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By Nilay Upadhyayula
Published October 15, 2025
Welcome back to The NIL Mindset. We break down the biggest moves, trends, and shifts happening in the NIL world so you can stay informed. Here’s what’s been making headlines:
Latest in NIL Regulation:
High School NIL Deal Reporting Proposed
The NCAA has proposed that incoming D-I athletes and JUCO transfers must report all NIL deals from their junior and senior high school years to the NIL Go clearing house. This could expose high schoolers to post-enrollment compliance scrutiny, even though they weren’t originally part of the settlement.
South Carolina Signs Game-Changing Nike Deal
The University of South Carolina just inked a 10-year apparel contract with Nike valued at $5M in cash and $70M in product. This high-profile deal replaces their long-standing Under Armour partnership and includes NIL opportunities in the agreement. A similar strategy is now being used by Tennessee, who signed a 10-year apparel deal with Adidas that also emphasizes NIL potential.
Brand Management Keys to Victory
Plan Ahead for NIL Approvals
Given current delays, athletes and their reps must build in buffer time for deal approvals through the NCAA’s NIL Go platform. Acting early and staying proactively in touch with compliance officers can be the difference between sealing a deal or losing it.
Financial Times
Markets Cool Off After a Hot Streak
Stocks dipped this week after a strong rally, as investors wait to see if the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in September. Tech stocks held up the best, while healthcare and other “safe” sectors fell behind. Banks and smaller company stocks also slipped.
What this means: Markets don’t just move in one direction. Even after a hot streak, caution and uncertainty can pull them back. For student-athletes, it’s a reminder that growth, whether in sports, branding, or investing, doesn’t happen in a straight line. Staying patient and consistent is key.
Finance Term of the Day
Federal Reserve (“The Fed”)
The Federal Reserve is the United States’ central bank. Think of it as the “coach” of the economy. It sets the game plan by controlling interest rates, managing inflation, and keeping the financial system stable.
Why it matters: When the Fed raises or lowers rates, it affects everything from loan payments and credit cards to job growth and business investment.
For athletes: If the Fed cuts rates, borrowing (like car loans or future mortgages) gets cheaper. If it raises rates, borrowing costs more, but savings accounts may pay higher interest returns.
Bottom line: The Fed calls the plays that shape the economy, and its moves can directly impact your money decisions
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