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- Sports Court #56 | Ready for Takeoff
Sports Court #56 | Ready for Takeoff
The fastest 3 minutes in name, image and likeness
Tariq Ahmad
July 31, 2023
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Today’s Case
USC quarterback Caleb Williams signs NIL deal with United Airlines
USC Quarterback Caleb Williams (Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
The reigning Heisman Trophy quarterback adds another NIL deal to his portfolio - this time signing a season-long deal with United Airlines.
Williams will be promoting the addition of 127 new, nonstop flights for college football season, and will also be featured in advertising and social media spots for United throughout the year, along with promotion from his own accounts. United has added flights to more than 15 destinations for the season, including Columbus, Ohio, Fayetteville, Arkansas and South Bend, Indiana.
United and USC expand on their relationship, with the airline signing a partnership in 2019 for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum field to be named United Airlines Field.
Williams: “There’s nothing like the energy you get from seeing the fans in stands and hearing them cheer you on during a big rivalry game, whether that’s at home or on the road. I’m excited to collaborate with United Airlines to help spread the news of these special college football flights so fans from all over the country can experience that energy first-hand.”
The Verdict:
Massive NIL deal that only a (very) select number of athletes can execute
Doing an NIL with not only a national brand - but to have new flights created specifically for college football season, is huge.
Curious if the payout was a flat fee or a percentage of flights sold via tracking links shared on United and Caleb’s social media accounts.
Guessing the former - and was probably a five-figure deal.
The use of USC IP is significant
As seen in the above linked article, Caleb is wearing his USC jersey as-is, which means he’s able to represent USC in NIL deals.
The use of IP is a smart move, as athletes are more recognizable and is a more “natural” fit and feel to a partnership.
Will charter jets become the next NIL deal for a college athlete?
Could certainly see an athlete (or athletes) partnership with small, private jet companies for NIL deals related to private flights.
Although it might not attract the fanbase of college athletes, there is certainly an interesting angle to tap into a broader audience.
I’m hosting an NIL for Parents Webinar on Wednesday, August 16!
Topics include (but not limited to) What is NIL, what parents should ask schools, and how to get started.
Register here (early bird pricing through August 6th) and please share with anyone who would be interested in this webinar!
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