Advertise on podcast: NIL Spotlight

Sam Green went from athlete to ESPN storyteller to founder of AthleteCon and she's here to share what actually drives NIL success. In this episode, she breaks down social media strategy, the power of storytelling, and what separates athletes who land deals from those who don't. If you're an athlete or a parent trying to figure out where to start, this one's for you. About Sam: Sam Green is the founder of AthleteCon and a former athlete whose career took her from the dance floor to ESPN, where she honed her expertise in storytelling and athlete branding. She now works with student-athletes and families to build authentic, monetizable brands in the NIL era, helping athletes understand that their story is their greatest asset. Through AthleteCon, Sam facilitates NIL deals, provides branding strategy, and educates the next generation of athletes on how to show up with purpose both on and off the field. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sam Green and AthleteCon 00:42 Sam Green's journey from dancer to athlete brand expert 01:58 Realization of being part of a larger brand during athletic career 02:59 The impact of deleting and rebuilding social media audiences 04:38 Advice for athletes facing social media burnout 06:16 Rebuilding social media presence and redefining personal brand 08:25 Lessons learned from ESPN on storytelling and athlete branding 10:14 The inception of AthleteCon and its mission 12:36 Memorable athlete deal stories and success examples 15:16 Funding AthleteCon and early challenges 16:35 Lessons learned from building AthleteCon 18:53 When should athletes and families start NIL planning 19:54 Common misconceptions about NIL among students and parents 23:00 Leveraging AI for athlete content and strategy 26:11 Future trends: What separates successful NIL athletes 27:51 Upcoming plans for AthleteCon and final thoughts Connect with Sam Green AthleteCon Official Website - https://athletecon.com Sam Green Instagram - @sambgreen Connect with Brian Davidson Linkedin Get Started with NIL If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

The NIL era has changed everything, but not always in the ways athletes and families think. In this episode, Dr. John DeWitt breaks down the myths and realities of NIL deals, college recruitment, and the transfer portal. With only 7% of high school athletes historically making it to the college level and with that number shrinking, the stakes have never been higher. Dr. DeWitt shares what families get wrong about scholarships, how the transfer portal has raised the competition bar, and what athletes should actually be focused on to improve their shot at playing at the next level. About John: Dr. John DeWitt is a former SEC and professional football player turned advocate for student-athletes and their families. Drawing from his own experience in high-level competition, he works with high schools, athletic directors, coaches, and families to navigate the increasingly complex world of NIL, recruiting, the transfer portal, and athlete well-being. A YMHFA-certified mental health first aid advocate and author of The High School NIL Reality Guide, Dr. DeWitt helps today's athletes make informed decisions before they get locked into opportunities they don't fully understand, covering everything from eligibility and compliance to the emotional pressures of identity, social media, and performance culture. Timestamps: 0:03 — Intro and John’s background 0:31 — Athlete background and rise to the pros 4:31 — Student-athlete education and what’s being missed in NIL 6:38 — Key differences between states on high school NIL 9:11 — What NIL opens up for student athletes and families 13:08 — Examples of local NIL deals like pizza and gyms 15:05 — Agents, lawyers, and contract mistakes 19:29 — Balancing student, sports, business, and NIL fit 22:32 — Why so many athletes, parents, and coaches are confused 24:19 — John’s work helping families understand NIL Connect with Dr John DeWitt: Linkedin Connect with Brian Davidson Linkedin Get Started with NIL If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Michael Flores, co-founder of Triad Sports, shares his personal journey through college athletics, the transfer portal, and the opportunities and pitfalls of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. He breaks down the realities behind recruiting, agent involvement, and how student-athletes can take control of their future. About Michael: Michael Flores is a co-founder of Triad NIL and former college football offensive lineman whose career took him from the Ivy League at Dartmouth to Old Dominion, where he earned a Master's in Sports Management and started all 12 games at center, to his final season at Louisville, where he helped beat #2 Miami and won the Boca Raton Bowl. Along the way, he interned in commercial real estate, navigated the transfer portal firsthand, and