Student-athletes will have yet another opportunity to lock into the name, image, and likeness deals (NILs), thanks to adidas.

According to CNBC, the company will support student-athletes at NCAA Division 1 adidas-sponsored schools. Over 50,000 athletes will have a chance to join the program and become paid affiliates for the sports brand.

“The adidas NIL network embodies our belief that sport has the power to change lives by upskilling athletes and giving them the ability to begin to experience an entrepreneurial path that will carry them beyond their college years,” said Jim Murphy, adidas NCAA program lead, in a statement.

The program is projected to lead with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) before expanding to Power-5 conference partners in fall 2022, then additional schools by April 2023, Footwear News reports.

“At Adidas, we are committed to creating change through sport and recognize the important role student-athletes play in shaping the future,” said the company’s North American president, Rupert Campbell, according to Footwear News. “Our groundbreaking NIL program advances our commitments toward building inclusivity in sport and inspires athletes to realize a more equitable world. I can’t wait to see it come to life.”

While athletes in the network will be paid for social media postings and receive a percentage of the sales that they bring in on the company’s website or their app.

“Open to all eligible student-athletes regardless of their gender, the Adidas NIL network embodies our belief that sport has the power to change lives by upskilling athletes and giving them the ability to begin to experience an entrepreneurial path that will carry them beyond their college years,” said Jim Murphy.

Jim Murphy

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