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Today’s Case

USC quarterback Caleb Williams joins PlayStation's Playmaker program

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner adds another NIL deal to his resume - this time joining the PlayStation Playmaker program, a campaign that partners with athletes, creators, gamers and artists. As the first college athlete to be included in the program, Williams joins NBA star LeBron James and NFL wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb.

Williams is an avid gamer, as he is a business partner of Matt Leinart‘s arcade-style video game from Hall of GOATS, as well as joining the AT&T 5G Roadshow before this past season’s national championship game for a round of Call of Duty. As part of the agreement, he recently promoted PlayStation on his Instagram story, and also received a PlayStation VR2 and PS5.

Sony Interactive VP Eric Lempel: “Our approach has always focused on partnerships with genuine PlayStation fans who love to share their passion with their friends, community and fellow gamers. We also wanted to assemble a group of talent who resonate globally and on a regional level, while representing the diversity of our PlayStation community.”

The Verdict:

• Williams continues to grow his already impressive NIL portfolio

  • He continues to earn high-visibility partnerships, as well as (assumed) high dollar payouts. Good for him capitalizing on his name, image and likeness for at least another few months before presumably declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

  • His On3 NIL Valuation is at a whopping $2.6M, which is #2 in college football and #4 in the On3 NIL 100, an NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.

• Not really certain what value this deal provides fans

  • The list appears to be high-level athletes who are into gaming, and will receive consoles, sneak peeks of games, etc.

    • That’s great for the athletes, but what will the millions of gamers receive? An opportunity to play a game with these athletes? A chance for gamers to meet the Playmakers?

      • Personally a little confused on the real benefits of the program, but not many details have been shared (and admittedly I’m not a gamer, so I may be missing the bigger picture haha).

• Gaming continues to make deeper connections in the NIL space

  • Last month, The Brandr Group & Hyperluxe formed an e-gaming partnership with Ole Miss' Grove Collective. Given that numerous athletes are into gaming, look for more partnerships similar to this to take place.

NIL at the high school level is growing!

Currently, 29 states + Washington D.C. allow for high school athletes to capitalize. Check out this map of where NIL is permitted (and prohibited).

Question of the Day

What is the #1 concern for NIL in the foreseeable future?

• Lack of financial literacy

• Potential federal law

• Not enough resources for small schools

• Other

Vote on the Sports Court Instagram Story and comment below.

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<sup>I discuss insights and news related to name, image and likeness in 3 minutes or less every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12p ET/9a PT.

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Court is adjourned. Go be great!!