watched the NIL landscape reshape college athletics in real time. That experience became the foundation for Triad NIL, which he co-founded to give student-athletes the contract literacy, agent guidance, and financial education he wished he'd had. Timestamps: 00:00 - Guest introduction and Michael’s background in college sports 00:20 - The Ivy League recruitment process and academic priorities 01:00 - Financial aid and scholarship myths in Ivy League schools 02:00 - Transition from Dartmouth to Old Dominion and initial transfer considerations 03:30 - The impact of NIL on transfer decisions and athlete awareness 04:20 - How NIL started influencing college athlete decisions post-COVID 05:00 - The role of agents: from offers to high fees and self-managed strategies 06:45 - The founding of Triad Sports and motivation to help student-athletes 08:00 - Early NIL awareness and misconceptions about brand endorsements and pay-to-play 09:15 - The “free agency” era and agent influence on NIL deals 10:30 - Different agent fee structures and how families can evaluate them 11:50 - The common lack of understanding among athletes about contract details 13:00 - The importance of early planning and involvement in recruiting and NIL tactics 15:00 - How current athletes can stay proactive and build their network 16:30 - The significance of building trust with coaches and the small-world nature of college sports 17:45 - Selecting trustworthy agents and questions to ask before signing 19:00 - Mistakes athletes make regarding contract comprehension and ethical issues in the NIL space 20:45 - When to start thinking about NIL: high school versus college stages 22:00 - Tips for athletes and families to take control of their recruitment and NIL process 23:30 - How to evaluate agents: results, network, reputation, and fees 25:00 - The importance of understanding contract terms and avoiding exploitative practices 26:00 - Starting early: the ideal timeline for recruitment and NIL planning 28:00 - The key mentality: having a long-term game plan with education and mentorship 29:15 - Connecting with Michael for guidance and resources Connect with Michael Flores: Triad NIL Website Connect with Brian Davidson Linkedin Get Started with NIL If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

About Ayden Syal- Ayden Syal is an industry-recognized sports technology entrepreneur and marketing innovator featured in Forbes, Sports Business Journal, Adweek, CNBC, ESPN, and Sportico, and is a frequent keynote and panel speaker across sports, media, and technology events. After graduating from Notre Dame and building experience at Morgan Stanley, Lexington Partners, and IHS Markit, he co-founded MOGL, a venture-backed sports-tech platform that automates mass-scale influencer marketing by connecting brands and fans with athlete influencers for sponsorships, endorsements, UGC content, and more, with integrated reporting, compliance monitoring, and payment facilitation. Trusted by major NCAA athletic departments, NIL collectives, NBC Sports, and Notre Dame Athletics, MOGL won the SXSW Pitch Competition, earned a Sports Business Journal Power Player recognition, and is backed by Magarac Venture Partners, PivotNorth Capital, and Penske Media Corporation.   Timestamps 00:00 The Birth of MOGL: Vision and Mission 02:08 Growth and Evolution of Mogul 05:47 Equal Access in the NIL Space 07:24 Understanding Value: Athletes and Brands 10:26 Amplifying Athlete Campaigns 12:23 The Future of NIL and Mogul 16:11 Education Gaps for Student Athletes Connect Aydan Syal on LinkedIn MOGL Brian Davidson on Linkedin Get Started with NIL If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of youth sports, NIL, and athlete representation with industry experts Chris Fair and Justin Brashear. They share insights on early talent identification, legal protections, the importance of education, and building a sustainable career in sports beyond the field. About Chris- Chris is a certified NFLPA Contract Advisor with a comprehensive background in business and law. He earned his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Bentley University before completing his law degree at Pace University School of Law. Chris passed the New York State Bar and brings legal expertise, strategic thinking, and contract knowledge directly into athlete representation. About Justin- Justin is a sports attorney and certified NFLPA Contract Advisor with firsthand experience as a former professional athlete. His background in both law and elite athletics allows him to guide athletes and their families through critical decisions involving contracts, NIL opportunities, and career strategy. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Trajectory Sports and Founders' Backgrounds 12:25 Navigating NIL and Recruiting Process 24:37 The Role of Family in Athlete Representation 28:19 Insurance and Financial Protections for Athletes 30:05 Understanding Contracts and Financial Structures 33:32 The Role of Social Media in Athlete Branding 37:35 Advice for Parents and Student Athletes 43:18 Opportunities Beyond Football in NIL 46:51 Building a Business Through NIL Gameplan Trajectory Sports Chris Fair on Instagram Justin Brashear on LinkedIn Brian Davidson on Linkedin Get Started with NIL If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

