Lionel Cryer Jr. of the University of Houston Cougars and NIL

Last night, Lionel Cryer Jr. of the University of Houston Cougars had the opportunity to become the first player in the history of college basketball to win an NCAA national championship with two different schools, having previously won with Baylor University in 2021. Never before in the 86-year history of the men's tournament or the 43-year history of the women's tournament has this happened. What is responsible for this unicorn of an opportunity for Cryer? The answer is a combination of the transfer portal and the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money allowed to be given to players.

Cryer transferred to Houston after the 2022-23 season under the NCAA's updated transfer rule, which permitted immediate eligibility. The NIL rules, effective since 2021, allow college athletes to be paid for their NIL, but with stipulations.

They can engage in endorsements, social media posts, and other activities, but NIL deals cannot be tied to athletic performance or enrollment. Colleges are still prohibited from paying players directly as a salary, but they are now permitted to unlock the vast coffers of donor money for NIL deals that make NCAA rules just a semantics issue. 

Why do we care? Integritas³ will explore the various rules surrounding NIL money over the next few weeks as well as the tax implications to the young men and women taking NIL deals. Who is most at risk for financial challenges under the new system and who is looking out for the best interest of the student-athletes?

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