NIL Coverage

Paying college athletes appears closer than ever. How could it work and what stands in the way?
A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and major college conferences could cost billions and pave the way for a compensation model for college athletes.

Fans line up to meet NC State standouts DJ Burns and DJ Horne
DJ Burns and DJ Horne were at the Applebee's near Triangle Town Center for a meet-and-greet before the team leaves for Phoenix. Applebee's recently signed Horne to an NIL deal, part of a growth in deals for the Wolfpack.

DJ Burns, NC State cash in with NIL deals during Final Four run
NC State center DJ Burns has become a breakout March Madness star and companies are taking notice.

No more rules on NIL? Gov. Cooper rescinds state's guidance
Gov. Roy Cooper's rescinded his 2021 executive order which placed guidelines on name, image and likeness for North Carolina universities.

After loss in court, NCAA backs off investigations into third-party NIL deals
The NCAA has told its enforcement staff to halt investigations into booster-backed collectives or other third parties making name, image and likeness compensation deals with Division I athletes.

Judge rules against NCAA, says NIL compensation rules likely violate antitrust law, harm athletes
A federal judge on Friday barred the NCAA from enforcing its rules prohibiting name, image and likeness compensation from being used to recruit athletes.

Our Take

Welter: Like his signature burrito, RJ Davis has all the ingredients rolled into one
RJ Davis is re-writing his UNC legacy during a career senior season. Winning never tasted so good. WRAL's Pat Welter sat down with Davis to try the RJ Davis Cajun shrimp burrito at the O'YA Cantina in Chapel Hill. They discussed food, fashion, RJ's career year, Caleb Love, and winning a national title.

Pack Therapy: Savage Wolves founder Tom Livolsi on NIL, recruiting
Former NC State quarterback Mike Glennon and 99.9 The Fan show host Tim Donnelly are joined for an exclusive interview featuring Tom Livolsi, the founder of the Savage Wolves NIL collective for NC State football. Mike and Tim engage in a deep-dive discussion with Tom on the transformative topic of college athletes now getting paid through NIL (name, image, likeness) opportunities.

UNC football has hit a 'wall,' Mack Brown says. Can NIL push the Heels forward?
Heels4Life, the Tar Heels' football collective, announced a $5-million campaign to improve North Carolina's efforts at keeping and attracting players.

'Easier for supporters': NC State NIL collectives merge under One Pack
NC State's new 1PACK NIL Collective launched Tuesday. Pack of Wolves is no longer and Savage Wolves becomes the football-only collective within the broader 1Pack collective.

Doeren: [NIL] Has pushed greed and a lack of character and integrity into the sport
Dave Doeren was asked about what changes he would make to the landscape of college football.

In Depth with Dan revisited: Final chapter of Tez Walker saga
Student-athletes, including Duke defensive lineman DeWayne Carter, are suing the NCAA and the Power 5 conferences claiming that rules that prohibit schools from paying their athletes violate antitrust law.

NCAA President Charlie Baker calls for new tier of Division I where schools can pay athletes
In a letter sent Tuesday to more than 350 Division I schools, Baker told members that the disparity in resources between the wealthiest schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision and other DI members -- along with the hundreds of Division II and III schools -- is creating "a new series of challenges."

Our Take

Welter: With the transfer portal, don't hate the player, hate the game
With the transfer portal opening a record number of players are expected to be on the move, especially at the games most important position, quarterback. UNC was lucky to hold on to Drake Maye last season. This year NC State saw MJ Morris bench himself in order to red shirt and ultimately transfer out. The combination of NIL and the transfer portal is clearly out of control. WRAL's Pat Welter says don't hate on the players, hate on the system that's allowing this to happen.

Multimillion dollar NIL deals? College football's transfer portal creating costly chaos
College football coaches like NC State's Dave Doeren are recognizing the need for fans to donate to NIL collectives to land the best players available players in the transfer portal.

'He's back': NC State star receiver KC Concepcion to return
KC Concepcion, a freshman, was the Wolfpack's most dynamic playmaker in 2023. Coach Dave Doeren asked fans to donate to NIL collectives that back the program to keep top players.

Transfer portal tracker: Offensive lineman from North Texas picks Heels
What players from Duke, NC State and UNC have entered the transfer portal in the December window.

Doeren to NC State fan base: 'Needs to be financial commitment' to recruit, keep players
After his team's 39-20 victory against rival North Carolina, NC State head coach Dave Doeren calls for NIL donations.

Judge's ruling in latest antitrust lawsuit against NCAA could lead to billion in damages
House vs. the NCAA is being heard in the Northern District of California by Judge Claudia Wilken.