Discover how Darius Willis, former college athlete and founder of Scout Sync, is transforming the recruiting landscape by leveraging global exposure and technology. This episode delves into the realities of athlete recruitment, NIL's evolution, and innovative solutions for underserved athletes. About Darius Darius Willis is a former Under Armour All-American, D1 running back at Indiana University, and NFL tryout veteran who went on to coach the Swiss National Football Team as Offensive Coordinator. Over a 14-year coaching career spanning high school through international play, he's helped more than 1,000 athletes secure scholarships, contracts, and draft placements — and that experience exposed a broken recruiting system that leaves talented players behind every day. It's what drove him to found ScoutSync, an AI-powered platform connecting athletes with opportunities worldwide, and to build dariuswillis.com, where he offers training, recruiting consulting, and sports tech advisory services. A 2026 Mira Awards Finalist for Rising Entrepreneur of the Year and 2025 High School Football Hall of Fame inductee, Darius is one of the few people in sports who has competed, coached, recruited, and built the technology to change how it all works. Timestamps 00:00 - Darius Willis’ background: From Indiana football star to founder 01:12 - Early recruiting process: Traveling, letters, and family pride 02:09 - Benefits of early exposure and competitive confidence 03:00 - First Under Armour All-American Bowl experience and lessons learned 04:23 - Misunderstandings about the current recruiting landscape 05:33 - How Scout Sync bridges athlete exposure gaps locally and globally 06:39 - Common mistakes athletes make: Lack of proactivity in recruitment 08:13 - Unique features of Scout Sync’s transparent, ecosystem-driven platform 09:51 - The evolving NIL landscape at high school and college levels 11:04 - The effect of NIL on opportunities, pressure, and family guidance 12:15 - Building social media presence: Focus and strategy for young athletes 13:24 - Overlooked athletes: International and non-revenue sport players 14:22 - How Scout Sync supports athletes worldwide regardless of sport 15:30 - Lessons learned in entrepreneurship from sports to tech 16:28 - Future outlook: Structure, regulation, and inclusion in NIL and recruitment 17:46 - International athletes' increasing access to NIL opportunities 18:04 - Connecting with Darius: Scout Sync platforms and future initiatives Connect with Darius Scout Sync Darius Willis on LinkedIn Follow Brian Davidson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/ Get Started with NILIf you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this in-depth interview, Mitch Gilfillan shares his unique journey from college athlete to coach and attorney, providing expert insights into NIL, college sports law, and athlete branding. Discover how recent changes in college athletics impact athletes, families, and universities, and learn practical advice for navigating this evolving landscape. About Mitch: Mitch Gilfillan is a nationally recognized attorney and trusted voice in college sports and NIL law. A former Division I basketball player who competed in the NCAA March Madness Tournament, Mitch combines firsthand athletic experience with his legal work advising athletes, families, universities, and organizations on NIL opportunities, athlete branding, endorsement agreements, and the evolving landscape of college athletics. As a partner at Quinn Johnston, Mitch is a sought-after speaker on the intersection of sports and law, presenting at major universities, national conferences, and the NCAA Final Four. He has also consulted for the NBA Players Association and has been featured by ESPN, CBS, Sports Illustrated, and the New York Post for his expertise in college basketball and NIL-related issues.  Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to Mitch Gilfillan and his background  01:15 Mitch's journey as a college athlete and recruiting story 02:07 Transition from playing to coaching in college basketball 02:32 Pursuing law and the intersection with sports 03:11 The emergence of NIL and its origins 04:06 How Mitch's experience shapes his advice to athletes 05:20 The long-term perspective on college sports decisions 07:04 The rapid evolution of NIL since 2021 09:14 Legal advice for high-end NIL deals and tax considerations 12:13 Difference between revenue share and true NIL endorsement 15:06 Opportunities for non-revenue sports athletes 15:54 Building athlete branding from a young age 17:36 Legal considerations for starting an LLC early 19:06 Mitch's role with the NBA and athlete education 21:26 Lessons learned from advising top athletes 22:53 Where to find Mitch Gilfillan online  Resources Mitch Gilfillan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchgilfillan/ Gilfillan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gilfillin21/ Follow Brian Davidson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/ Get Started with NIL If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Jeremy Evans, founder of California Sports Lawyer, dives into the complexities and legal nuances surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, college sports structure, and the evolving legislation across states. If you're interested in how legal, educational, and industry shifts are shaping sports, this conversation is essential listening. Timestamps (00:02) Jeremy Evans’ background and how he got into sports law(01:21) Transition from traditional legal careers to sports and entertainment law(02:44) The influence of baseball arbitration competitions on Jeremy’s passion for sports law(04:07) The importance of entrepreneurs being naive and learning as they go(06:40) What holistic representation for athletes should include(07:01) When families should start building their NIL team(09:09) Legal considerations for high school athletes involved in NIL(10:20) Key clauses in NIL agreements: payment, obligations, duration(12:23) How state laws are evolving and their implications(14:56) Structural issues in college sports: transfer portal, athletic payments, and policy reforms(17:36) NIL’s impact on non-revenue sports and university funding(19:12) State legislation responses and future legislative directions(20:47) The implications of NIL creeping into high school sports(23:28) The future of NCAA regulation and potential for organized oversight Connect with Jeremy Evans: California Sports Lawyer Website Follow Brian Davidson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/ Get Started with NILIf you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode of NIL Spotlight, Tom Burnett shares his journey through college athletics, the seismic shifts brought by NIL, and practical advice for student athletes and families navigating this complex landscape. Discover how NIL and revenue sharing are transforming recruiting, legal considerations, and the importance of financial literacy. Timestamps 00:00 The Journey into College Athletics 03:03 The Impact of NIL on College Sports 05:59 Navigating State-Specific Laws and Regulations 08:39 The Role of Agents in NIL 11:20 Recruiting in the Age of NIL 14:21 Financial Literacy for Student Athletes 16:58 The Future of College Athletics 19:40 Final Thoughts and Resources for Families About Tom Burnett- Tom Burnett is a veteran collegiate athletics leader and former Southland Conference commissioner, where he served for nearly two decades as the league’s longest-tenured leader. He now continues to support the conference as a senior consultant, bringing more than 30 years of experience in athletic administration. Throughout his career, he has played key roles on numerous NCAA committees, including serving as chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee overseeing March Madness. Burnett is widely recognized for expanding media exposure, strengthening conference operations, and leaving a lasting impact on college athletics at both the conference and national levels. Resources- Tom Burnett's Website - https://www.tomburnett.com NIL for Texas Parents Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX Second Book by Tom Burnett - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX Website - https://www.tomburnett.com Follow Brian Davidson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/ Get Started with NILIf you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Chris Krause, founder of NCSA College Recruiting and former Vanderbilt football player, shares how he’s helped reshape the path for student-athletes pursuing college opportunities. He breaks down recruiting, NIL, social media, leadership, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing family, realism, and responsible decision-making. Chris also reminds athletes that choosing a school isn’t just a four-year decision, but a forty-year one. