At the discussion, Heitner disputed Saban's claim that “whoever wants to pay the most money, raise the most money, buy the most players is going to have the best opportunity to win.” Heitner believes collectives offer “inducements” for college enrollment, social media duties, and other deliverables, but not field performance.
Heitner believes some industry leaders are upset because collectives and NIL opportunities give athletes greater leverage over the NCAA, leagues, and institutions.
Driving coaches who have been in the profession for decades are insane because they know the secret sauce and established formulas that last, Heitner said. “Suddenly... everything changed.”
Congressmen from both parties have introduced legislation to give the NCAA a partial “antitrust exemption” from NCAA rules, a revenue-sharing structure to pay players, and special rules for the best programs, but nothing has happened.
After the Supreme Court decision, the school created a NIL office led by Taylor Jacobs, a former athlete and NCAA compliance veteran.
Universities like LSU are in the midst, attempting to help students succeed.
Jacobs is impressed by what NIL athletes have accomplished, from funding their siblings' school to creating a fund for future female student-athletes.
“At the end of the day, our student-athletes are putting LSU on the map and helping create this LSU brand, and they are capitalizing on it,” Jacobs said.
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