^{Hello friends! Welcome to the Sports Court NIL Newsletter where three times per week, I will discuss insights and news related to name, image, and likeness in three minutes or less.}

Today’s Case

NIL deals surge in women’s basketball, trailing only football.

In 2022, NIL deals for female basketball players grew by 186% over the previous year — a surge that trails only college football in terms of growth. In comparison, deals for men’s basketball players in that same timeframe grew by 67%.

The report, released by sports and entertainment intelligence platform SponsorUnited, analyzed over 2,000 deals and thousands of student-athlete posts between 2022-23. (More info.)

The Verdict:

• This is not surprising at all, given the marketability of women student-athletes; they have sizable social media followings and high levels of engagement on their content. (Sorry guys, but women are much better at social media than we are. It’s the truth.)

• Having more women’s sports on TV helps these numbers for deals, with ESPN’s women’s basketball viewership growing by 11% over the last year.

  • In turn, this is allowing more brands to see women athletes in real-time and connect with them for deals.

• More Collectives are also starting to get involved with women’s sports, which can provide substantial payouts for these athletes in addition to brands deals they are receiving.

  • This is happening at South Carolina and Texas Tech, among other schools.

NIL Fundamentals Webinar

Are you a student-athlete? Or know someone who is?

Interested in a FREE #NIL Webinar?

Join me Thursday, March 30, 7-8p ET to discuss:

—What is NIL
—Ways to maximize your name, image and likeness
—Steps you can immediately implement

Register here: https://bit.ly/3mKkpwV

Please share with student-athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, or anyone who may be interested. Thank you.

Question of the Day

Which women’s sport is primed for NIL growth?

• Gymnastics

• Soccer

• Softball

• Other

Vote on the Sports Court Instagram Story and comment below.

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Court is adjourned. Go be great!!