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Chris Krause and NCSA 01:29 The Family Dynamic in Recruiting 05:16 Understanding the Role of Coaches 08:51 Common Mistakes in Recruiting 10:30 Evolution of College Athletics and NIL 13:19 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes 19:04 Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Sports 24:26 Legacy and Leadership Development About the Guest Chris Krause is the founder of NCSA College Recruiting and a former Vanderbilt University football player. He built NCSA into a leading platform connecting student-athletes with college programs, helping hundreds of thousands navigate the recruiting process and unlock opportunities through sports. Resources & Links NCSA College Recruiting: https://www.ncsasports.org/ Athletes Wanted (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Athletes-Wanted-How-Get-College/dp/... Built to Win (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Built-Win-Leadership-Legacy-Transformation/dp/... Chris Krause Leadership Symposium: https://vanderbilt.edu/leadership-symposium Follow Chris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskrause/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriskrause Website: https://chriskrause.com/ Follow Brian Davidson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/ Get Started with NILIf you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Rachel Maeng, a former athlete turned NIL strategist, breaks down how student-athletes can build sustainable personal brands and navigate the evolving NIL landscape. She shares insights on making smarter recruiting decisions, leveraging social media, and creating long-term value in college athletics. Rachel also explores how NIL is changing opportunities across sports and what the future holds for athletes in this new era. Key TakeawaysYour personal brand is a long-term business asset, not just a social media presenceAthletes should start building their brand and online presence earlyNIL opportunities vary widely across sports, with growing potential for women and non-revenue athletesThe transfer portal adds complexity to decision-making and requires strategic planningSchools and collectives are evolving rapidly, creating both opportunities and risksTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Rachel Maeng and her NIL expertise 01:10 Rachel’s recruiting journey and athletic background 01:56 Transition from athlete to NIL strategist 03:07 Evolution of NIL rules and technology 04:21 The importance of personal branding 06:07 Should athletes form an LLC? 06:45 Common social media mistakes 10:39 Opportunities for women and Olympic sports 13:37 NIL in recruiting conversations 15:57 Transfer portal and athlete decision-making 19:05 Future trends in NIL and college athletics 22:28 Risks of transferring and academic planning 26:39 Building brand ecosystems for athletes About the GuestRachel Maeng is a former athlete and NIL strategist who helps student-athletes build personal brands, navigate NIL opportunities, and make strategic decisions in college athletics. Resources & LinksRachel Maeng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-meng Rachel Maeng on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_maeng/ Brian Davidson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/ Get Started with NILIf you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Brenden Hill, Assistant Athletic Director at San Diego State University, dives into the rapidly changing world of college athletics. He explores how NIL is reshaping recruiting, shares lessons from his career in sports leadership, and offers perspective on what the future holds for student-athletes navigating this new era.Key TakeawaysNIL has shifted recruiting from relationship-driven to more transactional dynamicsMisinformation is one of the biggest challenges in the NIL spaceSchools are building in-house NIL programs to better support athletesPersonal branding is now essential, starting as early as high schoolNon-revenue sports may see new opportunities through NIL growthTimestamps00:00 Introduction to NIL and Brendan Hill 03:10 How recruiting has evolved in the NIL era 06:14 Early NIL challenges and building trust 09:07 Inside San Diego State’s NIL approach 12:12 Supporting athletes day-to-day 16:00 Common misconceptions about NIL 18:44 Advice for high school athletes 21:57 The future of NIL and college sports About the GuestBrendan Hill is the Assistant Athletic Director at San Diego State University, where he focuses on NIL strategy, student-athlete development, and navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. Notable Quotes“Misinformation is a major hurdle in NIL.” “Build your personal brand early.” “We had to build a team of experts to navigate NIL.” Resources & LinksNIL Gameplan: https://nilgameplan.com Brendan Hill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendenhill/ Get Started with NILIf you're navigating NIL or supporting someone who is, check out NIL Gameplan. Just visit NILGameplan.com to get started for free.

In this episode, professional lacrosse player and former Notre Dame standout Kasey Choma shares how being a Division I athlete shaped her confidence, career path, and identity beyond sports. She highlights the transition out of athletics, the power of relationships and networking, and how athletes can translate key skills into the workplace, while also touching on NIL’s growing impact beyond traditional sports.