control nature of NIL deal rumors.
NIL is completely out of control these days. Newest rumor is that an infant in Bethlehem was approached this morning by three boosters offering gold, frankincense and myrrh in exchange for a commitment. https://t.co/MAKiQ5r1Ka
As athlete pay skyrockets, owners are on the hunt for big money-makers both on and off the field — and rethinking their stadiums in the process. https://t.co/cbY7BPjm1q
Since college athletes are not paid a salary by anyone, many of the NIL deals (essentially a proxy payroll through a collective in most instances) we hear about are fabricated. The public number can be extremely high, but the true marketplace value can be lower than expected
Rumors of massive NIL deals are the new norm in college sports — but insiders warn not to believe everything you hear. “On the record: It’s absolute bulls—." @achristovichh explores a new era of sports gossip ⬇️
Earlier this month, a report went viral suggesting that Marvin Harrison Jr. fielded an NIL offer around $20 million. Of the four experts FOS spoke to, zero believed that figure was close to accurate. @achristovichh's story » https://t.co/AHfG54Z6OI https://t.co/6VsMPIyOsN
“Absolute bullshit.” “Completely made up.” I spoke w folks in the NIL industry to separate fact from fiction about the NIL rumor mill, especially regarding athletes in the transfer portal. The reality is much different from headlines. My @fos feature: https://t.co/uAaShrdQbb