Alabama Athletics now has an official public NIL unit.
UA announced the news Thursday, calling it “Yea Alabama.”
“Yea Alabama’s approach is both modern and sustainable in an ever-changing NIL environment,” Athletics Director Greg Byrne said in a statement. “It’s so beneficial to have a platform that allows supporters, subscribers and businesses to get involved. This is another way for any ‘Bama fan to stand behind our student-athletes, and we fully support Yea Alabama.”
Here’s a closer look at some of the details.
What is the Yea Alabama, UA NIL unit?
Alabama now has an internal opportunity to increase support for Alabama athletes through NIL. Previously, there was only one third party not officially affiliated with UA. It’s unclear what this means for the future of High Tide Traditions, but UA describes Yea Alabama as a NIL entity, not a NIL collective.
“Yea Alabama is the official NIL entity of the University of Alabama established to maintain and utilize name, image and likeness opportunities for student-athletes from Alabama,” reads the About section of Yea Alabama’s website .
What it means for the public
Participation is possible on three levels. The fans, the legends and the sponsors.
Fans are monthly subscribers who choose a level of support for what UA calls “exclusive content” throughout the year. The press release also states that subscribers can gain access to exclusive fan experiences and marketing opportunities.
Legends donate to non-profit organization Walk of Champions. The third tier is sponsorship, which UA defines as “brands looking to sponsor student-athletes.”
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What Nick Saban said about it
Alabama soccer coach Nick Saban was one of many celebrities in the launch video, which included everyone from Byrne and pitcher Montana Fouts to softball coach Patrick Murphy and basketball coach Nate Oats.
“I have always believed that our players should have the opportunity to capitalize on their name, image and likeness,” Saban said in a school statement. “Yea Alabama is an exciting new resource to help Crimson Tide physical education students create value for themselves through a variety of NIL opportunities. The Alabama brand is one of the strongest in sports, and our partnership with Yea Alabama provides our athletes with a presence unmatched in collegiate athletics.”
Where the subscriber money goes
UA said money from subscription fees will go to athletes.
What is not allowed
Yea Alabama’s website makes it clear that there are several types of financial contributions that are not permitted.
- Players receiving NIL compensation based on athletic performance
- Zero Compensation Contracts cannot require players to compete or participate for UA
- Players cannot enter into NIL compensation agreements that do not comply with federal, state, NCAA, SEC or UA rules, guidelines, laws and regulations
- Players cannot enter into NIL compensation agreements that conflict with the terms of an existing UA contract
- Players cannot enter into NIL compensation arrangements that adversely affect or reflect UA, “including, but not limited to, public image, disdain, embarrassment, scandal, ridicule, or otherwise adversely affecting UA’s reputation or moral or ethical standards or his athletics department”
- Players cannot enter into NIL agreements involving tobacco, alcohol beverage companies, controlled substance vendors or dispensaries, adult entertainment companies, and gambling companies
Nick Kelly reports on Alabama football and men’s basketball for The Tuscaloosa News/USA TODAY Network. Reach him via email: [email protected] Follow him on Twitter: @_NickKelly.