S4E5: New NIL Rules Open New Doors for Student Athletes to Make an Impact feat. Gavin Van Wagoner

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and
experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting
others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability
to make a difference. 


Today we are exploring some new and exciting opportunities
student athletes, in particular, have to make a positive impact
for themselves and for others in their communities. 


Here with us is Gavin Van Wagoner, Assistant Athletics Director
for Name, Image, and Likeness – also known as NIL – and major
gifts for Utah Athletics. His responsibilities include helping
equip student athletes with a comprehensive toolbox to make the
most of their name, image, and likeness ideas.


Gavin and host Frances Johnson dive into all the new NIL
regulations, what that means for our student athletes, and how
this extra income and business opportunity can make an impact on
the communities supporting our students as well. 


Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School
of Business and is produced by University FM.
Episode Quotes:

Student-athletes look for schools that meet their
needs


10:34: One of the things that is important to remember is a
student-athlete picks a school because of multiple factors,
whether that's the program's wins, they love the coaches, and
obviously, we have great coaches. The facilities are really
great, and we love this. And then the education, which is, you're
a student athlete, you're here to get an education, and Utah
provides a great education. So those four factors, probably prior
to NIL being a thing, were weighed.


The ripple effect of impact


[30:37] I think these student-athletes look up to their peers,
NIL and business, in general. There's probably some copycat
strategies, like Oh, she did this, and I want to use my brand to
go create this, as inspiration in a good way. They're probably
going to do great things no matter what, in my opinion. But this
gives them that early advantage.


How the NIL is changing the game for
student-athletes


[25:09]: Some might say, "Well, the money that would've gone to
the department is now going to student-athletes." We love it.
They're creating their own opportunities to make that money. So a
deal happens, and that money is going directly to the
student-athlete. And we've found that to just be additive in the
process because it changes the dynamics all of a sudden.
Show Links:

Gavin Van Wagoner - Assistant Athletics Director for NIL and
Major Gifts

Elevate U