Presentation Type
Oral/Paper Presentation
Abstract
This research project examines the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies on the college decision-making process of student-athletes. With the NCAA’s 2021 update on the restrictions to NIL compensation, student-athletes now factor financial opportunities into their college choices alongside other considerations such as athletic success, academics, and location. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this research includes interviews with Division 1 student-athletes across football, basketball, and baseball, as well as an analysis of transfer data and NIL market trends. The findings indicate that NIL has become a major factor in both recruiting and the transfer portal, influencing student-athletes’ decisions to commit to or transfer from programs. Ultimately, the results suggest that NIL has reshaped the collegiate athletic landscape, turning student-athletes into professionals in a workforce, and forcing universities to adapt their recruitment strategies. These findings have implications for student-athletes, universities, and policymakers as NIL continues to evolve in college sports.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Scott Bledsoe
Recommended Citation
Shulam, Joey, "The Impact of Name, Image and Likeness on the Decision Making Process of Student-Athletes" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 182.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/182
Included in
The Impact of Name, Image and Likeness on the Decision Making Process of Student-Athletes
This research project examines the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies on the college decision-making process of student-athletes. With the NCAA’s 2021 update on the restrictions to NIL compensation, student-athletes now factor financial opportunities into their college choices alongside other considerations such as athletic success, academics, and location. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this research includes interviews with Division 1 student-athletes across football, basketball, and baseball, as well as an analysis of transfer data and NIL market trends. The findings indicate that NIL has become a major factor in both recruiting and the transfer portal, influencing student-athletes’ decisions to commit to or transfer from programs. Ultimately, the results suggest that NIL has reshaped the collegiate athletic landscape, turning student-athletes into professionals in a workforce, and forcing universities to adapt their recruitment strategies. These findings have implications for student-athletes, universities, and policymakers as NIL continues to evolve in college sports.