MISSOULA, Mont. — College sports are changing fast, especially since the NCAA allowed Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in 2021. Now, schools in Montana are figuring out what this means for student-athletes.
Kent Haslam, the athletics director at the University of Montana, recognizes that “College athletics is shifting. It’s changing. It’s changed dramatically over the years.” This change brings both exciting opportunities and tough challenges.
One big plus is that athletes can now earn money for their skills. However, there are downsides too. Wealthy schools with better programs may attract more talent, leaving smaller schools at a disadvantage. There are also worries about how these deals affect students’ education and a general lack of transparency in the system.
Haslam expressed frustration, noting, “Nobody knows because there’s no transparency. And so that’s part of the problem. You have some people that are kind of juicing the system.” This highlights the need for clarity in how NIL agreements work.
In a previous report, officials from the University of Montana mentioned that local businesses are the main sources of endorsements for athletes. However, the university places restrictions on sponsorships involving tobacco, marijuana, performance-enhancing drugs, and gambling. Montana State University goes a step further by also prohibiting alcohol endorsements.
Concerns about fairness are growing. Marcus Welnel, a former football player for UM, worries that athletes are leaving for schools that can offer better financial packages. “We’re just continually seeing our players get call after call after call — ‘We have a lot of money to dish out, do you want to come move up and make a lot more money?'” Welnel noted. “It’s starting to slowly affect us here in Montana with our athletes.”
This situation raises important questions about the future of athletics in the state and how schools can support their athletes while staying competitive.
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College sports,Name Image Likeness,NCAA,University of Montana,Athlete endorsements,Transparency,Wealth disparity,Montana State University
