At midnight, the long awaited NIL opportunities for NCAA athletes commenced. And leading the way was Jackson State defensive end, Antwan Owens.
Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated was the first to report the deal at midnight on July 1st.
Owens signed the first reported NIL deal in college sports with 3 Kings Grooming, a Black owned hair product company.
“Somebody pinch me!” said Owens to Sports Illustrated. “This is something that’s going to be life changing, generationally life changing.”
The financial terms of Owens’ deal were not disclosed. And even though it will pale in comparison to the multi-million dollar deals inked by professional athletes, it is a game-changer for college athletes.
And it was led by an HBCU athlete.
“For us, HBCUs are very important,” said Michael Nwankwo, one of three brothers who runs the Cincinnati-based 3 Kings Grooming. “The main colleges get the credit and no one really pays attention to the HBCUs. What Deion is trying to do to get these athletes paid and recognized, that’s why this was our first choice.”
The deal with 3 Kings Grooming was facilitated by ICON Source, a digital company that connects brands with athletes.
ICON didn’t stand pat with Owens’ deal. They also signed deals with four other Jackson State Tigers players. The Mississippi-based program is led by Deion Sanders, so it was easy to see the spotlight shining brightly on the state and opportunity.
Other athletes followed in the steps of the Jackson State players.
Fresno State women’s basketball twin sisters Hanna and Haley Cavinder signed an NIL deal with Boost Mobile. They have hundreds of thousands of followers across TikTok and Instagram, so their influence is obvious.
Miami Hurricanes’ quarterback D’Eriq King also joined the mix. He will now be paid for appearances after signing a deal with The Wharf in Miami.
“It’s long overdue,” said King. “I’m going to be one of the first people to make money from my name, image and likeness. We are going to show the country it’s here.”
While these are among the first deals to be finalized and announced, more will surely follow. As college athletes build their social appeal and success on the field, NIL deals will grow.
Confusion will be sure to follow as more deals are signed. But for now, student-athletes will finally have the chance to be compensated, something that Ed O’Bannon and Jeremy Bloom fought and suffered for.
“This is a gigantic and historical moment, not just for NIL but the landscape of college football,” said Owens, who’s 17-year-old brother is being actively recruited by colleges.
“It’s something bigger than ourselves. It’s eye-opening for me that my brother will be able to properly reap the benefits of it.”
